Gastroscopy

[Bazile]

Anyone here had a Gastroscopy .

How did it go ?

The thought of having something like this implement put down my throat , while I'm still awake , is not something to which I'm looking forward.

[bednobs]

get sedation - you wont remember a thing.

[anneasquith]

Take sedation .

[Sqad]

Food finds it's way down whilst you are awake, without any trouble and so will the tube.

[Bazile]

Yes sqad - but it's all the gagging and stuff that i've read about that's putting me off , having it done without sedation .

When sedated , how conscious will you be ?

[Khandro]

//When sedated , how conscious will you be ?//
You won't be conscious of anything.

[Sqad]

Your throat may well be sprayed first....local anaesthetic.
The sedation will be given into a vein......from an outsider looking on, you will appear conscious, but you will not remember a thing about it.

[pauln90]

I had midazolam sedation. No recollection of the procedure and no sensation in the throat. To be honest was surprised when they said it was all over. They do insist that someone picks you up after as driving after the sedation is not recommended.

[Bazile]

thanks all

[Lyminge]

I had it and with no sedation. I just said to myself it's like being at the dentist! It takes a few minutes and the nurse held my hand and distracted me. I didn't want to look at the screen!

[Bazile]

pauln90
//....To be honest was surprised when they said it was all over....//

How could you have been surprised , if you were not conscious , and aware how long it was taking ?

[EcclesCake]

I've had it done a couple of times with sedation.

Yes, I gagged, but there was no pain and the gag reflex is entirely normal and expected by the medic conducting the procedure.

It's not wholly pleasant due to the gagging but not in anyway painful in my experience.

It is a short procedure with no after effects, again in my experience, don't worry too much.

[Khandro]

pauln90. Your avatar appears to show it wasn't a complete success.
:0)

[horselady]

Had it last year with just the throat spray, not pleasant but not painful and quickly over. Hubby has had 2 with only the spray and is the biggest wuss going.

[pauln90]

Bazile

I was surprised because the last thing I was aware of was discussing sedation with the nurse couldn't even remember sedation being administered.

[Bazile]

ahh - I see what you mean

[Palustris]

I have had it twice like others with just a local. Have to say that as they pump ones stomach full of air to help them see, I did have very bad flatulence afterwards.

[chrissie1212]

It is natural to feel a bit worried, but it is a very quick and painless process. I fully understand your apprehension because of the "gag" reflex of having something put down your throat, which is normal. You will be offered either the throat numbing spray or sedation. (The sedation is similar to the type that you could have for dental treatment). I would recommend the sedation as you will not even be able to remember having the procedure done. The only thing with sedation is that you MUST have someone to take you home, whereas with the throat spray you are able to go home by yourself. I am sure you will find that having to have an escort for your homeward journey is a small inconvenience to pay for you to have a completely stress free experience. Hope this helps.