Has anyone had a gastroscopy with Behcets

[andreafm]

Hi there...I am due to have a gastroscopy on wednesday. I have neuro behcets and have been pretty unwell and weak.

Just wondered if anyone else has had this done and what to expect

Thanks

[DesperateDan]

Hi Andrea

I've had a few of these, they're not as bad as some people would have you believe. I suggest someone attends with you, when you read this you will know why.

It's a basic procedure that usually runs like this.

You will meet the nurse who will explain the procedure and talk to you about what to expect. You may also meet the person who performs the procedure at this time. They will offer you medication to help you relax, diazepam (I think when mine was offered) which is optional. I chose not to have it because I suffer terrible nausea if I have drugs like that. They may well offer another kind of relaxant these days.

You will be taken into the procedure room and they will explain the camera, show it to you and explain what they will be doing. If you are up to it they sometimes offer you the chance to watch the procedure on the monitor. You don't have to do this.

They will then spray the back of your throat with a local anaesthetic and ask you not to swallow. They generally ask you to perform a gargling procedure which helps you not to swallow. This is actually quite hard to do - it is NOT painful, it is just so easy to swallow! I had a fit of the giggles when they did this with me - all three times! One of the doctors didn't appreciate this - his loss!

They will then insert the camera and explain what you should do. I will be totally honest with you here, the hardest part is when they first insert it, after that it is actually quite straightforward and not painful at all. Yes, there is a bit of discomfort but no pain. The procedure can vary in length of time; both of mine were about 5-10 minutes.

Upon completion they will take you a recovery room where you can relax and allow the drugs to wear off - if you take them. As this is your first time my advice would be to take them. When they feel you are ready they generally bring you a drink and then you can leave when you are happy to do so.

I hope that helps, please feel free to ask any questions you have.

DD

[Dreamcatcher]

I had this procedure at my local hospital and although I must have gone through allthese stages, I remember absolutely nothing about it and had no pain or discomfort afterwards. Altogether much better than I was expecting. Good luck, hope all goes well for you...

[andreafm]

thanks so much both of you DD and Dreamcatcher.

It is helpful to hear other people's experiences as you tend to trust this more than the consultants brushing off your concerns.

I am now just wanting to get on with it and will follow up with you when it is all over thanks again

[Hidden]

Hey Andrea

I've had a few done too and in for my next one (colonoscopy and Gastroscopy) on Friday. They are really nothing to worry about the prep is the worst part I find. You wont feel a thing during it though and probably wont remember much

Good luck

M x

[andreafm]

Hi there

I lived to tell the tale and we decided to have the test without sedation, which was pretty tough on me but didn't last long enough to be unbearable.

The consultant reported Hiatus Hernia and reflux I am due to see him in September for followup.

Felt pretty done in for a few days but back to my normal now.

Thanks to everyone who helped