Endoscopy

I'm a bit worried because when I retch (wretch?) I tend to erm.... dribble a bit.

You keep your own clothes on. They don't go near the knickers end.

If it’s a gastroscopy there aren’t any knicker arrangements that I’m aware of.

I'm just being a drama queen.
I'm sure I'll be fine, but can I please ask about "knicker arrangements"?

The doctor told me it was far safer in the long run not to have sedation than to have to wait around for an hour or so afterwards in a recovery room full of coughers and splutterers. It is a high risk procedure for picking up germs. Covid.
It is highly unlikely you will die while you're having it done MissAdventure.

nexus63
I can't drive before the sedative, so no change there.
Nobody else is allowed into the unit to wait, so I'm reliant on good will from people. (Or a 10 mile taxi fare!)
I have phoned the unit, and reception says they simply do not offer sedation, and to get in touch with "my consultant" (whoever that is) if there is a reason why I must be sedated.
Is cowardice a good reason?

I’ve had three gastroscope without sedation. Not a great experience but they last just a few minutes whereas if you have sedation you have to be monitored for a while after coming round. Also sedation doesn’t suit everyone, it can make some people feel nauseous on and off for months afterwards. Relax and try to think of some pleasant memory of having a good time.

i have had several over the last few years for cancer, i always got the sedative for endoscopy and for the colonoscopy, it can be hard to stay still without the sedative and if you are nervous/anxious then get it. you will not be able to drive after the sedative so take someone with you.

Sorry, I accidentally posted like that ?

Astroller70

I’ve had both experiences
Sedation every time

MissAdventure I know I’ve already posted, but honestly, I have health anxiety and it was absolutely fine, promise xx

I’ve had both experiences
Sedation every time

As long as I don't die while I'm having it done.

Good luck MissAdventure can't deny it's not very nice but I once said I would die before having it done and I've had it done twice now. The staff at the hospital were brilliant, a lovely nurse stroked my head like a baby and just kept reminding me to breathe through my nose, the second one was literally in and out I would have regretted having sedation.

I think the problem is not extra work for staff during the procedure, with or without sedation, but the fact that with sedation the person has to be monitored afterwards for an hour or so. The type of medication can cause blood pressure to drop, so you're hooked up to a a BP monitor for a while. They need beds and staff to monitor those who have been sedated, and they may not be available.
Can't comment on what it's like without sedation as I opted to be sedated - my GP told me he had it without sedation as he had to be back at work in afternoon.

Well, that's knocked the wind out of me sails!
I have heard of people having an awful time, though.
I'm just praying I'm not one of them.

Blow that! I always ask for sedation and unless there is a specific reason why you can't have it, it will be given.
The last time I was told that I could have the sedation plus the throat spray (NB it tastes revolting but at least you don't gag as the endoscope is withdrawn).
I also found that as soon as they put the gag across your mouth, if you close your eyes it's easier!

I had one without sedation and sorry to say this, but it was horrific. There's no way I would have another without sedation. I've had a sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy and would rather go through those again.

Thank you all.
I shall report back.

I had throat spray no problem s took one big gulp and tube was down . Good luck .

‘Petrified’ is the normal way to feel before a medical procedure. Honestly it really isn’t that bad, and I am the biggest coward around when it comes to hospitals and doctors. I couldn’t have sedation because of an existing condition, can’t remember which one. Just remember to breathe through your nose

MissA lots of positive experiences on here. Please come back and let us know what’s better, with or without!

Cesearian?
Caesar......
I don't know how to spell it.
That's annoying, because I used to.

I had a cesarean!!
Just the one, and said "never again!"

You have given birth ……you can do anything! It’s not that bad!

I would not have it without sedation myself.
The procedure was unable to be completed on the unsedated patient before me and she left having to arrange another appointment.