Endoscopy Without Sedation

[cazzz1975]

I'm having an endoscopy next week, I'm hoping to do it without sedation, has anyone had an endoscopy without sedation and how did it go? my only worry is I will suddenly panic and try to rip the scope out of my throat during the procedure. any advice?

[Mosaic]

If that is worrying you, why not have the sedation?

[Samuraisan]

Don't be a martyr, get sedated.

[cazzz1975]

I won't have anyone to take me home or keep an eye on me following it.

[sandyRoe]

When I had a device inserted to inspect my bladder a nurse held my hands very firmly.

[Elina]

It's an individual experience cazzz, everyone handles it differently. Yes I've had the procedure without sedation. The hardest bit is getting it just past the throat bit, from there on it's just having to take the odd swallow .. as your swallow reflex kicks in x

[Peter Pedant]

why ?

have you had lots of endoscopies ?

I had colonscopies no 2 and 3 w/o sedation ( coz I was driving and had the dog in the car ). Bronchoscopy local anaesthetic only -
but gastroscopy only if you are a sword swallower or have a name like Linda Lovelace...

[EcclesCake]

I was automatically given sedation as I was an inpatient.

With hindsight I would happily accept the throat spray if I was in similar circumstances to you.

[Pete65]

I have had it without sedation, because I was on my own. No problem at all.
Nurse held my hand which was a nice bonus!

[Fusion5]

Are you having problems since your gallbladder removal Cazzz, hope you don't mind me asking.

[balmain]

Dear Cazza1975
Have no fear. If no sedation you will have the same 'Laughing gas' (Nitrous Oxide) that mothers delivering a child can take as an analgesic to relieve pain. You hold it to your face and press the button to release the gas and breathe in as much as you require - and you're in Happy Land.
However, the standard is to sedate and you will need to persuade the surgeon that you can cope with the gas alternative. The advantage of gas is that you are out and about very quickly after the 'scope and can drive a car. Sedate and you will need a recovery time and someone to drive you home.
BUT, do not worry about a discomfort of the endoscopy -you will just be aware of 'something going on' at the rear and there is no pain as such - just an odd feeling!
I'm over 80 and had it done six months ago and walked away a very happy bunny. So just go with the flow and hopefully you'll have a Clean Run. Best of luck.

[Peter Pedant]

// -you will just be aware of 'something going on' at the rear and there is no pain as such - just an odd feeling! //

top or bottom ?

I think from cazz' script that it is top....

[rockyracoon]

I had the sedation as I was terrified, if I have to do it again I'll think I'll go for the throat spray. The sedation wore off too quickly and I gagged very badly, where as the throat spray may last longer.

Good luck with it.

[balmain]

My sincere apologies and I'm very sorry cazzz1975 -wrong end. Nevertheless -the surgeons have done it many,many times. Good luck anyway.

[yogi-bear]

Hi cazzz

Lovely to see you on, sweetheart x

Can you not find a friend or neighbour that can stay with you for a couple of hours after the procedure till you ok from the sedation?......the sedation makes it feel easier down the throat as you are a little groggy and dont really feel any discomfort.....the only downside to not having any sedation is if you feel like gagging and panic, as you say you're a bit worried about.

You could ask the hospital staff if ok after the procedure you can stay in recovery a bit longer until you feel well enough to get yourself home....i wouldnt drive so go by taxi and home same way
Try not to worry about it.....procedure takes no longer than about 5-10 mins.....and it'll be over with in quick time.

I wish you all the best for when you have it, cazzzy xx

[yogi-bear]

As RR says the throat spray is good to have...numbs your throat so you dont feel the instrument going down. Best of luck, my lovely :-)

[cazzz1975]

Some heartening replies, thank you!

Yes fusion, removing my gallbladder hasn't made a huge amount of difference, I suspect I have a hiatus hernia, At the moment I am finding eating very difficult, I cannot eat fat at all or anything that is difficult to digest. I am having difficulty swallowing and I am regurgitating food. So obviously you can see why an endoscopy is required!

Hi yogi, unfortunately I don't really have time to wait around the hospital, I don't mind the gagging, it's the panic I am concerned with, maybe some relaxation technique would be in order. I might just set up a countdown timer to focus on while it's happening

[yogi-bear]

That's a great idea, cazzz....the more relaxed you are, the better it is, so some type of relaxation technique would greatly help and the countdown timer will make you think of other things during procedure.
See what options you have as the throat spray just numbs your throat to make it easier to put the intrument down and doesn't really have a very long after-effect at all.
Think of us in that scene from Lady and the Tramp with the spaghetti and meatballs.....that'll pass the time :-) xx

[cazza247]

I had gastroscopy and endoscopy same day. It really is only about 10 mins max for throat one I know it's easy for me and others to say that once it's over but it really is a quick procedure. I was only there for couple of hours for both about 2 months ago. Try not to worry too much and use a straw for the lovely cocktail you need to drink

[Fusion5]

Wish you better Cazzz.

[Greedyfly]

I have had one with sedation and in all honesty I am glad I did as I did wake up during and it was not a pleasant experience at all. That said I have undergone worse procedures but of I ever had to have another Endo I would sedate again.