Gastroscopy

[LadyDJ]

Hi all, I hope I’ve posted this in the right group. I’m due to have a gastroscopy next week and was wondering if anyone has experience of having this done without sedation. How bad was it?

Thanks

[Mauser1905]

Is that endoscopy?

I had had 6 endoscopies by now without sedation. Throat spray is used for numbing the visible throat area.

When the scope is inserted in the mouth try to act your muscles as if you are drinking water and swallowing gulps. That helps move the scope smoothly.try not to bite on the mouthpeace hard. And breathe slow and deep.

Just relax. It will be done in 10 minutes or so.

Make sure you don't have loose teeth or dentures during the endoscopy.

Also the endoscopy is done on fasting. If you get early morning appointment then doesn't have to fast for too long after waking up.

If any unusual nodules or tissue noticed during the scopy then the nurse or Dr operating scope will try to get biopsy samples and possibly you may see some blood in the waste pipe. It's normal and don't be alarmed as it heals itself.

You will have to wait for a couple of houra after scopy to eat solids.

To be honest I prefer throat spary over sedation as I can be done and away in 15 min.

Good luck.

[LadyDJ in reply to Mauser1905]

Thank you so much for this. You’ve put my mind at ease. I don’t really want to be sedated as I always feel sick afterwards and I now feel brave enough to go with the throat spray.

Thanks x

[Poetogo in reply to LadyDJ]

Hi, ive had the camera down without sedation.

The worst part for me was actually inserting the tube. Once it’s in, relax. Mind over matter. I’m very strong in that respect.

Would I do it again without sedation... no, I wouldn’t.

Best of luck

[grannyjogger]

I had my third gastroscopy a couple of weeks ago, all of them were without sedation. It is not at all painful, as the spray is very effective at numbing the throat. It's normal to gag a bit when swallowing the tube but concentrating on breathing through the nose helps with this. It's also normal to burp and gag a bit during the procedure because of the air the doctor is putting down the tube and the nurses reassured me this is quite normal. It is usually a fairly quick procedure (between 5 and 10 minutes) and if I'm perfectly honest it isn't that bad - in fact I've had worse experiences going to the dentist!!!

The health professionals on all occasions were helpful and reassuring and it really is over very quickly. I received verbal feedback on the findings and was given a printed report. I had the opportunity to ask any questions afterwards. I was told that I could have a drink and something to eat an hour after the procedure was completed and there were no problems with this.

I hope all goes well.

[LadyDJ in reply to grannyjogger]

Thank you! I was getting a little worried about it all but feel so much better now. I do regular relaxation breathing exercises anyway so hopefully they will come in handy next week.

Thanks again xx

[grannyjogger in reply to LadyDJ]

I’m sure the relaxation techniques will help everything go smoothly. Good luck x

[grandylynda]

I wanted sedation last time but was refused it. I think that the latest thinking is not to use it. Just follow all the advice given here and you will be ok. I was. When i had an endoscopy for measuring tumor i was automatically sedated

[Hidden]

It depends on individuals and how far you can make yourself 'relax' during the procedure. I always prefer to have the sedation. Some people have trouble with it, and it might sometimes depend on exactly what they are doing during the course of the endoscopy.

[Mayan]

Hi I have had a few endoscopys now,and the first one i chose not to have sedation,never again, since then I have always been sedated,it is a very personal choice. I'm not a wimp but really didn't like the experience without sedation .I have had oesophageal cancer op,dealt with all that ok,but sorry couldn't deal with an endoscopy without sedation

[LadyDJ in reply to Mayan]

Thank you so much. I’m still not sure as to what I will do although I have since been told that the consultant might prefer to sedate me as I have epilepsy. I will see what happens on the day 🙂

[Mayan]

Good Luck whatever you choose to do ,will be right for you on the day

[kiddy]

Hi first one I had without sedation. Never again I’m quite a calm person but spent all the time gagging it seemed to go on forever. I have both throat spray and sedation have had 7 over the years. Some can hear what is going on ,others been out of it. You only need someone with you to take you home but been awake to get public transport.

Good Luck

Debbie

[Pedro2]

Hello I have had both endoscopies and if you cannot have sedation, then try and relax ask your doctor for a stress reliever. Because the procedure is somewhat unpleasant. good luck.

[LadyDJ]

Hi all, just to let you know that I had the gastroscopy yesterday and decided not to have the sedation. Yes it wasn’t very nice and I felt like someone had shoved a large stick down my throat but it was all over and done with in 5 minutes.

Thanks xx

[Mauser1905 in reply to LadyDJ]

Glad you are done with endoscopy. Thanks for updating here.