Oesophago-gastro-doudenoscopy, Anyone had one?

[jiggy-gb]

Hi all, Just wondering if any of you have ever had an OGD and if so what was it like? I have one coming up a week on Friday and i'm in two minds about having the sedation they've offered. I was opting to have the procedure without sedation as i want to be out of there asap, but everyone i've mentioned this to has pulled a funny face and said they'd have the sedation. Can anyone on here shine a little more light on the experience? I'm having some biopsies taken to establish whether i have ceoliacs disease so all in all they reckon it won't take more than 15mins. Any comments will be gratefully received, i'm not so worried about the whole thing as wondering whether i'm being a bit too brave considering no sedation.

[cruella]

Hi jiggy-gb
I have undergone this procedure twice many years ago.
Me personally, I would go for the sedation every time. It will calm you down and probably make it a lot easier for the person carrying out the procedure. It will also stop you gagging which some people do when they have this done.
It also realxes all the muscles, so yes, I would go for sedation. have to say, it has to be your choice though. Yo will not be kept in hospital for any length of time either. You wil be given a cup of tea after it and then ready to go home. Don't think you will be allowed to drive yourself though.
Hope you get good results whatever way you choose to do this.

[jiggy-gb]

Thanks Cruella, it helps to hear what other people have actually done rather than just what people would do if it were them. I just don't want to make a muppet of myself, if you know what i mean, lol! :o)

[HarrietParks]

Hi jiggy-gb....Having worked for many years in an endoscopy unit as a nurse, it depends on the doctor doing the procedure, and their technique, as to the length and discomfort during the procedure...Ideally a gastroscopy should only take a few minutes with biopsies, 15 mins max....And only a local anaesthetic spray to the back of the throat necessary...But sedation is good if you really don't want to know anything about it or are particularly nervous....A good trick during the test is to concentrate on breathing. For some reason it takes away the feeling of wanting to gag....I personally would have the spray only, purely, because I'm so nosey!..lol..The nurses should explain whats going to happen and the pros and cons of having sedation or local spray.
I hope this helps
Harriet

[jiggy-gb]

Thank you Harriet, that's very helpful! I'm not a mardy person and no more nervous than your average person when it comes to this sort of thing. I just need to make my mind up before i go for the obvious reason of not being allowed to leave unaccompanied if i choose to have sedation.
Thanks once again, especially for the tip! :o)

[bednobs]

i had one where they procede without the midazolam, and we had to stop to have the sedation. I would say sedation all the way!!!!

[HarrietParks]

jiggy-gb....Why don't you have someone on standby, that can drive you, if necessary, then you can decide on the day... ..
I hope you have been advised not to eliminate gluten, just yet, from your diet so that biopsies from your small bowel show the inflammatory response to it, and will give a true diagnosis of coeliacs disease....
You seem very knowledgeable and know the right questions to ask so I'm sure you'll be ok...
Have fun..If thats possible..lol...Harriet

[jiggy-gb]

Thanks guys, i think i will make my mind up on the day depending on how nervous i feel!

I had given up wheat and felt sooooo much better, but for the passed 6 weeks i've been having bread every day. I feel rotten and my stomach's bloated right out, so much so i'm looking forward to getting this done so i can cut the wheat out again!

xxx

[HarrietParks]

Good you are eating gluten for now......Once you have had the OGD you can get back on the gluten free diet and feel better again...
Good idea to see how you are on the day...
Hope it all goes well...I'll be thinking of you friday week..
Harriet...x

[jiggy-gb]

Awww, thanks Harriet! I really appreciate that, i'll report back and tell you how brave or wuss i was, lol! ;o)

[HarrietParks]

jiggy-gb...ok...lol