Digestive System Camera Scans

[Eve]

I've got to go for some scans soon where they put a camera up and down you.

Has anyone had one done and could tell me what it's like.

Not really squeamish about tests and such but wondering if it hurts if your digestive system if inflamed and sore?

[Ethel]

I've had a camera 'up' me and it was strange and unpleasant, but not uncomfortable or painful in any way.

The staff were excellent and I felt no embarrassment either.

I have had a camera part way down - and again, strange and uncomfortable but not painful.

I'd advise you to speak to your GP or practice nurse if you are fretting - they will tell you all you need to know and how it may affect you.

[thelewisgang]

Just to reassure you. I had this done a couple of years back & in my case they gave me a relaxant injection into the back of my hand before the procedure & although I wasn't asleep, I knew nothing of it at all & experienced no pain during or after. It might be worth you asking your consultant for this injection as I think most people would be apprenhensive about this procedure. good luck - I am sure it will be just fine. take care!

[Eve]

Thanks Ethel, I think the thought of having something down my throat gets to me a bit, think it's the thought of feeling like I'm choking.

Been a bit worried too about the pain (though necessary) as my system is so sore.

Having my 2 weekly bloods done Wednesday so will ask the nurses then, see if they can help :)

[Eve]

Thank you too :) Think I'll take the sedation option!

Feel a bit silly as had all kinds of tests and they usually don't bother me at all.

[Jugglering]

Hi Jenna...

I had a *barium meal* a few years ago - it was a little uncomfortable but certainly not painful. The worst bit was feeling so *full* that I really wanted to go to the loo - I lay back and watched *my insides* on camera - absolutely fascinating, but I couldn't wait to get rid of all the stuff inside me ....

Talk to your GP or Nurse - they will totally understand your concerns and be able to answer any questions you have.

[jno]

I had a camera down my throat once - hated it, had to tell them to take it out again before they got all the way. (They weren't very sympathetic, which may have been part of the problem.) I wasn't offered an injection like Thelewisgang; if I ever have to have it done again I'll ask for one.

[Rtaxron]

Jenna,

I had the same two months ago at Addenbrookes hospital.
I felt exactly the same as you are feeling now and the thought of a camera going down my throat was really scary.

I went in the end, and the staff were brilliant and you have a choice of having a relaxing injection, which I decided to have.

It was over in a few minutes, I felt no pain, no discomfort and really cant remember much about it.

Everything was a blur and when its finished, you are taken to a ward for a cup of tea or coffee for half an hour.

You need to have somebody to drive you there and back, as they will not release you for 4 hours, unless you don't have the injection.

I wish I could have that injection everyday, so relaxing : - )

Don't worry, it will be fine.

[FoxLee2]

I've had an endoscopy twice and it was fine. The first time, like you, I was dreading the thought of it wondering how you could not possibly gag on it. It was done at a BUPA hospital, I saw the dr. on a Tuesday and he said he could fit me in on the Thurs. No way. I needed to think about it. I asked if I could have a general anaesthetic and he said it wasn't worth it, it only took about 10mins. He said he would give me valium and put me last on the list. When it came to having it done, I told myself if I wasn't 'out', I would just get off the bed. I was paying for this and I was going to be in control. I then had sedation and as far as I was concerned, I didn't know any more about it, I was asleep. They deny this and claim you're not asleep, you just don't remember. You can respond to their instructions like swallow please altho' you have no knowledge of it. I would say the worst part was the lignocaine they sprayed in my throat. The dr. claimed it tasted like bananas but it was foul. There was no pain, no aftereffects and the second time I had one done, I couldn't have cared less.

[shylock73]

I go every year and like Fox Lee says, there`s nothing to it. The worst part is the spray as he/she says they squirt in the throat, but it prevents a very sore one.

[Androcles]

I had one done recently and opted for the injection as I tend to gag even at the dentists, if they get near the back of my throat.

The staff were really great, but unfortunately the consultant put the tube down my throat just before I went out and I gagged. All went well after, but had the mum and dad of a sore throat afterwards.

The piccys were interesting though!

[Paul22118]

Had a colonoscopy last year and made my fears known to the consultant (lady) who was doing it. She said she would give me something to relax and to my amazement and relief I woke up in the recovery room. Job done, and fortunately successful. So speak to the organ grinder.......

[LoftyLottie]

I chose sedation and can't remember a thing about it. Also had a lung biopsy done this way. If they don't offer sedation just ask for it. I could never have coped without the sedation - I would have just got up and run away!!!!

[Eve]

Thank you so much for all your answers, feel much better about it now :)

Will definitely be asking for sedation and Mr J is going to come with me to drive me there and home.

Thank you :) xxx

[missprim]

Sorry I'm late in posting this Jenna but just to let you know that if you do have the sedation,(and I would definately have it if I were you), you have to have a responsible person with you for the next 24hours.In that time you are not allowed to drive, sign important documents and some other things that they should tell you about.
Hope all goes well.