Gastroscopy.

[Patsy33]

I'm having a gastroscopy in 10 days time, and I'm getting anxious about it. I've been asked whether I'd like to be sedated or just have the throat numbed. If any of you have had this procedure, could you please tell me what it's like. I have been told it's not painful but quite uncomfortable. Not sure to have sedative or not. Apparently takes 2-4 minutes. Tia.

[ImLostAgain]

This is going to be no help to you at all, but here goes.
I had it done with my throat numbed. It was awful. No pain but I felt like I was choking. On the other hand I had a friend who had it done the same way and he said he felt nothing at all.
If I remember it right it was all over in about 5 mins.
With the sedative you're not allowed to drive so you have to wait until the effects wear off.
Sorry that's the best I can do.

[Patsy33]

Thank you ILA. My daughter's boyfriend had it done a few months ago, with throat spray only, he was fine with it too.

[MargoTester]

I had it done with no sedative. It was a bit uncomfortable but nothing I couldn't cope with. Try not to worry too much x

[Patsy33]

Thank you Margo. Did you gag by any chance??

[MargoTester]

Yes a bit! It was over and done with quite quickly and it meant I could drive home.

[Patsy33]

Ok, I suppose you're bound to a bit! Thanks.

[FoxLee2]

I've had it done twice, both times with sedative and it was a doddle. The first time I remember having my throat sprayed (lignocaine I think) and it tasted foul. I had to bite on a block and the next thing I knew, I was being woken up. They do say that you're not asleep as you can follow instructions, i.e. swallow, but you have no memory of it. Husband was with me so no problem about driving home afterwards.

[MargoTester]

Patsy I would say that if you are the least bit worried have the sedative. Hope it all goes well, let us know how you get on x

[Not_me]

Choose sedation!

[Patsy33]

That's what I'm thinking Margo. I have suffered anxiety all my life and can have a very rapid heart beat! Maybe it's not worth the worry. My husband is taking me and fetching me, so no problem there. Yes, I will let you know how I get on. Thanks for being helpful.x

[Patsy33]

Thanks foxlee too. I think my mind's made up!

[rockyracoon]

Had my fourth gastroscopy just before Christmas. I'm a gagger so the only way I can have them done is to be sedated up to the eyeballs.

If you are anxious, go with the sedation, it wears off very, very quickly.

[Patsy33]

Thank you rockyracoon. I will have sedation.

[pauln90]

When I had one last year they gave me Midazolam and to be honest the first thing I was aware of was the nurse saying it was all over. Felt great, no sensation in throat, no pain ,discomfort or anything

[Patsy33]

That's reassuring Paul
Thanks :-)

[queenofmean]

I haven't had it done but I just wanted to wish you all the best Patsy x

[Patsy33]

Thank you QOM.xx

[lilacben]

Well I have two different stories.. My husband had it done...just throat spray and thought there was nothing to it.... I had it done with throat spray and it was terrible... I gagged and was sick all the way through it ...would never do it again that way... good luck. xx

[1581960]

Had mine today, no sedative, just the spray to numb the throat. All in all fairly unpleasant but it's all over and done with in less than ten minutes, and the effect of the spray wore off after another half hour or so. Seems I've got to be checked again in a couple of years and I'll just have the spray again next time.

I rather think the decision about having the sedative is a very personal one depending on how you feel about it, if you're at all apprehensive go for the sedative, if your relaxed about I just have the spray. From your posts Patsy it sounds as though you might well be a bit worried about it, go with a someone who can look after you and drive you home afterwards and have the sedative.

Best of luck with it, after it's all over you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

[Patsy33]

Yes I'm sure 15811960! I've always been an anxious person and a worrier. My husband is coming with me and taking me home. So no worries re sedation. Thanks.