Endoscopy : I have to have an endoscopy soon... - Anxiety Support

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Endoscopy

5 Replies

I have to have an endoscopy soon

I'm absolutely terrified

Like seriously sooo scared

I'm worried about having sedation because I haven't had it before and I'm also scared incase it doesn't work!! I don't think I'm gonna be able to do it!

please help someone

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5 Replies
Binkynoo profile image
Binkynoo

Hi kayleigh94

I totally understand , just tell yourself , thousands of people have gone through this and a thousand more whilst you having yours rekax put your trust in the docs and know it's for a good reason your getting checked over. Let is know how you get on. Big hugs binkynoo

bencar profile image
bencar in reply to Binkynoo

I had an endoscopy on 17 July, was just like you very scared. Please take it from me the thought is worse than the actual procedure. Because I am a carer for my husband I opted for the anaesthetic spray to the back of my throat plus a painkilling injection. The reason I chose this was because it takes 24 hours to get over the sedation and I just could not afford to do that. Didn't feel any pain as such, just discomfort, if I had to do it again I would not worry and would take the same option. Just remember to follow the doctors instructions about how to breathe and you should be fine. Take care I know from my experience you will be fine, hope this helps to allay your fears. Hugs from me.

Lottieonline profile image
Lottieonline

Hi Keyleigh,

I thought I just had to reply sweetie.

Please do not be scared, I have now had 3 Endoscopies over the years, and honestly it sounds worse than it actually is.

Don't read too much about the procedure, you do not need to know all the details.

Basically they put a cannula into your arm before they start and then everything you need such as sedation etc goes through it, so no more needles.

Normally an Endoscopy nurse or doctor who is 'Highly' trained meaning they carry out this procedure every day, will support you.

They talk you through it all from start to finish.

With the sedation they will explain, they start off with a little bit, and then increase as and when you ask or require anymore.

It's all over very quickly.

Hope that helps you, good luck, take care

Lottieonline

perdido profile image
perdido

The sedation is wonderful, seriously. I haven't had an endoscopy but I had a dental implant last year (where the dentist has to drill out the bone in your jaw so as to insert a pole) and I was absolutely terrified. I was worried that the sedation would be only like the effect of taking a valium; and I knew that wouldn't be enough to enable me to cope. But for me, this kind of "twighlight anaesthesia" was pretty much like having a general anaesthetic, but without any of the disadvantages (eg long recovery time). I didn't feel a thing and I don't remember any of the procedure until the point at which the dentist told me it was all done. My understanding of this kind of sedation is that if you were in any pain, you would actually be able to convey this to the doctor and tell him/her to stop. Apparently my dentist was communicating with me throughout the procedure, eg asking me to open my mouth wider, and I was able to respond and do as he asked. But I had no pain, no trauma, and no recollection of anything except laughing with relief when I realised he wasn't kidding and the procedure really had been done.

I think it's best to be totally honest with the doctor about how scared you are, and that you want to be as sedated as possible. Also best if you have a friend or family member take you to the appointment: that way the medical staff know you have someone to get you home safely, and that it's ok for you to be thoroughly knocked out!

Good luck, and I really hope your procedure goes as smoothly as mine did.

Best wishes x

Jenniferbate profile image
Jenniferbate

Please don't worry. I had an endoscopy yesterday with sedation. I was really worried but I need not have been. I had a lovely consultant and when he saw I was anxious he said he would give me extra sedation and I'm so glad he did. It went very smoothly. Try to relax if you can. I don't even have a sore throat today but I am taking it easy as I didn't sleep well last night as I'd been so wound up by the whole thing . Good luck!

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