Endoscopy

I have had two. Both without sedation. Very odd feeling but nothing too awful.

I've had one. It was a doddle. I opted for sedation.

Went in, had a chat. Spray squirted down throat, tastes like bananas.

Something inserted in hand . For the sedation I assume

Nice chatty man doing the job, it was over in what felt like seconds. I was awake within a few minutes .

I was very impressed.

Only thing is you can't driver after so you need a lift if you're opting for sedative.

Thanks everyone. Our daughter is taking and collecting him as I don't drive.

It's a doddle if you have sedation - only downside is that you can't drive yourself home.

Without sedation, it's not pleasant, and I personally couldn't speak for a few hours because my throat was so bruised. I am good with pain, having had a lot in my life, and I am not a panicker, but it's hard not to gag when having to swallow the tube.

If I needed it again, I'd choose sedation.

Well as I said on another thread I'm now been referred for an endoscopy. By what I read I guess I will ask for sedation, I don't drive so it won't make any difference. Good thread with a lot of varied experiences.

I agree. It's been very helpful. Thanks all.

I've had a couple and they are fine. The only thing I would be aware of, is if your husband is on any benzodiazapines and opts for sedation. Usually they inject a sort acting benzo based sedative, which will not work if your husband has already built up any kind of tolerance to them. SO make sure the doc/nurse carrying out the procedure is fully aware of any meds he is on

He isn't on those Clare but I will tell him what you have said. Thanks.

I have been loathe to post, as I haven't had an endoscopy, either down or up, so cannot say what they are like; but, DH has had two, endoscopes/ colonoscopies.
The first one was OK, but the second, about 10 days ago, he found very painful.
He was not offered any sedation, and I think it must depend on the person who is doing the procedure.

Well I know I will have to have one, when I see my specialist, but I won’t be having sedation as I don’t fare well afterwards with it, so I will be having the throat spray, as I want to be in and out as quickly as possible and back home,

I would recommend partial sedation. I really wasn't looking forward to having this procedure as I have an issue with swallowing food. Plenty of people told me to avoid the throat spray as they were aware of what was going on. I can honestly say I don't remember a thing about it. Partial sedation is the way to go.

I've been referred for one now, on one hand I would like to being able to do it without sedation just the throat spray as I don't know how I would react to sedation because of fluctuating BP, on the other I usually have problems swallowing tablets so dreading the thought....

I had one, thought I’d have sedation, but was so fed up I went ahead without, it was fine, was almost as elated with the result as I was chuffed with myself!

Bluesky I wasn't offered sedation. I panicked.

Oh ExD they make you believe you have a choice....

Do they?
Was reassured when I went in, everyone was business like and efficient. I had the spray tasting of bananas (which I loathe! ) lay down on my side, soon found out why there were so many nice nurses holding my hands and patting me on the shoulder.
No offer of light or deep sedation at all.
I can only assume they were saving money and thought this 4'6" 7 stone Granny would be a pushover.
I was.
Its several years ago now, so no point in chasing it up, I hadn't realised you could be 'out of it'. Duh! How stupid, I should have researched it.

I just wanted to thank everyone who replied to my post. DH has had his endoscopy. As many you so rightly said, it was fine. We were worried as he has prostate cancer and were afraid it had spread in some way. The endoscopy showed he has an ulcer and hiatus hernia of the oesophagus which can be treated with medication.

I have had 5 over the years, usually have one about every 3 years and I can honestly say its fine but would suggest its far better if you have sedation. I say this because I had one without and will never ever do that again when sedation is on offer. Good luck and try not to worry.

Kate1949 what an excellent result, thanks for letting us know.

Thank you Jax

Thank you Barmey

Great news Kate!

Thanks all

What’s he actually having looked at? Endoscopy is the looking at any internal organ through a tube. I suspect you’re talking about a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, in which case, he will have been starved or ‘ cleared out’, beforehand. If gastroscopy, you do gag, but there’s nothing to bring up. Hope it all goes well for you?

Sorry...just received the latest posts showing he’s had it!