BIG thank you too all those who replied to my posts on my apprehension about gastroscopy and stress echo

[Frustrated12]

Really pleased to say I didn't exactly sail through both procedures but they were very tolerable. With the gastroscopy, as a laryngectomee, I decided not to have any sedation or spray which was in agreement with the consultant. I cannot praise the consultant and her endoscopy team enough. And lots of praise for the team in charge of the stress test.

They were all wonderful, a credit to the NHS. (I sent letters to the CEO's to that effect). My apprehension of both procedures was greatly reduced by those who replied to my posts with advice and relating their own experiences. Bob's words of encouragement were firmly fixed in my head - Better to go ahead than " live in fear." Big thank you everyone.

[JaneFinn]

That’s great to hear! Oh you must be so relieved! Wow that’s hardcore having to have no spray or sedation - good for you for getting through it. I’m so glad they were all so helpful. May I ask which hospital?

Did you come off your rivaroxaban in the end? I’m due an endoscopy next week and have been told I can stay on my Apixaban. (Well that’s the instructions so far, anyway!)

Best wishes and hope your results are good

J xx

[Frustrated12 in reply to JaneFinn]

HI J,

I did get the impression that it didn't make a great deal of difference if I didn't take the Rivaroxiban but if a biopsy was necessary then I would have to go a second time - and go through the procedure once again. So I chose just to miss one dose from the previous evening. The procedure was carried out at the UCLH London. Hope that helps.

[JaneFinn in reply to Frustrated12]

Thanks for the reply - sounds like a wise decision to me x

[Maisiemay13]

I have a Gastroscope this Thursday and been told to stop my Apixaban just the one in the morning ,think it differs depending on hospital,pleased to hear it was not as bad as you expected Frustrated12

[Frustrated12 in reply to Maisiemay13]

Thanks. I was told the same to miss one dose.

The great thing is you can watch it all happening if you so wish. Or shut your eyes. They also tell you on the spot if everything is ok.

[Maisiemay13 in reply to Frustrated12]

That’s good to know

[Gain]

So glad it went well for you and I hope the results were equally tolerable. I am about to have gastroscopy myself and have to say I am not so brave and will have sedation. Good luck and stay positive. Best wishes.

[Frustrated12 in reply to Gain]

Thanks Gain. Friend off mine who had sedation said it was all over in a flash! Was a happy man