has anyone had an endoscopy with the sedative injection and what was it like? I am worried that my general anaesthetic won’t go ahead (I suffer with severe anxiety so don’t want to be awake for any part of it) and I’ll be aware of everything going on! 
my nausea and stomach pains have been getting more consistent and bad so I really don’t want just the numbing spray on my throat again! x
endoscopy query..: has anyone had an endoscopy... - IBS Network
endoscopy query..
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helen1992x
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Hi Helen, I was to have one too..but my anxiety disorder too severe (even being on meds for it,) that they did an upper GI barium instead. Is there anyway they could do that instead? What are you being tested for? Mine was for transit, and hiatal hernia..
Hi Eliana. Mine is for upper abdominal pain and nausea - the nausea is really bad especially with an empty stomach so I don’t want to be awake or aware of any part of it Whats an upper GI barium? Is that where you swallow the stuff? x
Yes. It's actually not that bad. But if I had nausea I probably would not want the swallow either. You can be under complete sedation with the endoscopy, and not just be numbed. I think, you just let the anesthesiologist know..
Yeah I think my nausea would be worse if I had to drink something that was unpleasant! I have to stick to foods I know well, boring stuff usually because anything new can trigger my symptoms (I suffered quite badly when we went abroad this May and ended up living off just bread and butter and lost 7 pounds :/) thanks so much for your advice - you always seem to comment on my posts and I really appreciate it 
x
You're welcome. I have developed an eating disorder and severe weight loss due to C. I can't put my body through any more. I can see all the damage the laxative use and less eating has done to my hair, face and body. I look like I have aged 20 years. It has spiraled out of control. I think I am getting the "you are too thin" comments" and concern from other residents, etc. I just called a treatment center and it took everything I had to reach out...some man answered, seemed like he genuinely wanted to help, even offered to pick me up, and take me to an inpatient assessment center since I don't have transportation, only to be called back by some snobby lady who wanted to just "give me referrals", (basically to get me off the phone and off her list) and have me some national toll free number. Will probably call it, but most of these treatment centers don't take Medicare. Wish me luck. Keep us posted on your upcoming outpatient procedure. ☺
I understand where you are coming from in regards to eating disorders (I suffered with anorexia badly when my symptoms flared up around 3 years ago) It's not pleasant when people feel they need to make comments about the way you look, as if it's any of their business! I will do (less than 24 hours and counting.. I don't think I'll sleep tonight!!) x
How did you recover? I could use some hope.bI saw something on the TV yesterday ( my visual day inside doing the good ole Senna yet again.)..when they showed a program about the survivors of the concentration camps of Hitler's Nazi Regime. Said that when the got there to rescue, they were horrified at what they saw, men crawling, too weak to walk. From long term starvation. All they had were limited good supplies and they handed one man a candy bar and he grabbed it like a wild animal and ended up chocking himself. Others died, as their digestive systems could no longer handle digestion. I am afraid that will happen to me..although I went through nothing that extreme, worry.
Hi Eliana. Something just clicked in me one day where I was like ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ and I engaged with my GP and what he wanted to do to help me, I sought out help, saw a counsellor who was really lovely, saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with bipolar affective disorder and put me on medication and I started improving from there onwards There is always hope, if you want to get better xx
Actually..I am getting an attorney..to talk about Malpractice. I found out what could be causing this severe weight loss. Turns out..maybe not the Senna-Lax as previously thought, but the Topamax. Topamax is used primarily for migraines, but is used "off label" for other things as well. She put me on it for "emotion regulation" for BPD. I remember a year ago, losing weight. It does cause a loss in appetite, I found out many people use it for this, but I was happy with the way I looked. I was horrified when I "googled" reputable web sites..that some people have developed anorexia because of this drug. I am at 100mg once a day. I tried to bring this concern to my Psychiatrist 3 months ago, after she expressed concern over my rapid weight loss, I asked her "could it be the Topamax?"..she said "all it does is suppresses your appetite, I don't think you are eating well..well duh! She didn't even care or take me off of it, telling me to eat 6 small meals a day instead. She and all staff at agency watched me waste away. I am furious. I'm suiing.
Good luck to you both. I do hope you both get things sorted out. I do feel for you.
I feel for all of us, Penny. We are all stuggling and coping with IBS, from where is, no cure.
I know i suffered for years with IBS. Thinking I was in a very Alone in a small minority. This support group is great. It makes you realise just how many people are going through the same. We must disguise it well out there in the real world.
Hi Helen
I've just had a similar camera test , sigmoidoscopy with sedation and it went really well. I wasn't aware of anything . It's also a quick injection in your arm and you hardly know it happens!. Do the medical team know you have severe anxiety?. I'm sure if they do they will be extra caring and kind to you. It's tough isn't it when we have to go thru these things. Good luck and do let us know your resukts. Hope you get good help with your symptoms. X
P.s I'm a Helen too.
Hi Helen! (I haven’t met many Helens!) Ah that’s relieving to hear My GP did write in the letter referring me for the examination, that I have anxiety and would prefer general anaesthetic. I take mirtazapine 45mg for it as it can be so bad it’ll give me panic attacks if something stressful is happening in my life. Thank you so much how did the sedation feel? x
Hi Helen
The sedation just relaxed me and I was unaware of the test. I did feel quite sleepy afterwards. Luckily the test didn't take long. I'm glad your GP wrote to them explaining what you wanted!. I'm sorry you suffer so badly with anxiety and hope you get help with your symptoms. It must affect your life badly too!. I hope your having it soon as waiting with it hanging over isn't nice!. Fingers crossed for you that it goes well. X Helen
Can I ask if sedation makes u feel nauseous before it afternplease
Hi purple woman. I was lucky and sedation didn't make me nauseous. We're all different admittedly and my test was different to an endoscopy and took a shorter time!. Good luck for your test and resukts. X
I’ve had mine and was down for sedation as severe anxiety makes me sick
He couldn’t find a vein so had to just have spray
I just wondered for future reference
I had an upper endoscopy. The numbing spray in your throat makes the entry painless. I even had a choice of flavors and picked banana. The rest of it was completely, totally painless and I was able to watch it on a monitor. The inside of the stomach is amazing. I was very anxious beforehand, but want to emphasize it is NOT painful or uncomfortable in any way.
Hi B1b1b1 - I have had one previously and just had the numbing spray but it made me feel like my throat was swelling and I started to panic and I retched when the camera was put down and I was like 'No I really don't want this!' and they pinned my arms down while I cried it was just horrible! I am having this one done at a different hospital so I am hoping for a better experience but I just have severe anxiety about it all x
That was a terrible experience. I also have a lot of anxiety about this, but mine is a fear of anesthesia. I think this one will go better, but make sure to explain to them how anxious you are and what happened last time. xx
I have had an upper GI endoscopy with and without sedation - the one with sedation was fine and I would opt for sedation again. I didn’t feel a thing and was pleasantly relaxed afterwards. You need to stay longer though so they can monitor you afterwards and you have to have someone with you to take you home.
Hi Beezwax - thank you did the sedation make you feel nauseous at all? Thankfully my boyfriend and my mum are coming with me x
No, the sedation didn’t make me nauseous at all. I was pleasantly woozy. But I think different hospitals use different drugs for sedation.
Good luck. Hope it goes well.
Thank you xx
I’ve had this done under sedation and it’s fine. I was incredibly anxious but once the sedative was in I was completely relaxed and felt no anxiety. It’s weird because you’re not asleep so you think you’ll feel out of control or something but you don’t. it’s like you can hear what’s going on but you’re not really aware of it! Then I just remember coming round from it in a side room. I do remember being so sore the next day like I’d done a massive workout. It only lasted a day. Not sure if it was from balking quite badly cause I can’t remember what happened during it!!. Good luck it will be fine. 👍🏼
Hi C2691 - thank you that doesn't sound too bad actually! I am so nervous!! I am hoping it feels like a general because that always makes me feel really relaxed and drowsy before I actually go under, like drinking a bottle of wine! Thank you x
It really is. Like I said the worst part for me was being sore the next day! I worry about all things like this but if they told me I had to have one right now I would be absolutely fine to do so. Just tell them you’re nervous, don’t try and pretend like you’re not and they will look after you!! 😊 it will be over before you know it!! It’s better than general too because it wears off so fast once they’re done and you’re back to normal straight away with out the groggy nauseous feeling of general. X
Ah okay, I don't feel so bad about it now, thank you! I just hope I have as nice people doing mine, as you had. I have to admit, my anxiety now is a lot worse than what it was when I had it done 4 years ago so I am a lot more anxious about it all. Ah that's good. I don't tend to get nauseous from general but I can't pee afterwards! It takes a good 12 hours from me waking up from it, to be able to pee so it'll be nice not having to go through that again! x
Omg I’m the same! I don’t get nauseous either really but I’m the same with not being able to go the loo! 🤦🏼♀️ nightmare lol x
I didn't think many people got like it! I remember the last time I came round at 3:30pm and I didn't go to the loo until about 4am (I lied to the nurses and told them I had, so they didn't keep me in or put a catheter in!) x
Yes had endoscopy with sedation but I was still aware and conscious so didn’t work for me! You need to tell the GP/consultant as I think they can give u bit more sedation but I’ve had 2 and both times unfortunately still aware of it but u do forget... I think best to ask for an alternative...
Hi Fergie53 - thanks for your reply! Ah okay, do they give it a little bit of time to work? I really just want to be so out of it, I don't even really notice the retch I had as the tube went down (I had it done 4 years ago with just the numbing spray and it was horrible, I was in tears with my hands pinned down to stop me pulling the tube out because I just felt sick and in pain ) x
I've got colonoscopy and endoscopy booked for 7th August and like you I'm very anxious about it. I told the consultant I was anxious and he said they will sedate me but when my husband asked about a general he said it's more dangerous to give a general as then there's no feedback from patient though that may have been more for the colonoscopy. I have a phobia of vomiting and think I'll retch when the tube goes down so just going to make clear when I get there how nervous I am - will probably be very obvious though lol! I'm also not looking forward to being completely empty - I tend to feel very ill then... Good luck!
Hi Jnmmum - I feel exactly the same! I tend to feel worse when I am empty and my appointment isn't until 1:45pm so I will be starving by then and probably feel more sick are you having both done at the same time? My GP did put in my referral that I would prefer general, just because I was in such a state last time. What symptoms have you been getting, like IBS cramps and nausea? x
in reply to helen1992x
Hi, yes both at same time! Plus I'm having an MRI of the bowel a couple of weeks before. I was diagnosed with IBS over 25 years ago basically via a sigmoidoscopy showed nothing untoward, not did blood or stool samples. I was never happy with this diagnosis as I didn't feel I fitted into the IBS profile: I am often woken at night for a bowel movement, it is always IBS-d and I don't really get bloated or that much pain. It was always just very urgent diarrhoea, every day, multiple times! Last year I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and there is a direct link proven between AS and inflammatory bowel disease. I was put on naproxen with omeprazole as first line of treatment which I refused to take for 3 months as no way did I want my bowel problems to worsen! Eventually I had to take the pills and weirdly they stopped my IBS overnight. Was referred to gastro and he cannot explain it at all, and because of the AS diagnosis I am suddenly taken much more seriously which is a refreshing change after 25 years of being told it was all in my head! I am due to start biologic therapy for the AS next week with the aim of coming off the naproxen and I really don't want those symptoms back! We are able to actually go out whereas before I found this difficult as not only did I have diarrhoea to contend with but the accompany fatigue and general feeling unwell. How much of that was due to AS and how much to bowel who knows?! When I was told I had to have it done, of course I was expecting it but it was my worst nightmare! I have been dissolving into tears on a regular basis since I was told the wuss that I am!! But I keep telling myself it's the only way to find out once and for all what is happening inside and find a way to control the symptoms. I don't know if I have an am or pm appt yet. Kind of hoping for pm as looks like the 2 doses of movicol are much more spaced out as no idea how I'm going to get 2 litres of that plus another litre of water in me! I'm trying to up my fluid intake from now in an effort to make it easier
helen1992x in reply to
Oh god, that's awful! It kind of puts into perspective how minor everything I am going through, compared to something like this! Ah are you having the moviprep for your colonoscopy? I thankfully just had an enema (which was unpleasant enough in itself!) Movicol can make me feel so nauseous if I take more than 1 sachet more than 7 days in a row! I am not 100% convinced mine is IBS either.. I had a tapeworm when I was younger and since then, everything has always been a bit strange! I really hope your hospital stay goes well, you'll have to let us know how you get on! xx
in reply to helen1992x
Yes meant moviprep! I'm hoping it will be a nicer experience in the hospital as it is at a private hospital. When I made my nhs appt the private one was the only one that let me book an appointment on the online booker and now I will have all my tests there too. Environment much nicer there than at our local hospital! What date is yours? Let me know how it went! Xx
Hi Helen. I appreciate your anxiety and although I've had this procedure carried out 28 times the thought of it doesn't get any easier!Although I've had it done under general, sedative and throat spray only I stick to the latter these days and throw in 'mind over matter.' ( Easier said than done!) That works for me and I am a very anxious individual. It isn't very nice but it is only about 5 - 10 minutes of minimal discomfort to reassure you that all is well and to avoid quite vile complications down the line from which there may be no cure! Be brave and you will be fine. Good Luck! Ashley
28 times?! Bloody hell! (excuse the language!) why so many times?? I'm here thinking twice is bad enough! Thank you xx
I've had a couple endoscopies. Piece of cake. They give you a shot & you dont feel a thing. It doesnt take long either. Besides gerd, ibs, etc., I have Barretts Esophagus so we have to do an endo every year. It goes very smoothly & theres nothing you have to worry about. They put an iv in your hand, wheel you into a room, lay you on your side and you have a small apparatus put in your mouth to keep it open for the scope. Usually the doctors and nurses are really nice & before you know it you are in la la land, quick nap, and then you wake up. Piece of cake.
Hi Sleepycat49 - thank you so the sedative injection can actually make you go to sleep, rather than just make you really sleepy? I am hoping I go to sleep from it or at least be so out of it, I won't even know they're doing it! x
Yes, for sure the iv sedative put me right out. It was like I took a quick nap. They ask you your weight so they know how much to give. There is an anesthesiologist right there, so you can tell him you want to be asleep. He will accomodate you. You'll be fine...
Thank you so much that makes me feel a bit better x
Hi Helen. I had the sedative injection and it was ok. There was some discomfort in my stomach as the tube camera went through. It wasn't bad pain and didn't last long. I didn't watch on screen and a nurse held my hand throughout. Remember your stomach will be empty so you don't need to be frightened of 'accidents'. You will pass wind, at least I did but you are warned to expect that. The stuff they give you to empty your bowels isn't pleasant but the whole procedure is over quickly and you are sitting in bed with tea and toast before you know it.
Hi Lucylily - did you have to have something to empty your bowels before an endoscopy as well?! I had an enema when I had my colonoscopy and I remember it was really horrible cramps like diarrhoea and she told me to hold it in for 2 minutes and I barely lasted 30 seconds haha thank you x
I took moviprep to empty the system completely at home the evening before the procedure. Not pleasant but not dreadful.
Hi helen1992x I just had this last week! I too suffer from anxiety, this quick, painless and I woke up and was alert within 15 minutes. The procedure is done quickly so you will not be out for long.
I opted for general too since I also had the same bad experience of being awake for numbing spray and procedure in the past it was horrifying! Do not worry this the best way to go, you will have a lovely sleep and it will be done! Good luck xx
I want to clarify I opted for being put out NOT simple sedation, much stronger
Hi Mkimber1 - where did you have your endoscopy done, if you don't mind me asking? I am hoping because I am under a different hospital now, as I moved house, they may be a bit more sympathetic towards my anxieties than the previous hospital. I am just scared stiff about it all! xx
I had an endoscopy with sedation and it was absolutely fine I had no recollection of it at all whenI came to.A cup of tea and toast later I was off home ( obviously couldn't drive) was given a rough idea of results but polyps sent off for analysis.Really don't worry you'll be fine I wouldn't do it with just the spray rather not know what's going on !
Hi Judym - I am exactly the same! I didn't want to watch on the tv when I had my endoscopy 4 years ago, or even when I had my colonoscopy. I just laid there and cried through both of them so I really do not want to be awake and know what's going on! x
Hi Helen, I recently had the sedation in my arm, and they sprayed my throat, and told me to keep swallowing, and it will feel like ive got a lump in my throat, which it did. But the lovely man said "just remember mind over matter" and "you'll always be able to breathe", so i kept calm and thought what he said, i then went in the room to have the endoscopy, heard a lot of talking, then nothing. I won't lie, when they were taking the tube out, i felt i was asleep and i was wreaching in my sleep, but it sounds weird, but it was quite ok, as i felt i was dreaming, and it was very mild , next thing i remember was being in a bed with a cup of tea and toast, which was the best toast id ever had !!!! Youll be fine, im a nervous wreck when i have to have anything done, but honestly its such a quick procedure, and its done. Stay calm, you know youll be able to breathe, and its better to have it done , than leave it. x
Given a choice I opted for being out for procedure..easy, peasant! Woke up immediately after. No side effects at all. Just told to take it easy that day...good luck ☺️
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