Gastroscopy today - sedation or not?

I don't know about a gastroscopy without sedation, but I had an endoscopy without sedation because I had no one to drive me home and stay with me, and it wasn't a pleasant thing to go through. I suspect a gastroscopy might be worse.

Without .
It’s over in a matter of moments and in my experience they distract you the whole time .
I was in and out of the clinic in 22 minutes and driving my way home .

If that is the down the throat one I hve not had that but I know I would go for sedation as I have a terrible gag reflex.
I wouldn’t have sedation for exploration the other end…..

Yes this one is down the throat. I did ask the nurse who rang yesterday if either the local anaesthetic spray and/or sedation made the gag reflex less strong but she said neither of them do. The sedation would just make me more relaxed.
I’m torn. It’s literally a 5 min procedure but sedation means 12 hours of not doing very much at all

Gastroscopy/endoscopy are the same thing, endoscope is the name of the tool used.
I had mine with no sedation, just the throat spray, no problem and I was ‘with it’ to discuss the conclusion straight afterwards.

jaxjacky

Being able to discuss their findings is important and another reason why I want to try without sedation.
Luckily, I don’t have to make up my mind until I am there.

I had it without. Not pleasant and much gagging. Upside was that I was able to drive. I think Id probably opt for sedation if I had to go through it again!

They told me that the sedation has no effect on the gag reflex - it’s the same with or without.
They are expecting you to be nervous Flaxseed and will do everything to reassure you . The team who did mine were fantastic.
Good luck , and let us know how it goes.

My DH has had this a few times and he always opts for sedation. Just down to personal choice, staff are great and will look after you. Good luck.

Luckily, I don’t have to make up my mind until I am there

Actually you will have to make up your mind before you leave home as you will need a lift back if you decide on sedation once you're there.

I had it without and it was OK. It isn't pleasant but I'm quite a wuss and was OK. It's very quick.

Had it without. No problem.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sparklefizz
My DP will be taking me regardless. He offered as soon as I got my appointment

maybemaw
Luckily only nil by mouth for 6 hours for this end. DP has had colonoscopys and that bowel prep is evil isn’t it?!

Ignore my post! Brain fog, I was thinking of colonoscopy.

If I can do it anyone can - have it without sedation, it's over really quickly. Let us know how you get on and good luck.

Sedation all day long. I had an endoscopy with sedation and don't remember too much about it, thankfully. I didn't see any medals being given out for those having it done without sedation. Good luck.

Definitely with sedation. It is not so much sedation as a drug that wipes your memory so you remember nothing about it. Last one was fine. I had it some years ago and I still have nightmares about that big black tube approaching, the mouthpiece being inserted. And that was before they started, just that they didn't give the amnesia drug early enough!

Without. I’ve had 2 without.
It’s not so bad and as you say, you won’t have the after effects you mention.
Hope it goes OK.

All done. I opted for the local anaesthetic which was horrible and my nose and throat still feel itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s gradually wearing off.
It wasn’t a pleasant experience, but manageable, even for a wuss like me. The nurses were lovely, the endoscopist less so
He didn’t say anything to me after, just walked away and called over to the nurse, ‘Normal - discharge her’ !!
I had had to wait a long time as the person before me was apparently more complicated than they anticipated, so I think he just wanted me in and out quickly. I saw him afterwards scurrying towards the canteen so maybe he was ‘hangry’!

SEDATION. every time
It may have no effect on the gagging if you have a sedation but you don’t know anything about it
Big wuss me I would not have it without I had absolutely no after effects felt as fresh as a daisy and it was definitely the way for me I couldn’t do it without
I had the one up my nose without sedation and nearly hit the ceiling as it went up it hurt and was very unpleasant so wouldn’t even try the throat or bum without

Flaxseed

All done. I opted for the local anaesthetic which was horrible and my nose and throat still feel itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s gradually wearing off.
It wasn’t a pleasant experience, but manageable, even for a wuss like me. The nurses were lovely, the endoscopist less so
He didn’t say anything to me after, just walked away and called over to the nurse, ‘Normal - discharge her’ !!
I had had to wait a long time as the person before me was apparently more complicated than they anticipated, so I think he just wanted me in and out quickly. I saw him afterwards scurrying towards the canteen so maybe he was ‘hangry’!

Oh well done you !

Well done Flaxseed ?? I think you were unfortunate with the endoscopist, but hearing him say normal is good.