Experience with an endoscopy?

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tardtasticx

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#154890 11-Nov-2014 22:20

I'm having an upper GI endoscopy to check for damage or something after years of acid reflux that was ignored lol. Teaches me right I suppose. They're also looking for signs of Coeliac Disease I believe. I haven't really been told much other than to not eat after midnight the day before.

So thats why I want to know what people on here have to share about their experience with one?

I'm a total wuss for this stuff and cried when I had my wisdom teeth out under GA (!!!) haha so being sedated is of no consolation when they offered it.

I know they'll answer a lot of questions on the day but the nurse will hardly tell me "Most patients hate it and it sucks" or "Its like a walk in the park!" :P

Thanks in advance!

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#1173176 11-Nov-2014 22:25

It isn't pleasant. They spray your throat to numb it. Then they put it down your throat, you will gag intially, but once it is in it is ok. When they take it out there will be more gagging. Then you rest for about 30 minutes to get over it.

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#1173178 11-Nov-2014 22:26

I had one 2 years ago (investigating reflux symptoms).
Put to sleep with some IV happy juice.
Woke up 30 minutes later.
Not even a sore throat or a hangover.
Was advised of a normal result on waking.
Took a cab home.
Almost a non-event.

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mattwnz

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#1173179 11-Nov-2014 22:28

Sideface: I had one 2 years ago (investigating reflux symptoms).
Put to sleep with some IV happy juice.
Woke up 30 minutes later.
Not even a sore throat or a hangover.
Was advised of a normal result on waking.
Took a cab home.
Almost a non-event.

I wasn't given that option of sedation. Maybe it depends on how far they go down. Sounds better now than when I had it done about 10 years ago.

tardtasticx

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#1173181 11-Nov-2014 22:28

mattwnz: It isn't pleasant. They spray your throat to numb it. Then they put it down your throat, you will gag intially, but once it is in it is ok. When they take it out there will be more gagging. Then you rest for about 30 minutes to get over it.

Was that with Sedation or no? I was offered it and they kinda implied it wasn't like compulsory to have it? I opted to have it of course haha

Fred99

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#1173200 11-Nov-2014 22:32

My son needed this last year. He was of course very concerned about what was going to happen, but it was a doddle. Some sedative, 1/2 hour later he was happy to have it over, and expressed no concern about discomfort during the procedure - a "bit weird".

mattwnz

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#1173214 11-Nov-2014 22:57

tardtasticx:
mattwnz: It isn't pleasant. They spray your throat to numb it. Then they put it down your throat, you will gag intially, but once it is in it is ok. When they take it out there will be more gagging. Then you rest for about 30 minutes to get over it.

Was that with Sedation or no? I was offered it and they kinda implied it wasn't like compulsory to have it? I opted to have it of course haha

I only got a numbing throat spray. Mine was on the public system , and was never given the option of any sedation.

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farcus

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#1173221 11-Nov-2014 23:07

I had one done earlier this year while I was living in Japan. Had the option of down the throat or through the nose.
Doctor advised me through the nose was the more comfortable of the two options and I wouldn't need any sedation whatsoever if done that way - and I could also drive home immediately following the procedure.

I wouldn't say it was a pleasant experience - but not so bad that it would put me off doing it again if needed. Not painful at all. On my side throughout the procedure and only a bit of a gag reflex. Had the tube inside me for about six or seven minutes I guess.

I only got a numbing throat spray. Mine was on the public system , and was never given the option of any sedation.

My wife had one done through CHCH Public Hospital a few years back and they offered her sedation.

kiwijunglist

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#1173230 11-Nov-2014 23:12

Ask for some midazolam and a premed. You won't remember anything, it'll be as though it never happened :)

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mattwnz

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#1173238 12-Nov-2014 00:04

farcus: I had one done earlier this year while I was living in Japan. Had the option of down the throat or through the nose.
Doctor advised me through the nose was the more comfortable of the two options and I wouldn't need any sedation whatsoever if done that way - and I could also drive home immediately following the procedure.

I wouldn't say it was a pleasant experience - but not so bad that it would put me off doing it again if needed. Not painful at all. On my side throughout the procedure and only a bit of a gag reflex. Had the tube inside me for about six or seven minutes I guess.

I only got a numbing throat spray. Mine was on the public system , and was never given the option of any sedation.

My wife had one done through CHCH Public Hospital a few years back and they offered her sedation.

Must have been a very thin one. The one they used for mine was thick. Maybe technology has improved alot in the last 10 years, or maybe the NZ public system uses/d old tech.

farcus

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#1173244 12-Nov-2014 01:05

mattwnz:

Must have been a very thin one. The one they used for mine was thick. Maybe technology has improved alot in the last 10 years, or maybe the NZ public system uses/d old tech.

Yes, I got to see both and the nasal one was much smaller. Not sure if they offer it through the nose in NZ.
Apparently it's not suitable for everyone and they have to check your nose cavity out before they can confirm if it can be done or not.

NZtechfreak

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#1173276 12-Nov-2014 07:07

Sedation is always offered these days, with midazolam there is often some amnesia for the period shortly after it is given, so many people don't recall their procedure at all. For those who recall events, their recall is usually a bit disassociated and not emotionally unpleasant.

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#1173282 12-Nov-2014 07:21

As mentioned above, it isn't overly pleasant. I had the throat spray to numb it. I remember the gagging reflex etc but it wasn't bad. They did offer sedation but I chose not to take that option. This was on the public ticket at the Manukau Super Clinic but I don't recall how many years ago.

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robjg63

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#1173296 12-Nov-2014 08:14

I had the colonoscopy and gastroscopy at the same time.
My doctor was concerned about very low iron levels and wanted me to have a colonoscopy.
I rang the endocopist to make an appointment and he asked why my doctor wanted this done and suggested that I should get the 'top and tail'.
Fortunately health insurance paid and I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease (which the colonoscopy would certainly not have found).

Apart from having to drink rather a large quantity of laxative mix the night before and making sure I stuck to the list of allowed foods the day before it was a totally painless experience.
They said I would feel drowsy - I nodded off immediately and when I woke I had no idea what had happened and no pain or discomfort.
Maybe they sedate more for colonoscopy - but it was no problem at all.

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gehenna

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#1173297 12-Nov-2014 08:18

I'm having a gastroscopy soon for a rolling + sliding hiatus hernia. They told me they'll rufie me so I won't remember. Ominous.

Sideface

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#1173323 12-Nov-2014 09:24

kiwijunglist: Ask for some midazolam and a premed. You won't remember anything, it'll be as though it never happened :)

That's what I had - great stuff.
Works in seconds, short-acting, and you probably won't remember the procedure.
Quick recovery afterwards.
Highly recommended

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