Anyone had a gastroscope? I have one booked on Friday and petrified.

[Tartansocksandcrocs]

Ridiculous seeing that it’s my 3rd one but in some ways that makes it worse as I know what to expect.

With both previous scopes (one 20 years ago and another in 2019) I opted for the throat spray as I will do again on Friday. I opt for this as I absolutely hate the feeling of sedation (actually makes me panic more as I hate feeling spaced out) and I hate hospitals so will want to leave as soon as possible.

The thing is, the last time back in 2019 the chocking sensation which comes when they push the scope down your oesophagus made me panic so much and my heart rate went up to 150. How can I stop myself from chocking so much?

Obviously I’ll tell them about my fears and previous experiences when I arrive but just wondered if anyone else had this procedure with just the throat spray?

I’m under a lot of stress at the moment and just can’t think rationally.

I couldn’t have it without sedation. I asked for the maximum they could give me and they obliged but even then towards the end I remember trying to pull out the tube. Even with sedation you’ll be out of there within the hour so don’t let that put you off. Good luck.

Well lovely, that’s really helpful.

Well slap my wrist for not spell checking!

Thank you, I may have to reconsider when I get there, I keep going over the last time and I'm freaking out over it.

I've had several gastroscopies in the last year as I have been taking part in the trial of a new reflux drug, so I think of myself as a bit of an expert!
I only have the spray as like you, I hate sedation. I have found that really concentrating on my breathing helps. I just think about breathing deeply and evenly and it stops me gagging and choking. Good luck!

For the love of God, have the sedation. I was you back in September, I waltzed in all casually saying I've had loads of these and I want to drive myself home. God it was awful. Only for six minutes but I choked and gagged for every single second of those six minutes. Never EVER again. Please don’t put yourself through that. I wish someone had said this to me.

Just have the sedation, and you probably won't remember choking or anything else. Or don't bother with the procedure at all and risk having something serious not diagnosed.

Have the sedation. It’s completely horrific without.

I would not have it without sedation . Don't eat before you go or they will refuse to give you any . The sedation is light and you will be perfectly OK pretty quickly after . Don't put yourself through it without .

I had one today. In many ways I feel fortunate that i've had so many that I have a sedation level that they agree to that works for me. I've had almost 40. I still find them traumatic and the level I have means I remember nothing from the first midazolam/fentanyl going in, I have no awareness until I'm in the little post-op bay.

Thank you, that's reassuring. You are very brave to go through several in such a short space. Hope the trials go well.

I had one in July and wasn't given the option of sedation, only throat spray. I got the impression they didn't want anyone to have sedation due to time restraints, as it was done on the two week pathway, and that way they can see more people as no need to wait around after sedation and you can leave straight away. It was fine, no where near as bad as I'd expected, and I have asthma so was quite anxious incase I had trouble breathing, but I didn't. Just gagged as the scope went down past the throat, then I could breath as normal, although I was breathing much deeper and a bit faster than usual, but it was fine.

Has that made you feel better now?
What a sad comment.
@@Tartansocksandcrocs
Have the sedation and I hope it goes OK. Goodluck.

I do still remember the choking, my eyes streaming and weirdly my leg jumping up every time they moved the scope further down. Oh God 😭

Wow, that's a lot of gastroscopes. Are you able to drive home once the sedation wears off? Tbh, because I've convinced myself I'd have it without I've only glossed over that part on the leaflet (will have to look properly tomorrow). DH was due to come with me but now has to work.

I know it'll take time to upload the photo and I've taken any identifying features away, but this is mine from today.

No driving for 24 hours with sedation.
I was only having my NJ put back in today.

You won’t be allowed to drive for 24 hours after sedation and someone will need to collect you from the unit

I had my first one a couple of weeks ago. I made it clear to EVERYONE I spoke to that they needed to sedate me! I have no recollection of the procedure after they fitted the mouth guard so it clearly worked well.

Just have the sedation and get someone to take you home.

I've had 4, the first time I had the throat spray and gagged the whole time so I can't help with coping techniques I'm afraid. When I had the 2nd I went for sedation and was aware but just felt calm. Last 2 times I had sedation I don't remember a thing for either and recovered really quickly afterwards.

Thank you all.

I will have to get my dd to drive me in case I opt for the sedation. I'm dreading it either way as I hate the way sedation makes me feel, it actually makes me panic more as I hate feeling out of it.