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Endoscopy How Unpleasant Is It

(19 Posts)
Anniel Mon 26-Feb-24 15:30:09

Due to my gastric bleed. I have had nothing to eat or drink since 11pm last night. The endoscopy is at 1.30pm this afternoon. I believe they will sedate me and I will have three people with me to get me to the hospital. I am quite scared as I have never had an endoscopy before so can anyone reassure me?

PuddyCat Mon 26-Feb-24 15:34:14

It's not pleasant but, as it's a necessary medical procedure, it's best just to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. The alternative to not having it done are potentially worse.

Oreo Mon 26-Feb-24 15:35:22

Have you got the date right?
You made this comment at 3.30 today.

Ilovecheese Mon 26-Feb-24 15:36:38

Not as bad as you might imagine. I envisaged something much bigger before I went for mine, but it is quite a narrow tube. The nurse held my hand throughout the procedure which must have been about 10 minutes (but obviously felt longer). What I think might have made it better is if they had placed the screen so that I could see what was going on as well, but perhaps that is not possible. I was a bit emotional afterwards with relief so don't beat yourself up if you shed a few tears. All the best.

Labradora Mon 26-Feb-24 16:56:07

Hi Anniel,

I had an Endoscopy last year. They knocked me out. I didn't feel a thing. I didn't remember a thing afterwards. I had no after-effects whatsover, no sore throat or anything like that.
That was my experience.
We all worry when something unknown happens particularly hospital procedures that open up the possibility that we might need treatment.
Don't worry about the procedure itself. You will be fine.
Nine times out of Ten any medical problems found are treatable.
Try not to worry.
Best of Luck

BlueBelle Mon 26-Feb-24 16:57:52

If you are sedated it’s a doddle you ll know and feel nothing I wouldn’t have it without sedation I tried but couldn’t manage it second time round with sedation it was nothing

Louella12 Mon 26-Feb-24 17:06:10

Total breeze

Sparklefizz Mon 26-Feb-24 17:06:24

It's an easy procedure if you're sedated.

I couldn't be sedated because I had no one to drive me home afterwards, consequently I had some numbing stuff sprayed on my throat but had to be awake for the process and it wasn't great, but bearable.

It will soon be over and you won't remember a thing. You're very lucky to have 3 people to go with you.

annsixty Mon 26-Feb-24 17:14:56

I just had the numbing spray and no it certainly wasn't a total breeze.
However it was necessary and didn't take too long.
Try not to worry too much or you will tense up and make it more difficult.

Oldbat1 Mon 26-Feb-24 17:19:48

Dh just opts for spray. Years ago he had it then drove himself immediately to do a parents evening! There is no way i could be awake. Hope all goes well for you.

Luckygirl3 Mon 26-Feb-24 17:25:28

They give everyone the spray, and also sedation if you choose this.

Last time I had it done the hospital was trialling the use of entonox and asked if I would like to give that a go, as it would mean I could drive home afterwards. I had 5 deep gasps of the entonox and then the procedure went ahead. It was as good as the sedation I had before.

pascal30 Mon 26-Feb-24 17:28:32

I had it with just the spray and wouldn't have another one without sedation...

MissAdventure Mon 26-Feb-24 17:33:24

I've had it with sedation, and with just the spray.

I wouldn't say either was a breeze.

Trying to be sedated is like asking for the moon, I've found.

MissAdventure Mon 26-Feb-24 17:34:17

I didn't feel anywhere near sedated as I'd have liked to be.

BlueBelle Mon 26-Feb-24 18:27:34

The sedation was fine knew nothing about it and came round as perky as a spring chicken They said I d been talking don’t know how with that thing down my throat
I couldn’t tolerate it without sedation

MissAdventure Mon 26-Feb-24 18:30:38

When I had sedation in a private clinic, I woke up and it was done.
At the hospital, I was saying "Hello... hello!!! I don't feel very sedated... excuse me... but...."
Then it began and I was awake throughout.

Sillyoldbird Mon 26-Feb-24 18:32:04

I had it without sedation a few years ago. It was unpleasant but bearable. There was no pain, but it just felt a bit brutal, though very quick, thank goodness.

The staff were brilliant and very supportive and reassuring which helped me to relax

If I had to have another, I would opt for the sedation. People I have spoken to who have had sedation say they can’t even remember the procedure.

Good luck with yours, I hope it goes well.

MissAdventure Mon 26-Feb-24 18:38:44

I think I'm going to be due one, soon(ish)

BlueBelle Mon 26-Feb-24 18:52:32

Yes sillyoldbird I had no knowledge of it happening