Would Anybody Know

[jennyjoan]

My friend's brother has got word that he has to get camera down and up in August sometime.

He is a very nervous guy and I know that he can get sedation - he got a camera down him 25 years ago and he said never again.

Would anybody know if they do sedate him - can they you know do both sorta one after the other with the sedation. thanks. I'd like to reassure him.

[dunnitall]

Poor guy don't blame him feel for him. I would NEVER have this done whatever it is for...but that's me. I know people who have had both at same session and sedation worked well for them so maybe a word with the medics might help him through if he does go along with it.

[jennyjoan]

thanks Dunnittall - we all would say we would NEVER have it done but the hospital do suspect he is bleeding inside hence the two cameras. My heart goes out to him. But my friend will be going with him and I need to tell her straight to get on the ball and try and arrange the sedation for him for the two procedures.

[maggiebee]

I had the up and down procedure done a few years ago. Had both at the same appointment and was sedated. No problem at all JJ.

[jennyjoan]

thanks Maggie - have emailed friend cos she is "hangin together".

[goodgoalie]

Jenny, 4 weeks ago I had a gastroscopy (down) and colonoscopy (up) one after the other, and I have to say it was unpleasant. After the change of diet 2 days before, you then have to purge yourself - in my case this involved taking Picolax twice, and on both occasions it took about 4 hours to fully 'detonate'

I would advise your friend's brother to have as much sedation as he's offered, as what I was given seemed to have no effect at all. They put a canula in my arm and some midazolam for the gastroscopy, which felt like they were forcing a garden hose down my neck. I was topped up with Buscopan AND Fentanyl for the colonoscopy, but again it had no effect, and I could feel every twist and turn of the wretched shuftyscope. I had to ask to hold the nurse's hand!
They say you have to have someone pick you up, stay with you overnight, and that you musn't drive or sign documents. But so aware was I in spite of the above sedation, that as I was sitting with the cup of tea and biscuits they give you (which I was so grateful for, as hadn't eaten for 36 hours)I was able to remember and complete the final clue of the Private Eye crossword I'd started in the waiting room!

Sorry to sound so negative, but it was horrible. The discharge nurse said some people choose gas and air - which I had not been told about - but I would ask for the max they can offer.

[jennyjoan]

I know how you feel goodgoalie as I would be hard to knock out too. It's up to the friend to organise this but mind you - he may not go through with it at all.

[Postdog]

It isn't so bad. Yes you can be sedated, or you can opt for the throat spray. Seriously, if it helps determine what is wrong with you, it IS worth it. I didn't like it either, but I got through it, and without it, I would be in more serious trouble.

[Gill1941]

I agree with postdog. Have had both procedures more than once. No sedation. It is soon over and worth it to find out what is wrong. There are far worse procedures.

[Scarlett]

I've had both- insist on sedation. I had NO sedation on the camera down to find my hiatus hernia to skip waiting list times. It was the worst thing ever, like being tortured. I have had regular colonoscopies and they are fine- easy. Can barely feel anything. Ask for sedation though! And if you don't feel the sedation has worked (I seem to need more) then ask for more!

[jennyjoan]

Thanks All - friend said that brother did mention that he wanted Sedation - so hospital took note.