Gastroscopy Advice

[LauraMk30]

Hey guys/girls

I'm having a Gastroscopy tomorrow at 11.30 @ QEBH

I'm so so anxious, I emailed my specialist requesting to be put under general Anaesthetic but due to the time frame it was denied.

So I was going to chicken out, but decided to go ahead despite my extreme anxiety. It's vital I get to the bottom of this acid reflux.

I've suffered with GERD for 13 years, been taking PPI lansoprazole for 2 years but recently new symptoms have surfaced, Im struggling with eating, I was vomiting each time I ate for a month, my intake now is tiny meals enough to feed a sparrow. I've been getting pain, gnawing, choking at night, bought a wedge pillow, to try & get some sleep but it's this burn in my throat that is bothersome. I've also had blood in my stool, my stools are orange, looks like pickle (sorry it's gross) my dentist has stopped all treatment to due to acid erosion, & I cannot lie for a long period of time due to chocking & unable to swallow properly.

I would like some advice on how to stay calm during the procedure?

Will the sedation work ?

I'm scared about my throat being numbed & how long will it take till I get the feeling back ?

I'm prone to panic attacks when I have to have things in my mouth/throat. That's why I go to a phobic dental surgery.

Also a fear of being sick..... which tomorrow is heightened my anxiety.

Any advice or guidance would be brilliant as I'm making myself feel worse by worrying.

Thank you in advance xxx

P.s The reason for my immense fear is because I had an endoscopy when I was younger & it was a terrible experience ! That's why am so fearful !!

[picturemaker]

I had a gastroscopy some years ago, similarly terrified! I had sedation and didn't feel a thing.

Hope it goes as well for you.

[LauraMk30 in reply to picturemaker]

Hey picturemaker, thank you for your message, I'm home now from hospital & I've written an update on how it went. I'm disappointed in myself but I tried 6 times to swallow just wouldn't go down. Xx