Endoscopy HELP

[tmjourney]

My doctor wants to do an endoscopy on me. I don’t do well with sedation so I am thinking to go for it with just the throat spray! Has anyone gotten this with no sedation and just the throat spray? How was it? Tell me all about it! I am really quite nervous. I had a bronchoscopy without sedation but I am not sure if they compare. Please bless me with your knowledge / experience, God bless

[rabbits65]

Hello, Please do not worry about this procedure, I have had it done, I had the sedation and it was absolutely fine. They used the throat spray as well. It was all over and done with very quickly and the staff were lovely. . The affects of the sedation wear off very quickly and then you will be allowed home again... A friend advised me not to go for throat spray alone, and I am pleased that I took their advice.... Good luck to you....

[Downtime]

I agree with Rabbits. The sedation is mild but it means you are hardly aware of anything. It did wear off quite quickly and afterwards I couldn’t really remember what had been done. Very quick and easy.

[Mmrr]

I didn't take the sedation, just the throat spray and had no problem at all.

[NeonkittyUK in reply to Mmrr]

Same here. Just throat spray. Felt fine after no problem then eating normally once home a couple of hours later.

[tmjourney in reply to NeonkittyUK]

Thanks Neonkitty did they take samples?

[NeonkittyUK in reply to tmjourney]

No it was just the camera as I had had reactions to strong anti-inflammatories when my RA was very active when first diagnosed. My whole digestive system was aggravated by them so they wanted endoscopy and colonoscopy.

[tmjourney in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks Mmrr! I’ve gotten myself quite worked up. I keep worrying they are going to tear something or that I’m going to have a bleed 😭

[NeonkittyUK in reply to tmjourney]

I don't think at all they will 'tear' anything. I didn't have samples taken but Crashdoll says it isn't painful and I would trust her! I felt a little full in the throat after the numbing spray but no pain whatsoever in the throat after. The spray did its job as I felt nothing of the tube. Nothing at all. I went home feeling ravenous and had a sandwich with McCain Oven Fries in it as that is what I fancied! Most unlike me to even eat that, but my point is I was able to eat fine a couple of hours later once back! I am sure everyone is different and might like to go a little easy on themselves re something soft to eat after, but I had no after effects. Just chew well when you eat afterwards. The docs wouldn't attempt this procedure without GA unless it was an acceptable level for the patient and in my experience and many others I have known it is just that. I think you should say you are feeling worried when you go or even talk to the nurse in the diagnostics dept on the phone if you can prior to your appointment? Get some re-assurance from those who are going to do it, but I think you will be fine and think afterwards .. why did I get worried? We all do when it is something we have never experienced before. XX

[sylvi]

I have had sedation and I didn't remember anything about it and I didn't suffer afterwards.xxx

[crashdoll]

I had a gastroscopy without sedation a couple of months ago. It was absolutely fine. It’s a weird sensation but not painful and mildly uncomfortable but very much bearable.

[ldwilliams in reply to crashdoll]

I also had a gastroscopy without sedation and apart from a mild reflex gag I was fine.

I found it easier to close my eyes

[tmjourney in reply to ldwilliams]

Thanks Idwilliams! Did you have a sample taken? How was that?

[ldwilliams in reply to tmjourney]

I did, I had 3 I believe taken in the end and i didn't even know that they had taken any. During or afterwards

[tmjourney in reply to crashdoll]

Thanks crash doll! Did you have samples taken? I’m so worried they are going to tear something or I’m going to bleed too much 😭 I know it may be irrational but I’m worrying so much

[crashdoll in reply to tmjourney]

It’s ok to be scared but just to reassure you, it’s a very quick procedure. It is an unusual feeling but I never felt panicky as they were so reassuring. I did have samples taken and I didn’t really feel it. I would describe it as a light pinch but it didn’t hurt though. Let them know you’re anxious, so they can support you. x

[tmjourney in reply to crashdoll]

Thanks crashdoll did you gag a lot or move when it happened?

[crashdoll in reply to tmjourney]

I lay completely still, I had to lie on my side. I gagged maybe 2 or 3 times, I think it was went they went from my oesophagus to my stomach. It really wasn’t bad at all. I just kept breathing and focused and it was over very quickly.

[Creakywrists]

I had an endoscopy without sedation and it was fine - concentrated hard on staying relaxed. As crashdoll says it’s a bit weird but not painful.

[tmjourney in reply to Creakywrists]

Did you have samples taken?! How was that? And thank you

[Creakywrists in reply to tmjourney]

Yes I had samples taken but I didn’t notice when they did it.

[FRreedman]

As a few others have said, with sedation, you won't even realise it, until it is all over. I have had it done with sedation and without. Which is best? I don't really know, but either way, the worst feeling you will get is a lump in the back of your throat, and also the doctor or their nurse will remind you to swallow and breathe. I know it sounds daft but, it is easier if you remember to breathe, as this will also help you to relax. Good luck.

[sunnyweek]

I had an endoscopy in January. The consultant assured me he had an excellent team and it was true. I didn't have sedation and the nurse held my hand and talked to me all the time, they watch you and are experts. I just had throat spray and it is less than five minutes and I was very nervous but I think nerves was the worst bit. You can also go home sooner with no sedation. Let the nurse explain. It didn't hurt at all.

[tmjourney in reply to sunnyweek]

Thanks sunny did you have samples taken?

[sunnyweek in reply to tmjourney]

Hello Yes they took four biopsies and truthfully I had no idea until they told me they had taken them. Please don't be concerned there was NO sensation or pain. Let the nurse guide you, they have skills for helping the nervous people and most are nervous. To my mind the thought is much worse and I was anxious. xx

[tmjourney in reply to sunnyweek]

Hey Sunny! Did you gag a lot of feel like moving when you had yours?

[sunnyweek in reply to tmjourney]

Hi no I did NOT gag at all. The spray numbs your throat and I just listened to the nurse who was encouraging and watches you. I was tense but the nurse talks and says things like 'breathe' in a very calm way. I hold my breath when I'm nervous I've noticed.

Trust the nurse they are experts.

I don't think I moved much, you let them get on with it lying on your side. The nurse will hold your hand and it distracts you. Truly it's over very quickly. The nurse said to me 'ten seconds' as they brought the tube up and out. And it's done. I didn't think about moving while they did it.

Really don't over worry, I was very nervous we all are with a new experience. But if I needed another I would go less anxious and just have the spray.

Take care and good luck. x

[nomoreheels]

I had a gastroscopy 8 months ago with the throat spray Taylor. It was fine, just swallowed twice as the scope went down my throat & it was done in minutes, 5 at the most. I take it it's the same in the US as here. Hope it's as simple a procedure for you.

[tmjourney in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you!!! Did you have samples taken? I’m worrying so much about that part. Worried they will tear something or about having a big bleed 😭

[nomoreheels in reply to tmjourney]

You're welcome. Yes, I don't have access to my notes just now but I think it was 3 biopsies that were taken, all came back fine. You don't feel anything & unless you're watching the screen you wouldn't know you'd had them. I had no after effects at all. Though a small risk in common with any procedure where biopsies are taken they have to advise you of a risk of tearing or bleeding. That said my h has had quite a few gastroscopies & never had any problems. I'm sure you'll be fine. The gastro teams that do endoscopies are so expert at them, they do them day in day out.

Do you have a date for the procedure yet?

[tmjourney in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much. It’s been hard for me to find a doctor here that will do it without sedation... two so far have told me it increases risk of a tear or something going wrong because I could move a lot or something. That has been making me more afraid. I’m going to talk to a new doctor on April 25 to see if he will do it without sedation. Did you Gag a lot of feel the need to move during yours? Apparently in the USA it’s not common to have it without... doctors have been scaring me. I got a bronchoscopy without sedation which isn’t common here and was fine.

[nomoreheels in reply to tmjourney]

No gagging whatsoever. I kept still, on my left side fascinated by what I was seeing on the screen. As sunnyweek also mentioned the nurse held my hand, kept talking to me, an automatic caring reassurance thing. I was breathing fine but she reminded me to keep it up! It was over before I knew it & was in recovery reading longer than the procedures themselves.

You've experienced a bronchoscopy, a gastroscopy is less invasive, you'll be fine I'm sure. The thought of the unknown is always worse than the procedure itself. It's over in minutes. My colonoscopy & sigmoidoscopy took far longer.

[Hidden]

Go for the sedation! It’s simple & easy. I’m the biggest coward and I did it

[HCC2]

I was convinced that I was going for full sedation but when I got there I decided I didn't want to be wiped out for the day so just had throat spray. It was fine. Do a bit of googling on yoga breathing and breathe calmly through your nose. It will make you feel relaxed and stop you feeling panicky about gagging. My Mum took me for ice cream afterwards...(I'm 42 😊). I have to have another and I will just do throat spray again.

[tmjourney in reply to HCC2]

Thank you for your experience did you have samples taken? I’m worried about that

[HCC2 in reply to tmjourney]

Apparently so but I only really knew that because the team were talking about it. Couldn't really feel it.

[tmjourney in reply to HCC2]

Did you gag a lot or feel the need to move during yours? Sorry for all my questions xD

[HCC2 in reply to tmjourney]

I totally understand your anxiety. But I focused on calm breathing through my nose and thought about nice things. I have a terrible gag reflex - the dentist is a disaster - but it was ok. You just need to be ready for a couple of big swallows but it wasn't difficult. The nurse held my hand throughout and I didn't feel like moving. My only stress was I had fixed braces inside my teeth at the time and I was worried about them being knocked- they weren't. A different assistant gently holds your head in place. Honestly I was the biggest scaredy cat and afterwards I wondered why I was worrying. Not sure where you are based but if you can get Bach flower rescue remedy that may help you feel less anxious - it sounds like anxiety is the only thing that will make this unpleasant for you. The procedure itself is fine.

[tmjourney in reply to HCC2]

Thanks HCC, basically after reading all these posts I calmed a lot. But then when I talked to my doctor he said he wouldn’t do it without sedation. I saw another yesterday she said she wouldn’t do it without sedation. I’m scheduled to seee another doctor on april 25 to see if he will do it without, but I’m worrying he will say no. Apparently in the USA they rarely do it without sedation.... but in the Uk and many other places it’s normal. The doctors I have spoken to act like it’s more dangerous to do it without sedation..saying if I move a lot or gag a lot they could tear something. But everyone on here and online say it’s quite fine? The doctors are now the ones scaring me. I had a bronchoscopy done March 22 and that is not common to have done without sedation, but my doctor said fine and did it without. I was okay. I’m not sure why they don’t want to do the endo without it 😭😔

[nomoreheels in reply to tmjourney]

Do you not think you've only found Endoscopists so far who will only perform it with conscious sedation due to the litigious society in the US? It's more prevalent there than here, though we are catching up!

[Mall]

I have had two and only had the throat spray. Fine both times. If you are prone to being panicky then may be consider sedation but it is certainly not necessary. The best I can describe the procedure is as a weird feeling a little uncomfortable as they insert the tube and this is the time you may feel panickyand gag. Best to close your eyes and focus your mind on something else pleasant and breathe calmly. It’s over in a few minutes and no worse than a visit to the dentist.

[tmjourney in reply to Mall]

Thanks for this did you have samples in yours? I had a bronchoscopy and I’m thinking they may be similar?

[Mall in reply to tmjourney]

Yes they took biopsies. All clear fortunately, you are not aware of them taking samples.

[tmjourney in reply to Mall]

That’s good mall! Did you gag a lot during the procedure or feel the need to move?

[Cheylann]

It's not bad at all as your throat is completely numb from the spray. The big thing is to relax and to swallow when told to. Good luck.

[tmjourney in reply to Cheylann]

Thanks Chey did you have samples taken in yours?

[Cheylann in reply to tmjourney]

Yes.everytime I've has a scope I've had samples taken and you don't feel a thing. Why are you worried about it? Are you scared of the results or the pain?

If I were you I would have the sedation. It is so light you are semi awake and are vaguely aware of what is happening just can't feel anything or any anxiety. The sedation only lasts about an hour afterwards and then you can go. I recommend sedait on. I have had about 7 scopes and would choose sedation everytime. Good luck.

[madbad]

I just had throat spray and it was fine, I think the worrying before time was the worse thing, Good Luck

[tmjourney in reply to madbad]

Thanks madbad I’m definitely worrying! I’m afraid of them tearing something or having the samples taken. Did you have samples?

[madbad in reply to tmjourney]

I must admit to being very nervous as I had had a bad experience over 40 years ago when I was very ill and had one done with no sedation or throat spray. I shouldn't have worried it was nothing like my last experience. They are very skilled in what they do so the thought they could damage something didn't enter my head. I had samples but barely noticed as I was comparing it to my other experience. I hope you can control your fear and good luck.

[Pulfs]

I had the mild sedation as I have very bad gag reflex can't clean back teeth without gagging sometimes, it wore off very quickly after a nice cuppa and biscuit. All the best to you xx

[Thequietman]

I also had the throat spray and agree with mmrr and neonkitty. Plus you are on your way home in no time. Good luck...

[tmjourney in reply to Thequietman]

Thanks did u have samples taken? How was that bit?

[Thequietman in reply to tmjourney]

Sorry not replied sooner. l did have biopsies taken , no adverse affects. I am sure you will be fine.

[Hidden]

How did the endoscope go? Did you go for the total sedation?

[tmjourney in reply to Hidden]

Haven’t gotten it yet:... it’s a big mess. I’m scheduled to have it done on April 18th, BUT my doctor says he doesn’t want to do it without sedation (it is not common in the US to do it without sedation). Because of this I will probably cancel the one with him on April 18th. I am planning to talk to a new doctor on April 25th to see what he says. Apparently in the UK it’s very normal to have it without sedation, but my doctor was making me think it is really dangerous without sedation and not normal. I got a bronchoscopy March 22 and had that without sedation, it went well! Have you ever had this procedure?

[Hidden in reply to tmjourney]

I had the endoscope with sedation - I live in Canada and everyone does it with sedation. It was simple. The first time I went for it I freaked out and walked out got charged $250. Went to another doctor The was more calming and did it simple simple. They biopsied 6 pieces of tissue. No bleeding nothing - you are safe! What are your symptoms ?

[tmjourney in reply to Hidden]

That’s good to know! I’m glad it went well for you🥰 did your results come back clear? Well, I have had a flare up 3 times in the last 6 years with my liver (all the enzymes elevate out of nowhere for a month then go back down on their own) doctors haven’t figured out why that happens. I’ve been tested for all the basics though. My last flare up was in July. After my flare up with my liver, I spit up some blood in August, this happened two more times. Once in November and once in march. Doctors are trying to figure out where the blood is coming from, they’ve checked lungs -all clear-, and sinuses -all clear-, now they’ve got to check stomach which is the last place to rule out. I’ve had some flare ups with stomach problems in the last few months too and body aches but docs think it’s ibs from stress (I have been severely stressed).

[Ssmart]

Hi

Is there a reason you don’t want to be sedated? I see you say you don’t do well With it but it is VERY small amount and lasts a very short time, i had sedation, and throat spray, I was a nervous wreck before having it done, and I can honestly say I would have it done again no problem. Before I knew it they were giving me a cuppa and a sandwich 😁

Fear of the unknown and thoughts of it are far worse than the procedure. I had some samples taken, they are so small you don’t feel a thing, please be reassured that you’ll be fine and get it over and done with, you might get the answers you’re looking for with regards to your health.

All the best to you!

[tmjourney]

Hi everyone I’m having my endoscope tomorrow morning at 8 am! Please keep me in your prayers!

[tmjourney]

Endoscopy came back clear THANK GOD Thanks for all your help. I decided to have sedation. However, I do have one question they put the IV in my hand, but I have horrible pain up my arm to my elbow it seems like vein pain. Feel swollen -pinchy-burny. When I let it hang down it’s worse, to the point I don’t want it hanging. Is this normal after sedation? Making me a bit nervous. Normally when i get regular IV (fluids) in my hand just my hand will hurt after. Thanks everyone God bless!

[Mmrr in reply to tmjourney]

Is there a red track going up the vein that the IV was in ? If so you need to seek medical advice tonight. If not , if it's just sore and you feel ok, you need to make a decision on how bad the pain is, but do get medical advice if things change.

[tmjourney in reply to Mmrr]

My hand and arm looks completely normal it’s just the vein in my hand and my lower arm hurts. Feels bruised/sore to touch or move. But it lasts from where it was inserted up half way to elbow. If I press on the vein anywhere even though the iv was inserted in my hand. Can the sedation make the vein sore going up a little high too?

[Mmrr in reply to tmjourney]

It is possible you have an a localised sensitivity to the sedation. If you are worried perhaps contact NHS 24 ?

[tmjourney in reply to Mmrr]

Hey Mmrr went to doctor they said it is Phlebitis from the IV! Thanks for your help

[Mmrr in reply to tmjourney]

Glad it was nothing too serious.

[linzetta]

I just came across your post as I search for reassurance about an upcoming endoscopy. I’m also in the US and don’t know that I’ll find anyone to do it with sedation which is my BIGGEST fear. I hate feeling drugged. How did you find the sedation? Do you know what they gave you or did they give you options? How long from insertion in the IV to waking up in recovery? Sorry for all the questions

[tmjourney in reply to linzetta]

So I ended up opting for the lowest dose of sedation which was Propofol that they could give lol! The procedure was done in 10 minutes and I woke up after about 30! After I completely woke up I was actually ready to go on my way didn’t feel drugged at all the rest of the Day! They were willing to go over options with me in terms of sedation! I almost opted for nothing at all and they were fine with that.

The worst thing for me was my vein where the sedation was injected swelled and hurt for like two weeks, but that doesn’t happen to most people. And it was benign so really just an annoying side effect lol!

I recommend propofol it’s QUICK acting and QUICK to where off. It is pretty much out of your system when you wake up. Plus they titrate it to your weight and height. You can always ask them for less than your weight and height as well to be extra cautious! Ask as many Qs as you like

[linzetta in reply to tmjourney]

What ultimately made you decide to do sedation? I keep going back to this thread because so many people commented about how tolerable it was without sedation and it brings me so much comfort. I was lucky enough to find a doctor here in the US that will do it without but of course there is a fair amount of "you're crazy" and "it was hell" that I've heard.