varices

Ive had liver problems for three years related to my lifestyle.encaphalopathy,ascites and fluid in legs and feet.I'mbooked in to have an endoscopy for varices in my oesophagus.Has anyone experienced this.

[gamesmaker]

I have regular endoscopies looking for varices. i have had three varices banded at one time - other small ones are being watched - too small to band at present. The procedure is not too bad - in fact they offer a throat spray and sedation. I always take the sedation option (as well as the throat spray, which everyone gets). I was hardly aware of the procedure when sedated. You have to have someone to collect you and be with you for 24 hours if you have sedation. Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to gamesmaker]

Cheer's pal i will.

[chugalong]

Hi.i have had varavies for a number of years wot two serious bleeds.excellent treatment by very caring staff. I have regular endoscopies and have only ever had the spray with the worst part being the fishy taste even when having a number of bands done. The last two endoscopies show no banding required.staff are always so good and make the treatmant as pleasant as possible. Always over so quickly

[Hidden]

I've had 2 endoscopes to check out how bad varices were but haven't needed any banding so far. I'm with the go for sedation option as you are then hardly aware of what is happening.

[judyt]

I go for sedation every time - chance for an extra bit of shut eye!!

[AyrshireK]

My hubby has had a bit of bother with his, he's had nearly 20 endoscopy's and now 42 varices banded. He always has the throat spray and the sedation but was still having issues with his overactive gag reflex which on occasion stopped the doctor from being able to band.

A little tip to try if you think you may start gagging and spluttering - hold your breath when they are doing the throat spray, ask them to pause rather than just pressing ahead so you get composed for each blast of spray and that way it might avoid your gag reflex from triggering before they even start the procedure. My hubby as I say was having real bother to the point of requesting an anaesthetic but since he learned the breath hold trick he has had no trouble and last three endoscopy's have gone smoothly.

All the best to you, Katie

[Hidden]

I've had an endoscopy. It isn't pleasant, but they sedate you before putting the cmera down your throat now. They can also go in through a nostril these days, avoiding upsetting the gag reflex completely - but unfortunately I have a crooked septum so this can't be done!

It's over in moments, and then they send you to recovery for a cuppa. Best of luck x

[dizzime]

As per previous posts - ask for sedation. They do try to talk you out of it at some hospitals but persevere. Just state that you want sedation end of story. You will be fine. Its not a pleasent procedure but it is manageable. Good luck x

[mark622015]

This procedure is not painful, but it is quite uncomfortable in your throat, the nurse will spray your throat, then pass down the endoscope through the throat, it does make you gag a little, but its worth having it done, are you having the Varies clamped, or just an examination? last May I had all the procedures your talking about, do you get muscle and joint pain in your arms or legs, I cannot squat or raise my arms since Liver failure, feel tired through the day, it took me months to slowly get to this position of strength and mover ability, interested to hear more about your condition life style

[Hidden in reply to mark622015]

obviously i used to drink pretty heavy but you just dont expect it to happen to you.my mobility has decreased to the point of wheelchair to now im walking with sticks.my legs have suffered too!My gastroscopy is couple of weeks.At the start i was tired all the time but all you can do is focus on doing the right things like eating right and light exercise and not drinking alcohol its been tough on my partner who watched me deteriate and now nudges me slowly in the right ways.Keep on keepin on!!!

[nbee]

Hi, i've had quite a few endoscopys and bandings done, personally I don't mind them that much. Like most the rest have said, I have the sedative. A lot of people don't remember much but I remember most of it, think it just depends on the person. Only tip I'd give you is when you feel it at the back of your throat try and swallow, seems to go down quite easy then. Its pretty painless and over quite quickly. They will keep you in for up to an hour afterwards if you have the sedative but then its back home. Hope it all goes well.

[Hidden]

Thanks for the vote of confidence