Endoscopy fear.....

[queridalady]

I've just been reading all the posts on here about the procedure and I have to say I feel super scared. I had an endoscopy / colonoscopy in July with propofol so I was completely knocked out and knew nothing about it all. This was with BUPA as NHS would not knock me out. I need to have a follow up endoscopy and I saw my consultant yesterday (again private not NHS) but this time he wont give me propfol. he says its overkill for a 5 minute procedure and that I can either have spray or a sedative that will make me feel drunk. I have no idea what to do and feel so afraid. I know its a bit cowardly of me.....just wondering if anyone has had any remotely positive experiences with either of these? thank you

[Magpuss]

I had both the spray and the sedative on my last two endoscopes, the first time I only had the spray and I definitely wouldn't recommend going for just that. The spray makes it more tolerable but there's no denying - it isn't a pleasant procedure. Just have to gird up your loins (was going to say 'grit your teeth' but that wouldn't work, would it) and try to relax for those 5 minutes. Good luck.

[queridalady in reply to Magpuss]

Thank you Magpuss 😀

[Lucypuppy]

My husband categorically refused the spray and opted for the sedation straight away. The hospital tried to persuade him towards the spray, but he stuck to his guns and was given the sedative (midazolam). He says he remembers the procedure in that there was no choking or gagging, but it was over much quicker than he though it would be. Probably as he was in a drug fueled stupor. He did say it wasn't as bad as he thought it was going to be with the sedative.

[queridalady in reply to Lucypuppy]

Good to know. Thank you Lucy

[gwood80]

I've had both. Would 100% recommend the sedative. You feel like you're aware at the time but afterwards it's very difficult to remember anything about it

[queridalady in reply to gwood80]

Thank you! 😀

[Kaz60]

My last three endoscopys I've had spray & sedation & I found it fine,,I did gag a bit one time but find concentrating on my breathing helps. It is all over with very quickly.

[haward]

A friend of mine manages without sedation. I tried it, gagged horribly, struggled. With sedation, out for five minutes, it all worked. The first three I had were under general anaesthetic and that worked best for me.

[Minniemouse22]

Hi, had both scopes in July . I was far more afraid of the endoscope than the colonoscopy so can relate to all you write. I had the throat spray and the sedation and although I can't say it was an experience I would love to repeat it was far better than I had anticipated. I have a huge gag reflex and so was terribly worried about this but I didn't feel the scope go down . The only minor discomfort was when they pulled it out which made me gag slightly but thats probably to be expected. I also found the sedation made it feel like it was very fast.

Hope this helps,and good luck.

[queridalady in reply to Minniemouse22]

Thank you Minnie. It helps!

[AMLux]

Hi. I had an endoscopy in July. I had a sedative and started to gag when they put the plastic thing in my mouth but then the sedative kicked in and it was a piece of cake. Hope all goes well.

[queridalady in reply to AMLux]

Thank you !

[Angelamercel]

I had endoscopy with just throat spray and I have to say it was the worst experience I have ever had, then next time had throat spray and sedation I didn't even know anything about it which is what you want ,so I would recommend going for both good luck,sure you'll be fine.

[queridalady in reply to Angelamercel]

Many thanks Angel.

[Hidden]

I was worried about it because of my history of having had a ruptured oesophagus but with a sedative it was absolutely fine. I think there may be an issue about the clinic having to have an anaesthetist on hand when a sedative is used. We are all so different in our reactions to this that a clinic should be able to offer a sedative. It is very normal, so I agree that sticking out for a sedative is the right thing for many of us.

[queridalady in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[gwood80]

I should add that before my second scope they weren't sure if it was a tumour or not so I opted for spray alone so I would be aware of what the consultant was saying afterwards. As far as I'm concerned, this is the only reason i would do it without sedation. It isn't pleasant at all

[queridalady in reply to gwood80]

Thank you.

[scottiemarg]

I have had a few endoscopies over the years and for all except one I had a sedative. After the sedative was administered I knew nothing about it until I came round but it appears some people are aware of what is happening. I don't know if there are different types of sedative. Only on one occasion did I have the spray and I would never have it again - it was a horrible experience as far as I was concerned.

[queridalady in reply to scottiemarg]

Ok thank you. They won't give me propofol this time sadly. Just something that will make me woozy

[Creoncol]

I had regular endoscopies for years I used to go without a sedative but eventually decided to have the sedative as swallowing became more uncomfortable.Sedative is just that. not unconcious ,but waking up not remembering the procedure(sort of dreamlike state) in the recovery room waiting for my cuppa . Only downside you cannot drive for 24 hrs. But have someone to drive you home.

[queridalady in reply to Creoncol]

Good to know. Thank you x

[Mentalmicky6]

I've had several ( all on the NHS)with just the spray, which I found bearable but unpleasant, but I also had one with " deep sedation" which you don't know anything about , I would ask for that one if you're nervous

[LauraMk30]

Hey, I can relate to your fear. I was booked in for a Gastroscopy a month back in Birmingham hospital. I was given the threat spray which was horrible & constantly gagged & the sedation. It wasn't a nice experience & they ended up abandoning the procedure for the safety of myself & the nurses. Apparently I kept pulling the tube out & fighting them off me they had to hold me down as I was struggling to swallow the tube. So I'm having one done privately on Tuesday under GA.

I guess everyone deals with it differently. & I envy those who can swallow it & go through the procedure. My consultant said there's 999,999 people who can breeze through an endoscopy but there's that one patient that cannot under go it & that's "me" good luck I hope it goes well xx

[alexLS14]

Hi. I had the endoscopy without sedative. Had the spray that numbs the throat. You need to like the taste of bananas. Was a bit uncomfortable but not a problem. Concentrate on relaxing your throats and swallow the endoscope following the instruction from the operator. Good luck.

[Catherine2017]

I had the spray and sedation would recommend it .

[Hidden]

Hi I had both done at the same time.... Had sedation it was fine. I'm always scared but once it's done you forget and wonder what the worry was all about. I get more anxious is the results these days not procedures anymore......xx

[sidesaddle]

HI I had both done last Friday with throat spray and sedation. I can truthfully say it was just fine and I had no unpleasant moments during both procedures even though I had biopsies taken from the colon.