Gastroscopy without sedation

Well done and at least that's behind you Luckygirl. Hope result ok.

Sorry, Lucky I posted without reading your own post first. Well done and I’m glad it’s behind you. Fingers crossed for a good result.

How can no sedation with discomfort gagging and some hurt be no different to being asleep and knowing nothing Coolgran ? ?

Husband had two recently, both without. He likes to be brave, but he was quite adamant that it was ok. Go for it Lucky and keep hold of the image of your soon-to-be -pink hair ends. It might help to focus on something.

I had it without sedation last Oct. - it was difficult but I survived. The nurse held my hand and I nearly broke her fingers.
My Mum had one under full anaesthetic at age 85 and went into cardiac arrest. But they brought her back TG.

Well - I did it this morning and did not have sedation, but.......I was given 6 big gasps of entonox first which took me happily through the worst bit of the tube going past the throat, then the rest was fine. I did my labour breathing and imagined myself overlooking a Swiss lake - lovely.

OK to drive after 30 minutes, although my DD had taken me so she drove me home.

It meant I was OK to drive my OH to his hospital appointment at 12.

Are there no volunteer groups in your area who provide hospital transport?
My local hospital also has a shuttle bus which will pick you up and return you home.
There is a cost involved, you pay milage but it is so worth it.
Check with your GP surgery they will have details if there are such schemes in your area, or the local library

I've had it with and without. To be honest not much difference between them.
I'd say just pull up the big girl knickers and do it, honestly it's doable. You'll be fine. Especially as the staff are so supportive.

I was more concerned about having to take out my denture does the procedure

I had one with & one without. I preferred the one without! Lovely nurse held my hand as he talked about relaxing on a beach, listening to the waves gently rolling onto the sand! Never a wonderful experience but perfectly manageable.

Diversion tactics MM like giving a child a shiny coin to hold to prevent travel sickness.

I don't know if this would work with a gastroscopy where an endoscopy is being threaded down the throat and oesophagus.

When I was having some dental impressions taken and struggling not to gag with all the goo in my mouth and similarly having to bite on films for back teeth xrays, my dentist said to breath slowly throw my nose while flexing my toes towards me. I have no idea why this worked but it did.

I can’t do it without sedation had one up the nose and down the throat without and although I was assured it would not hurt at all with the spray, I nearly hit the ceiling then had one down my throat but opted for sedation and I definitely prefer not to know what’s goimg on and it’s a very light sedation I was back to normal immediately
I know I m a wimp

I have had quite a few gastroscopies and always had sedation, even with it the last one was traumatic.

Thanks Pitt and Lazi. I’m trying to feel reassured ??

I didn't have - wasn't offered sedation - but it was a while ago. I have a very strong gag reflex but if you just do as you're told and swallow when they tell you you should be ok. Once tube's down its fine. I'd rather have that than colonoscopy which I had recently without sedation which was screechingly painful, even with entonox.

Squiffy yes you do gag but the staff talk you through it and have seen it all before. I dribbled for England, no chance of throwing up though as you have an empty stomach.

I've had it twice without sedation and was able to drive home after my tea and biscuit. The third time I had it at the same time as a colonoscopy, so decided to be a wimp and had the sedation. A friend drove me and picked me up.
You should be OK, Lucky. Just do some relaxation exercises and breathing. It's better than a root canal job.

Totally agree Gaga, it is not something you would choose to do but perfectly possible and at least you can escape quick afterwards! As others have said if you have had a baby....

Those of you who managed without sedation, how did you stop yourselves from gagging? I’m terrible at that and even struggle with dental instruments! Does the throat spray prevent it?

I had it without sedation apart from the throat spray and a couple of puffs of gas and air. I would rather have this procedure than a root canal treatment!

It's a bit uncomfortable as you swallow the tube but they are skilled at doing it and it's very quick. Go for it - you will be glad you did afterwards.

I can also second it!!!It is not the most pleasant but then neither are any of these procedures .......but the plus of no sedation is the fact it is done and dusted in record time and apart from the unpleasant throat spray taste,you will be out and job done without any hardship.

Best of Luck.

I'll second that, Pitt!

I was persuaded to go without sedation as others waiting with me were being sedated and thus slowing the queue down. I was fine. Unpleasant but I felt fine straight away and only needed a few minutes to collect myself before being able to go home.
I believe that if you can give birth you can stand most medical procedures.

I am sure you will be glad you did it Luckygirl . I was. I believe that one has the attitude that these people are specialists who have done the procedure countless times and you hand yourself over to their expertise and relax. It is soon over and done with and a LOT easier than giving birth.

Thanks for feedback on your experiences and suggestions.

Appointments for gastroscopy are like gold dust round here and the consultant is very keen that I should have this soon, so delaying it is not really an option.

Same goes for OH's appointment.

We could look into a taxi, but we are talking about a long distance in a rural area between the two appointments - then a long distance home.I think it would cost over £100.

I will talk to my DD and see if she can help that day - but they are in their busy season and I know it will be very difficult.

I will contemplate the possibility of not having sedation.