Gastroscopy Experience with Gas & Air (Entonox)

Hi,

Today I had my first experience of Gastroscopy and I was extremely anxious after reading all the horror stories specially because I have very sensitive gag reflux as well. I did not want to opt for IV sedation because I wanted to be able to go to work so you can guess how nervous I was but it was no where as bad as I thought it would be so please don't worry.

My appointment was at 8 AM so the night before I drank peppermint tea and chamomile tea to calm my nerve and sleep. When I went there, I talked to the nurse and I explained how nervous I was and she told me I could go for the numbing spray and gas & air (Entonox) instead. She told me that they will make a tray of IV sedation ready in case I change my mind during the procedure. This really helped.

I went in and they sprayed my throat and it immediately numbed my throat. It didn't taste as horrible as they make it. It did not make me feel like I was choking either. It felt like the local anesthetic the dentists use. I was then given gas & air for 5 minutes and I was pretty calm by then.

When she started the procedure, I just looked ahead and concentrated on looking at the different instruments and read all the labels. I gagged a few times when the tube was going in but she said it was because of the air they were pushing in. It all took about 2 minutes and then it was out. I went to the recovery room until my report was ready and then I left. I'm so glad I didn't go for the IV sedation but the option is there for you if you want it. Just talk to them beforehand about your anxiety and what is best for you.

I had a sore throat for a couple of hours afterwards but that was it.

I decided to write this experience here for anyone else waiting to do Gastroscopy. Please don't worry and don't read the horror stories. You will be fine. Just try to take your mind off of the tube going in and concentrate on something else.

Hope this helps someone.

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