First one I had I opted for everything going, sedation and throat spray. However as soon as the throat spray went in, like after a nano second, I felt i couldnt swallow and properly had a panic attack on the table. They hadnt my canula in at that point so had to rush getting that in to get the sedation into me to calm me down. However, once i was 'out' the proecedure went without issue and i had no sore throat afterwards.
Second time i said no to throat spray after the first experience but took sedation. The sedation worked at the start but for the second half of the proecedure, i spent it all gagging and completely miserable. I remember feeling the tube down my throat and my body really trying to boke it back up. I remember the nurse telling me it would be over soon which really helped. I had a rotten sore throat after that for about 3 days and actually have some lasting issues after that (scared of getting my face wet or jumping into the water incase the choking sensation comes back).
So question 1 - is the throat spray reaction a normal one or am i likely allergic to one of the ingredients?
Question 2 - do you think the throat spray helps reduce the gag reflex during the procedure and therefore possibly reduces the sore throat afterwards?
Thanks in advance!
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turbogirl555
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My hubbies consultant says that my he has the most sensitive throat in Scotland and even after numerous endoscopies with both throat spray and sedation he still struggles. HOWEVER, during one endoscopy a nurse told him to hold his breath whilst that throat spray is used. He tells them to wait whilst he gets himself settled, holds his breath and that way he doesn't get that immediate shock, taking you breath away sensation that automatically triggers your gag reflex.
I will remember that Katie in case l ever need to have one. It was a struggle for me to even put the stick anywhere near the back of my tongue for the covid tests let alone touch my tonsils. l was actually gagging before the stick touched anything..... pathetic eh? I closed my eyes in the end and let hubby go straight in and out .... as you do ! 🤐
yeah i had to get a covid test today prior to hosp appt on thursday. They actually said if you have issues with gagging you only need to get the nose swab done so i took that option! I am doing twice weekly LFTs at the moment and they are truely awful!! I nearly gag at the sight of the kit!
Doh l wish l had known that... the nose bit was easy ! Could you try practising some relaxation and breathing techniques every day before you go? It's always worse when you have panicked previously as each time you go you expect to panic so you do. Deep slow breathes definately calm the body down to a degree you can cope with whats coming. Maybe worth googling relaxation and breathing techniques... l'm sure the internet is awash with them.
Im ok when i get there, i only panic when they put the throat spray in as i cant swallow at that point. I will defo remember to breathe and try some of the count 10 things, hear 10 things etc and try and take the focus off what is happening!
Yes i think i will ask for the canula to be in first so its all ready if i do panic. The throat spray really made me properly not be able to swallow. it was very scary. I just am not sure if its a common reaction or not, i assumed at the time it just must be extra strong that it numbs your throat so much that you cant swallow but now i am starting to think it could have been a reaction but I will speak to them on Thursday before hand!
I always tell the Dr that someone will be knocked out if I panic and he will probably prefer its me!They then give me a double dose of the milk of anastesia!
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