Francis

[Francis888]

I'm really scared of having my endoscopy procedure ,will the numbing spray stop my breathing and will I be able to swallow.

[rayw55]

I strongly suggest that rather than just have the spray you go for sedation. I had endoscopes every 3 months for more than 15 years and only had it without sedation once and never again. Some people are ok with the spray but if you have any kind of gag reflex then go for sedation Good luck and let us know how it goes. Ray

[toots1951]

Please don't be frightened. My husband has had a number of them and the first one he had was without sedation and I remember him saying if I have any more I will be sedated and it was so much better.

[slobjohnb]

Nothing at all to worry about, sedation is better for you and the specialist, less delay, less wriggling around. In life the things you worry about most never happen, its the unexpected that causes the biggest problems, go for it.

[Super80 in reply to slobjohnb]

No one monitored my blood sugar. I didn’t react well to sedation and lost weight after I was so hungry i felt sick like I was going to pass out. again I don’t do well on medication in general so most patients know their body and a fear is not unnatural or something to completely ignore.

Everyone needs a choice and I was not given that so then a trust with medical professionals become a problem.

Come to find out later i was having a bile ducts issue. That needed an EUS scope.

[Tanktank]

As the others have said it’s probably best to ask for sedation. It’s important that the medical team get to view your oesophagus clearly. It’s not that unpleasant. Good luck.

[champagnelover]

I agree with the others - definitely have sedation - you won't remember the procedure. I had it once without and said never again! Good luck

[kiddy]

Stay calm have throat spray and sedation make sure you have someone with you to go home with. They should explain the procedure to you.

Best of Luck

Debbie

[Angelamercel]

Yes Francis I agree with others , I also have had a lot of endoscopy’s , the first one I had only throat spray it was the most horrendous experience I have ever went through , never again so go for both it’s much better , good luck and don’t worry to much , let us know how it goes. Angela

[Mick]

Francis I can understand your worry over having an endoscope, I had one every 1-2 years for about 10 years. In all that time I only had sedation once and that was prior to surgery. With a throat spray you are awake and fully aware of what is happening. On the plus side you can leave after with no side effects. I used to go by myself and drive home after a short wait in the waiting room. With sedation you need somebody with you and to take you home. The staff who treated me were very understanding and explained all the options. Try not to worry I was given the option on my 1st endoscopy that if I found it difficult they would sedate me. Good luck and remember what is difficult for some is ok for others and visa versa. Only you can decide, all the best. mick.

[Super80 in reply to Mick]

I think everyone should be informed like you were. It needs to be the patient choice and what’s best for them. I personally don’t do well on sedation. I was underweight at the time and made me never want to get one ever again.

I didn’t do well with the side effects and some reason I lost more weight. Nothing was ever explained. I had no options. I guess that’s when you look for another place to get it done. At the time I was in a weaker state.

Thanks for the info

[Ivor1]

Well Frances, if you do not have sedation just remember this: when doctor puts the scope in swallow it and it will go right down.

I've had it with and without sedation. There is no breathing problem though, just nervousness. Good luck

[Enryb]

Frances I would suggest if you have sedation you won’t feel a thing I have had 7 endoscopys some with sedation last one without because my surgeon showed me the join it is a little uncomfortable but like Mick says you can go home straight away if you have sedation you will have to stay for 2 hours and may feel tired the rest of the day

[Jmac079]

I just had an endoscopy last week. I was quite nervous too. I had the numbing solution applied to my throat. But everything went fine with no sedation and I had no trouble breathing. I watched the scope monitors the whole time and saw exactly what the doctor saw. Very interesting. You may have a strange sensation in your throat for a couple days periodically but none of it was bad or traumatizing. Your fears are understandable. But in reality not necessary at all. You’ll be fine! Let us know how it went.

[Super80 in reply to Jmac079]

this would have been better for me . Not just the interest to see things for myself but the fact I’m easily over medicated. I didn’t do well for much longer than others afterwards. I was trying to gain weight not lose.

People assume everyone has a fear for no reason. This is definitely untrue . For me is the ability to handle the sedation itself because I have bad experience in the past and some places don’t listen.

[Francis888]

Thank you for you comforting comments , Iwill opt for just the throat numbing spray ,but will the numbness of the spray restrict my breathing ?

[Jmac079 in reply to Francis888]

The numbing spray did not effect my breathing at all! The only uncomfortable part of the whole procedure was when they initially put the scope down. But that part was super quick and then it was really neat afterwards. I’m glad I wasn’t sedated. I walked out of there within 15 minutes of the procedure and the only thing I noticed was that I was hungry because I wasn’t allowed to eat anything before hand. I found that smooth foods are best after the procedure like hummus or a smoothie. Anything like chips or crackers should be chewed extra well to avoid irritating your throat. You might feel like you have a bit of a sore throat for a day or so as well. Kind of like a mild cold symptom just because your body isn’t used to having a scope down there. Totally worth it though! I got the piece of mind I needed and saw the inside of my stomach ! Very very cool!!

[angie22_]

Hi Francis

I recently had the procedure and was so worried like yourself I nearly cancelled the appointment I had the spray and sedation, the next think I remember it was all over and done with and you are brought round very soon after, nothing to worry about at all.good luck hope all goes well.

Angela

[AJ_1]

I've had it 3 times now. Theres nothing to worry about, the throat spray just tastes horrible. I would advise having a sedative if they offer it, if you can arrange someone to drive you home. Apart from the initial part, you dont remember anything.

[Mentalmicky6]

I'v had four without sedation, you can swallow and it only last for a few minutes and you can drive yourself home with no after effects, but if you are really worried and feeling fragile have the sedation