I want to hear about your unsedated endoscopy ONLY!

[linzetta]

I've read enough of the horror stories of unsedated endoscopies. Wish I hadn't but they are so easy to find. I want to hear the unsedated experiences that were not horrible. I am a small 33yo female with anxiety disorder BUT my anxiety for this upcoming procedure is only about being sedated, It stems from a traumatic childhood experience and I was lucky enough to find a doctor in the US that will do it with no sedation (will have the IV in place in case it gets bad). Some people say the idea of something going down their throat makes them cringe. Not for me. I've had two c-sections and been through a lot. I panic easily but if I feel in control of my mental state I'd like to think I can focus on my breathing and get through what I've been told is a VERY short, uncomfortable but tolerable procedure. I am comfortable taking xanax so they said I can also take that beforehand. Thank you to anyone that takes time to share!!

[slobjohnb]

I had one and it was easy. No pain at all but you need to think very positively just before the procedure. I think it is better for everyone if you have the local anaesthetic, less fuss, guaranteed result and no panic attacks halfway through but I did find it OK with no after effects and I could drive home afterwards.

[linzetta in reply to slobjohnb]

Thank you!! When you say better if I have the local you mean the throat spray correct?

[slobjohnb in reply to linzetta]

No, the throat spray is what you get when you don't have the local anaesthetic, you need something. It will speed up the process for the medical staff otherwise you could be wriggling and choking and getting worked up and taking a lot more time.

[linzetta in reply to slobjohnb]

Ok, not too helpful then. I’ve read accounts of just doing throat spray and not sedation and it being ok and was looking for those experiences. I’ve read all the bad.

[linzetta in reply to linzetta]

I’m confused though, you said you drove home. Did you receive sedation?

[Marguerite2013]

Hi Linzetta, I did not want sedation for my second endoscopy, and found it very easy and speedy. I did ask for a lot of the spray, and the only unpleasantness lasted for a few seconds when I was about to gag but the nurses pushed the cord down very quickly, and then all OK. / I had a horrible time when I had the first endoscopy and first the nurse stabbed my finger and wrist when inserting a butterfly needle (which subsequently left a nasty abscess); and the endoscopist kept pushing the oxygen thingey up my nose - so I pushed her away (could not speak cos of the stuff in my mouth!) and held the oxygen mask myself. Afterwards, I was desperate for the loo, but was ignored when I asked for help. Eventually a doctor came over with a commode for me. I subsequently put in a complaint against this endoscopist! The results had to be followed up 3 months later, and I asked my GP to refer me to another hospital, which was wonderful - hence my wanting to forgo needles in finger, oxygen mask etc. \ Another reason for requesting NO SEDATION was they tend not to tell one the results because "you won't remember" as the usual sedation is Valium iv. I did not want to be fobbed off again, so for me it was great just to lie down and tolerate the 3-secs of gag! Good luck and hope all goes well, I think that it depends on the hospital and the staff, as to how things will go. You can check the reviews of the hosp you have been referred to on line. Take care, Marguerite x

[linzetta in reply to Marguerite2013]

Thank you!!! I just got off the phone with them and they are really pushing the propofol because I’m anxious and making me second guess whether I can handle it.

[Marguerite2013 in reply to linzetta]

Your GP should be able to give you some minor tranquillisers in the run-up to your procedure? It will all be over soon - but I do sympathise as I know how agonising severe anxiety can be. Take good care, nite-nite, Marguerite x

[Cortex1 in reply to linzetta]

I had Propofol and very good experience from it. Felt fine when I got sedated and felt fine when I woke up. I can’t do it awake, even if I try to relax and think positive, my body panics when the the tube is choking you.

If you don’t want sedation that’s your choice, it may be just fine or you may end up not being able to go through the procedure.

[Tinypuss]

I've had the throat spray on two occassions and have been fine. I shut my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. I had a nurse holding my right hand and giving it the occassional stroke. My endoscopy was witness by a trainee with my consent and the doctor was explaining what he was doing as he went along. Go for the throat spray and relax. Recovery was much quicker.

[kiddy]

Hi having had both i would go sedation and throat spray. You only need someone to accompany you it is quick and you will be out in an hour after sedation. Don’t put extra stress on yourself.

Best wishes

Debbie

[Ivor1]

Iinzetta, I've had it twice without the sedation. The main tip I can give u is "swallow the tube". Doctor was gagging me with tube and finely said "swallow it" and surprisingly it went right down! Once it's in there is no problem with breathing or whatnot.. good luck to u

[Mentalmicky6]

I'v had four unsedated and it wasn't too bad, just relax as much has possible, haven't had any after effects you just stand up and go home

[Wingsmith]

I had a very good doctor doing the endoscopy with two very capable nurses helping. After the throat spray I was asked to lie on my side and bite down on a short open ended plastic tube. The camera cord was inserted through this tube and I could start to feel it moving down my oesophagus. This wasn’t painful but made me feel breathless. It was a bit uncomfortable when the tube needed to be rotated but the nurses help & reassurance was invaluable throughout the whole procedure which only took a few minutes. These procedures are performed by highly skilled and professional staff and there is no need to fear. I hope this helps.

[Florrie58]

Patients who can relax and follow instructions of staff can tolerate no sedation and just have throat spray. As Ivor1 says, swallow when they tell you to and stay relaxed.

[VictoriaOpenshaw57]

Hi there. I had this procedure around four years ago. I was unsedated as I wanted to have some control. It was something of a shock but over with very quickly. The worst thing was burping like a building site full of post pub crawl men afterwards. I do wish medical staff warned us of that. Hope yours goes well.

[lclark7335]

I have had 3 unsedated endoscopies. I was fine. I just concentrated on relaxation and my breathing. They are not pleasant but not unbearable at all if you can focus on your breathing. Mine were over reasonably quickly, the staff were very supportive and I was able to go home afterwards and was my normal self. I don’t like the thought of sedation and not being aware/in control - so it’s best option for me. I did have the throat spray and swallowed the tube when asked. Was fine.

[Mauser1905]

Had had few endoscopies, all of then without sedation and with throat spray only.

I prefer to be out and about immediately after the procedure and do not like to hang in the ward for so much petty procedures. Each to their own, but I have good tolerance levels for pain and care about my being in control senses than sedation.

Now after ivor lewis surgery and 1.5 years almost, life is new normal.

Any day I would happily go for endoscopy without sedation, hist act as if swallowing water to ease endoscope in the oesophagus.

Good luck.