We're curious...How many of you had sedation for your endoscopy biopsy & what was your experience?

[FionaGFG]

We've noticed that many members here and on our facebook page have very different endoscopy experiences within hospitals. We're keen to find out how it was for you. Just don't be too graphic - there maybe some newbies here that are yet to have theirs.

[FionaGFG Administrator]

We know that many members refuse or don't get offered a 2nd Endoscopy. Did your experience of the first one put you off having another one? Or did you have a great experience first time around. Did your hospital off you sedation or just insist you had the throat spray?

[Hidden in reply to FionaGFG]

I am having my second endoscopy today after continued ill health while on the "Gluten-Free" diet 200ppm. I have insisted on the sedation have suffered difficulties with the first one.

[Irene Administrator in reply to FionaGFG]

Hi I had sedation both times but with different people administering it. Although they asked my weight the second person didn't believe I was that heavy. As a consequence I was far more aware of what was going on. It does seem a little hit and miss as to what sort of experience you have. That said the staff in the unit were very friendly and they deal with a large amount of patients. It was back to back endos!

[Hidden in reply to FionaGFG]

I had my endoscopy yesterday, I was pleased with the way it was carried out by the Professor. First of all the throat spray then plenty of sleeping potion, knew nothing much about it and the whole proceedure carried out in very quick time approx. 1.5 hours.

[Hidden in reply to FionaGFG]

I had sedation and they gave me a strong enough dose to knock me out during the procedure and this suited me and the hopspital. This has been the case for me both times so I would not worry as the hospital want the procedure to be a success and as stressless as possible for the patient. The best advice that I can give to a newbie is tell the hospital how you feel and don't worry because you are now in the system and you are going to have the opportuniy to be diagnosed which represents the beginning of better health.

[Hidden]

my first attempt with sedation didnt go well becaue i was so panicky, the second time i was put under a general as i had to have a camera both ends!! and i much prefer this option!.

[matt33]

I tried to have the endoscopy today, waited four weeks for the appointment. just wanted to have it done as i have been getting stomach pains and re-flux. After more waiting i finally got to there. I was quite unclear to what to expect however i know it wasn't going to be pleasant. I was given a throat spay that worked well for a short time and by the tine the endoscope was entering my throat it was wearing off. I'm ashamed to say i freaked out!!! I couldn't handle this meter long mechanical thing going down my throat. i pulled it out and the nurse started shouting at me. the team said i could have sedation? i didn't really understand what that meant. A cup of tea can be sedative or were they just going to give me something to make woosey? or did this mean out cold? anyway i decided i couldn't do it and walked away feeling a bit of a fool, angry, frustrated and scared. it wouldn't be a problem if they just put me to sleep for a short while. I have to say that i have had anxiety issues in the past which probably made things worse. now i'm left with the dilemma do i just carry on with life and hope its nothing serious, as without heavy sedation i no i wouldn't be able to deal with the procedure.

UK