OGD (endoscopy) under general anaesthetic

ripplyuk

I'm scheduled for this in 2 weeks. They tried to do it under sedation but the drug (midazolam), had absolutely no effect. I was gagging so much and so terrified that they said they couldn't continue so now they're doing it under general anaesthetic.

Probably because of the last experience, I'm still really anxious about it. Has anyone had this done? I'm appreciate hearing any experiences.

I know they'll be using propofol so I will fall asleep but I keep worrying that they won't give me much and I'll wake up halfway through. I'm also seriously needle phobic. All other surgeries were done using the gas to get me asleep and then putting the needle in after. I don't know if they'll do that for this one as they might just see it as time consuming. Also, afterwards, will my stomach be really sore?

nonnatus

Aww, don't worry! I had the same experience.

First endoscopy was horrendous and I practically sent the nurse flying I was flailing around so much in panic! No result was obtained so I was re-scheduled.

On my return they read my notes and offered either GA or double Midazolam stuff. I chose the latter.

I remember the cannula in my hand and I remember the nurse putting the guard shield in my mouth. Next thing I knew I was waking up in post-op wondering when they were going to get started. Took them ages to convince me they had already done it!

Please try and relax. It's obviously important that they do this for you and they aren't trying to hurt you or make you uncomfortable. Just be honest with them so they can best help you.

Let us know how you get on?

x

ripplyuk

Thanks for such a lovely reply, nonnatus. It's good to hear you just woke up and it was over. I don't know how people get this done using just the throat spray. I tried my best but was gagging as soon as they put the mouthguard in.

Its a pity they couldn't just have given me some more sedative at the time but they said they are only allowed a small amount for a gastroscopy. I ended up in hospital with another stomach bleed and then they said they'd do it under general anaesthetic.

They have no chance of getting a cannula in my hand, though! I'll faint at the sight of it. They've told me to speak to the anaesthetist on the day to ask them to use gas induction. Hopefully, it all works out ok.

KxMx

God I had one done with just the throat spray and it was horrendous. A bad experience from the minute I got to the clinic (had to wait 2 hours over my appointment time and getting more and more anxious) from the time I finished (I had to get myself off the bed, walk to the recovery area alone and sit in a very hard chair). My throat killed for 2 days- so much for numbing!

Next time I had one (different Hospital) I went for the sedation. I was given a second dose quickly as the first didn't calm me enough. I did lay there and think "this is horrible" a couple times, but one million times better than the first. Where I was panicking and getting strong urges to claw at my throat to get the tube out! Before I went in I was made aware I would be awake but the drugs would take my anxiety away. It certainly did that and I was kind of dopey too. In the recovery area I discovered sitting up wasn't possible right away!

It also delayed the sore throat which was a bonus. And when it did hit in the evening (procedure early am I had an emergency slot as an in patient) it was fine by morning.

Good luck OP and let us know how you get on

ripplyuk

I'm prepared for a sore throat, especially when I saw the size of the endoscope. In the leaflet they sent me, it said the camera is smaller than your baby finger. Maybe I got an old fashioned type or something, but this was thicker than any large man's thumb! More like a garden hose.

They've told me I will be fully asleep this time since the sedation didn't work before. I just hope they aren't thrifty with the anaesthetic!

I'll write an update once I've had it done. I'd prefer to just get it over with now. I've been really anxious about it ever since the appointment letter arrived and the waiting is probably making it worse because I've had time to sit and worry about it.

I feel calmer about it knowing you both had a better experience 2nd time round.

Mighty_Atom

I have had this procedure done twice, both using the sedative. The first time, I came around and couldn't believe they had done the procedure, I remembered nothing! The second time, I think I must have come to just as they were finishing - I was aware of something in my throat, but HONESTLY, it was not unpleasant at all (no gagging) - just a little strange (similar to when you visit the dentist, not painful, but you are aware of equipment in your mouth, but hand on heart, it really wasn't a problem, in fact I have had much more uncomfortable fillings!), I would honestly have it done again tomorrow and wouldn't be worried at all. No sore throat either time, no after effects at all. One thing that made me get it into perspective - I am a mother of two children, over 50 and hopefully now have a mature attitude to life; my friend's daughter had the procedure when she was only 18; I just thought if she had the courage to go through with it, then I ought to!!

puppypants

I've had it done with just the throat spray, and whilst uncomfortable, it was bearable. I preferred that method to having to stay in for sedation etc to wear off1 x

Murphybear

I had one recently and had the choice of sedative or throat spray. I had the latter and it was not a pleasant experience. Fortunately it was over in a few minutes. I had a colonoscopy (the other end!) a few months earlier and this was a piece of cake by comparison.

Minnibix

Hi my sister has this done under the local anaesthetic and went right out, I thought I was having general anaesthetic and was awake all the time, it was not nice but bearable. I am terrified of needles but you can get some cream from the doctor (I think its called elna cream) which is a local anaesthetic so you should not feet the canula if you use the cream about 1 hour before you go. I think you can also get this type of cream from the chemist. Hope this helps and that all goes well for you

sexyshark

i had the sedation but woke up halfway through still don't know why

KxMx

sexyshark wrote: »

i had the sedation but woke up halfway through still don't know why

Unless you had a general anaesthetic then that's quite normal. "twilight" sedation affects everyone differently, ranging from wide awake, drowsy or conked out.

Mine during the upper made me more relaxed than anything else. I was wheeled back to the ward (I had it done as an inpatient) after 10 mins in recovery area because I was so alert.

It may be called sedation but unless a GA it's not 100% meant to send you to sleep.