Endoscopy appointment but anxious.

Had one recently and was terrified, but had sedation and can honestly say didn’t feel a thing. Woke up had a cup of tea and biscuit, went home. Make sure you have someone to take you home afterwards.

I've just had one (my fourth over a few years). Definitely insist on sedation, as it's uncomfortable without. I was woken up after the procedure and had no memory of it! Never felt a thing. I was famished and polished off some sandwiches and a cup of tea with no problems. Felt a little tired when I got home, but other than that, no after-effects. Yes, you will have to stop your reflux medication a couple if weeks before the procedure. Good luck.

I’ve had two. First fine without sedation, second, a trainee attempted it and not fine, and had to finish procedure with sedation. Definitely will opt for sedation if I have another, and I am not a wimp.

I have one every 3 years, you get anaesthetic spray to your throat, they will guide you through so don’t worry ( I also used to work in endoscopy theatre) it’s your choice whether or not to have sedation, I opted not to as I had to drive home afterwards but it doesn’t take too long, bit of an uncomfortable procedure but not usually painful, hope it all goes well for you

I’ve had 2. The best advice is to concentrate on your breathing. I tried to stay relaxed and breathe slowly it was over very quickly. Not too bad at all

I had one last year and was glad of the sedation. I have a very bad gag reflex and panicked a bit when my throat was sprayed and mouth was clamped open wide but once the canula was filled I wasn't aware of anything else until I was in the recovery room, just a bit woozy for a while. Wouldnt be worried if I had to have another one

I have loved musicals since I was a child and have seen many, living in London. My all-time- favourite is West Side Story, the music is superb. Recently I saw Hairspray which was spoiled by the extremely loud sound and the young people who for some reason stood up whenever a popular tune was performed.

Other notables for me were ‘Oliver’ and ‘ Chicago’. Oh and ‘Carousel’, I only saw the film as a child but it is magical, I still know all the words to the numbers and I must not forget ‘We Will Rock You’, I’m a big fan of Queen

Gin

I have loved musicals since I was a child and have seen many, living in London. My all-time- favourite is West Side Story, the music is superb. Recently I saw Hairspray which was spoiled by the extremely loud sound and the young people who for some reason stood up whenever a popular tune was performed.

Other notables for me were ‘Oliver’ and ‘ Chicago’. Oh and ‘Carousel’, I only saw the film as a child but it is magical, I still know all the words to the numbers and I must not forget ‘We Will Rock You’, I’m a big fan of Queen

In think you may have strayed off course. This thread is about having an endoscopy procedure. Glad you like musicals, though!

The phantom of the hernia 🤭

I have endoscopies on a regular basis. I don't skip to the hospital, but they aren't bad. My advice is to let the nurse who checks you in know that you don't consent to the procedure unless you are sedated. I once had on without enough (the doctor was quite arrogant in the consultation and when I looked at the records he had cut the sedation), and it was unpleasant.

Ever since I have asked for full sedation and can tell from the records how much is necessary to knock me out. I have been given enough since then.

There is an age cut-off for decent sedation though. Someone I know was refused sedation because of her age - not sure what the cut-off was, but she was younger than 83. She was a retired GP and knew to ask for a trans nasal procedure, which she said was a lot easier than a tube down the throat. That might eb something you could discuss on the day?

Good luck, whatever you decide, and remember that the staff want you to be comfortable, so it is in their interests to do whatever you ask,

Take the sedation and throat spray, I did and didn’t even remember much about the procedure. The worry beforehand was much worse than the procedure.
Good luck.

My hospital won't let you have the sedation and the throat spray.
It's one or the other, and the sedation didn't make me at all sedate.

Is trans nasal when they pass the tube up your nose ? I had it once and nearly hit the roof it was horrible I told them to stop I think a lot depends on who does it I had a very arrogant doctor who assured me it was fine he’d tried it on himself well it wasn’t fine for me it was really painful it was then I asked for sedation and was given it I didn’t know a thing and came round feeling as bright as a button they told me I was talking during the procedure don’t know how you can do that with a tube down your throat or what I said but hey ho that was fine

Thank you all so much. So do I have to clear my bowel out for a endoscopy only?

No. That’s for a colonoscopy.

I have had two so far, and I asked for as much sedation as was safe to give me ( I can gag just cleaning my teeth). I didn't feel anything at all and DH and I got a taxi home.

Just to add: if you do decide on the sedation, you have to be very firm about it, because, at least in my experience, everything is geared towards not having it.

Yes MissA because they have a limited time for each endoscopy and, as in my case, if they can’t get the cannula in the vein for the sedation then it takes longer. (I waited so long that I hadn’t had a drink for over 8hrs! and was dehydrated)

I'm a terrible coward, I need sedating.

Me too.

MissAdventure

Just to add: if you do decide on the sedation, you have to be very firm about it, because, at least in my experience, everything is geared towards not having it.

I agree. It was clear from my notes that I had had three units of sedation the first time (and knew nothing about it) but only two on the second occasion (when I was pretty much wide awake).

For the third, I made it very clear that I did not want the procedure to go ahead unless I was properly sedated. The consultant was very kind, and said she would give me 3 units and promised to top it up if necessary. There was no need, as I was 'under', and my notes reflect that.

I will need more endoscopies in future, and will ask again for three units, now that I know that that dose is the right one for me.

I wish I knew what dose suited me.
I fell fast asleep the first time, was wide awake and terrified for the next, and last time my pre op assessment was just a form sent home for me to sign, so not enough notice to arrange getting home, so just had the throat spray.

No prizes for guessing which option I preffered!

It will be on your notes, MissA. If you don't have access to read them yourself, the nurse who books you in will be able to see them, and speak to the person doing the procedure.

I'm a big old lump, so I reckon I need a good syringe full.

MissAdventure

I'm a big old lump, so I reckon I need a good syringe full.

So long as it knocks you out, who cares!