Gastroscopy and endoscopy

choccyface2006

I have having both these procedures on Wednesday. I am not too bothered about the endoscopy but the gastroscopy bothers me as I just knew its going to be uncomfortable and I will gag.

Is it too optimistic to think I can have them done without sedation? I don't have anyone to bring me home so I plan to go without.

Thanks

Sarah x

frugalsar

Hi there,
I worked on an endoscopy department for a while and I found that a lot of people were able to manage without sedation, the gagging reflex usually happens as it first goes down and coming back up (they do spray your throat to numb it first so it doesn't hurt) It usually depends how calm you are and if you panic, gagging does not stop the camera going down it just feels uncomfortable for you.
If you do have sedation you will have to have some one to take you home and you can't drive or be left in charge of children for 24 hours.
Also, there are two types of endoscopy for down below, a colonoscopy goes all the way around your large bowel and a flexible sigmoidoscopy just goes into your sigmoid colon (not very far up) the colonoscopy can be a bit uncomfortable as they have to blow your bowel up a little with air so they can get a clear view. This can cause bloating and wind afterwards. The nursing staff in the endoscopy room will help to keep you calm and the main thing to remember is that you can still breathe perfectly well with the camera down!
Hope everything goes ok for you, a lot of patients come out saying it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be!
good luck x

John_3:16

I had an endoscopy 2 months ago I elected for the sedation. I think I am glad I did, you don,t remember much about it. Could you not get a taxi home? Ifelt fine afterwards able to walk ok. No stumbling. They do make you lie down for an hour. Throat was soar afterwards but it was also soar before!!

Starrystarrynight

If at all possible, I'd recommend to have the sedation. I had this done earlier this year and, sorry, but it was awful! The doctor didn't help. He was really impatient, telling me not to gag and being very short with me. It only lasts a few minutes, but was one of the worst experiences of my life. I know not everyone has a horrible experience, but I really wish I'd had the sedation.
I hope things go well for you and you can then get the appropriate treatment for you.

Pennylane

I'd also go for the sedation Sarah. I know loads of people who've had this procedure and they are all glad they had sedation.

Isn't there anyone who can go with you? Ask around. Best of luck.

lilac_lady

I have PM'd you. Good luck.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Another vote for sedation. I also needed the gas & air because I found the "down below" procedure to be very uncomfortable.

The sedation does wear off quite quickly to be honest with no unusual side effects.

dogcat_2

Hi...Im also due to have both....have had the camera 'up' before without sedation...no probs for me. I have Ulcerative Colitis..they want to do this again...as he said the last one wasn't a full one...only part. The one down your throat Im having second thoughts about...I think I'll decide not to have that one...really don't like the thought of it ...even with sedation.:eek: Hope all goes well for you...whatever you decide.

pinkpig08

I've had both before (I have Crohn's Disease) and if I had to have them again I would definitely have sedation. Although I have to say the prep was probably the worst part for me

delain

I had one recently without sedation as the car had broken and OH wasn't able to come and get me. Never again. Have the sedation. I did try and get them to let me have it anyway (I mean I've been out and about in worse states, haven't we all ) but they said no.

choccyface2006

Thank you all very much for the advice. Having read all your comments I have asked my dad to bring me home so I am going to take the sedation if its offered tomorrow, even though I was determined to be brave it would be silly to make the procedures worse than they have to be.

Sarah x