Gastroscopy without sedation

Could you DH have other transport so that you can have the sedation?

I have had one without sedation - just a throat spray. If you are normally fairly calm and relaxed you should have no problems. I can’t pretend it is comfortable, but it’s not horrendous.

If you can't change your appointment, I'd suggest getting someone else to drive DH to his appointment, or send him off in a taxi . It's important that you are totally relaxed when you have a gastroscopy - which wouldn't happen without sedation.

Luckygirl, I chose gastroscopy without sedation as I had to drive myself home afterwards. It was okay only slightly uncomfortable. The people who in attendance are very good at it and there will be a nurse to give you encouragement and support. You just keep swallowing the tube. It's not really invasive.

Is it vital you have this procedure right away? Perhaps they could change it by just a day or two if you explain the importance of DH's appointment?

Thanks for feedback on your experiences and suggestions.

Appointments for gastroscopy are like gold dust round here and the consultant is very keen that I should have this soon, so delaying it is not really an option.

Same goes for OH's appointment.

We could look into a taxi, but we are talking about a long distance in a rural area between the two appointments - then a long distance home.I think it would cost over £100.

I will talk to my DD and see if she can help that day - but they are in their busy season and I know it will be very difficult.

I will contemplate the possibility of not having sedation.

I am sure you will be glad you did it Luckygirl . I was. I believe that one has the attitude that these people are specialists who have done the procedure countless times and you hand yourself over to their expertise and relax. It is soon over and done with and a LOT easier than giving birth.

I was persuaded to go without sedation as others waiting with me were being sedated and thus slowing the queue down. I was fine. Unpleasant but I felt fine straight away and only needed a few minutes to collect myself before being able to go home.
I believe that if you can give birth you can stand most medical procedures.

I'll second that, Pitt!

I can also second it!!!It is not the most pleasant but then neither are any of these procedures .......but the plus of no sedation is the fact it is done and dusted in record time and apart from the unpleasant throat spray taste,you will be out and job done without any hardship.

Best of Luck.

I had it without sedation apart from the throat spray and a couple of puffs of gas and air. I would rather have this procedure than a root canal treatment!

It's a bit uncomfortable as you swallow the tube but they are skilled at doing it and it's very quick. Go for it - you will be glad you did afterwards.

Those of you who managed without sedation, how did you stop yourselves from gagging? I’m terrible at that and even struggle with dental instruments! Does the throat spray prevent it?

Totally agree Gaga, it is not something you would choose to do but perfectly possible and at least you can escape quick afterwards! As others have said if you have had a baby....

I've had it twice without sedation and was able to drive home after my tea and biscuit. The third time I had it at the same time as a colonoscopy, so decided to be a wimp and had the sedation. A friend drove me and picked me up.
You should be OK, Lucky. Just do some relaxation exercises and breathing. It's better than a root canal job.

Squiffy yes you do gag but the staff talk you through it and have seen it all before. I dribbled for England, no chance of throwing up though as you have an empty stomach.

I didn't have - wasn't offered sedation - but it was a while ago. I have a very strong gag reflex but if you just do as you're told and swallow when they tell you you should be ok. Once tube's down its fine. I'd rather have that than colonoscopy which I had recently without sedation which was screechingly painful, even with entonox.

Thanks Pitt and Lazi. I’m trying to feel reassured ??

I have had quite a few gastroscopies and always had sedation, even with it the last one was traumatic.

I can’t do it without sedation had one up the nose and down the throat without and although I was assured it would not hurt at all with the spray, I nearly hit the ceiling then had one down my throat but opted for sedation and I definitely prefer not to know what’s goimg on and it’s a very light sedation I was back to normal immediately
I know I m a wimp

I don't know if this would work with a gastroscopy where an endoscopy is being threaded down the throat and oesophagus.

When I was having some dental impressions taken and struggling not to gag with all the goo in my mouth and similarly having to bite on films for back teeth xrays, my dentist said to breath slowly throw my nose while flexing my toes towards me. I have no idea why this worked but it did.

Diversion tactics MM like giving a child a shiny coin to hold to prevent travel sickness.

I had one with & one without. I preferred the one without! Lovely nurse held my hand as he talked about relaxing on a beach, listening to the waves gently rolling onto the sand! Never a wonderful experience but perfectly manageable.

I've had it with and without. To be honest not much difference between them.
I'd say just pull up the big girl knickers and do it, honestly it's doable. You'll be fine. Especially as the staff are so supportive.

I was more concerned about having to take out my denture does the procedure

Are there no volunteer groups in your area who provide hospital transport?
My local hospital also has a shuttle bus which will pick you up and return you home.
There is a cost involved, you pay milage but it is so worth it.
Check with your GP surgery they will have details if there are such schemes in your area, or the local library