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Gastroscopy today - sedation or not?

(40 Posts)
Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 09:12:58

Just that really!

I want to try without as I would like to be able to drive this afternoon, and also not feel groggy for the rest of the day.
However, I am a bit of a wuss grin so am thinking I would be better being more relaxed.
Please share your experiences thanks

Pittcity Wed 03-Nov-21 11:22:26

It's horrible but bearable without sedation and soon forgotten.
My mantra is that if I can give birth I can do anything!!!

Atqui Wed 03-Nov-21 09:45:40

GagaJo Definitely a case for sedation. I’m presuming and hoping your cancer was cured .

GagaJo Tue 02-Nov-21 23:23:27

Atqui, I share that problem. MY MRI scan was in turns claustrophobic and ludicrous. I had one when I had breast cancer and without exaggeration, I had to tape a cod liver oil capsule over each nipple, before going in AND had to dangle my boobs through a frame with two boob sized holes so they were swinging free. And then put headphones on and listened to a favourite album of mine. All while having a dye injected through a canula in the middle of the MRI which made me feel like I'd peed myself.

At least the ridiculous elements stopped me from freaking out in the middle of the scan. Hard to take yourself seriously when you've got your naked boobs swinging, with capsules taped to them.

Atqui Tue 02-Nov-21 17:00:39

I am also claustrophobic so had sedation for an MRI scan , having freaked out the first time, if anyone is having one of those!

Atqui Tue 02-Nov-21 16:58:30

You are a braver woman than I am Flaxseed. I’ve had one with and the second without. I wouldn’t do it again without sedation, which gave me no after effects.

Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 16:47:18

Good luck lucca!

Lucca Tue 02-Nov-21 16:01:55

Weirdly and annoyingly I’ve just been told I have to have an endoscopy ……..what I thought were pains related to diverticula disease apparently are not and I need further investigation. Hey ho.
I shall go for sedation!!

Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 15:38:30

Elless I’m not actually sure grin, I had to have local up my nose, but he then realised it was impossible to use that route due to a deviated septum, (despite me warning him of this) so I then had some down my throat too. I’m not sure if it was the double whammy of local, but I only now feel that it’s totally worn off. It’s felt so uncomfortable that I haven’t been able to do much at all. The effects of the sedation probably would have lasted the same amount of time!
However, it did mean I was aware of what he was seeing on the screen, and could walk in a straight line immediately afterwards smile
The endoscopist obviously wanted me out of there ASAP so at least I could oblige wink
I honestly don’t know what I would do should I ever have to have another endoscopy!

humptydumpty Good luck to your DD. I can understand her wanting sedation for both ends!

crazyH Tue 02-Nov-21 15:34:18

Glad all is well with you Flaxseed. humptydumpty, Hope your daughter’s procedures go well tomorrow x

Elless Tue 02-Nov-21 15:12:07

Well done Flaxseed, are you glad you didn't have sedation?

humptydumpty Tue 02-Nov-21 14:51:52

DD having one tomorrow (both ends) and was v anxious so being given benzos and fentanyl. About to embark on clearing out her colon which sounds worse to me though I gag easily too.

Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 14:49:35

Thanks all. It’s a relief it’s done and all normal although I’m left wondering why I get such awful reflux/indigestion. I wasn’t going to ask the endoscopist anything though grin.
I’ve eaten now (had to wait for the local anaesthetic to wear off) so am feeling more human smile

Germanshepherdsmum Tue 02-Nov-21 14:39:52

Well done flaxseed. Glad all’s well. Not nice to have things like that hanging over you. I bet you feel better now it’s all over!?

MissAdventure Tue 02-Nov-21 14:32:05

You're a brave woman, flaxseed.
Well done!

For me, I didnt feel anywhere near sedated as much as I wanted to be.

Jaxjacky Tue 02-Nov-21 14:25:42

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

Lucca Tue 02-Nov-21 14:25:04

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 hmm
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 !

BlueBelle Tue 02-Nov-21 13:59:57

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 Tue 02-Nov-21 13:57:19

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 hmm
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’!

Mollygo Tue 02-Nov-21 13:51:47

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.

B9exchange Tue 02-Nov-21 13:03:50

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!

Sarnia Tue 02-Nov-21 12:56:16

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.

Elless Tue 02-Nov-21 11:57:35

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.

MayBeMaw Tue 02-Nov-21 10:03:21

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

Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 10:03:07

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?!

Flaxseed Tue 02-Nov-21 10:00:54

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