Anyone had a Gastroscopy

Bunny

I'm having one on wednesday due to gastritis, :eek: just wondered if anyone could share their experience? PM me if you feel better doing that.
Thanks in advance

crocodileteeth

Went for one of Monday.
You get the choice of Throat spray or anesthetic. (It doesn't knock you out, just makes you a bit dreamy). Anyway I chose the throat spray because i didn't want to feel groggy afterwards. The throat spray worked really quickly.

It was quite quick. I had a biopsy at the same time. (12 samples from various places) so if it is just the camera it should be even quicker. I have to say it wasn't a pleasant experience but I just sort of zoned out and thought about beaches & things. It was a little uncomfortable but not really painful. The nurses were great and talk you through it the whole way.

I would say it is 100% better than having to be cut open and it really does take just a few minutes. Hope you are OK on Wednesday.

sillyvixen

personally i would choose sedation if offered. it wont put you out but will make you alot less aware of what is happening and will make the proceedure seem quicker. only downfall is you will have to wait longer before going home.

all the best for wednesday - let us know how you get on

jaybee

I had one a few years ago (about 5, I think). It was okay. I opted for the sedation option, but really didn't feel any different?! Had a bit of a problem (for me, anyway, 'cos I hate it) with retching while it was being done. But, hey, I survived, and it's only a few seconds out of your life. It's all a distant memory now.

Hope all goes well for you. Do let us know how you get on.

Bonaventure_babes

Hi Bunny

Go for the sedation

I had this done and have no memory of the procedure at all.

Had to bring someone with me to drive me home and then had a sofa evening...bliss:D

**woody123**

I've had 6 endoscopys in total..

5 with sedation and one with the throat spray....

I would recommend throat spray though as with sedation you ARE aware of what is going is on and only feel sleepy afterwards... Its entirely up to you but with the throat spray you get your results and can leave straight away and with the sedation you are left on a bed in a waiting area for about 20 minutes and have to wait for a porter to wheel you to exit doors of the hospital..

Having sedation though especially being as young as i am does make you feel like a bit of wimp..

the throat spray makes your throat feel strange alot for a few hours after but about 36hrs later you are back to normal..

Good luck and just relax its over in about 5 minutes depending on what they find and need to do..

Bonaventure_babes

I didn't have to wait for a porter to wheel me out...I was allowed to stagger away once i was awake. I did get to talk to the consultant before i left...well i mean he talked to me and i just grinned back at him because i was so glad it was all over

I really wouldn't worry if i had to go back for another one...and i'm the worst patient in history;)

frostyspice

I've had quite a few done... can't remember any though, as I had total retroactive amnesia with the sedative - apparently I responded to commands to open mouth, swallow, etc, but can't remember a thing about any of them.

Unfortunately I can remember rather a lot about other medical procedures, but let's not go there...

anewman

I can understand the apprehension. I felt the same before I had one. I had the anaesthetic and some sort of throat spray and although it wasn't pleasant when the tube went in and came out, it wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be. There's nowt to worry about

Bunny

Thank you for your messages, I am reassured that none of you have said it was terrible.
I suppose you just get nervous when you've never had it done before.
Thankyou all again xxx

**woody123**

Best wishes Bunny and do tell us how you get on..