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I'm too scared of endoscopy side effects, should I still do it ?

Posted , 18 users are following.

Lavender_Blue
Lavender_Blue

Hello,

I'm new to the forums but I've been reading a lot of discussions about this subject but I can't shake the feeling that something might go wrong during the procedure or after!

I'm a 21 years old female (I live in France) and I've never had this procedure done before but I've been feeling sick for at least 6 months (it all started back in beginning of July after I vomitted violently in the morning because I ate too fast and I was scared for an exam) and I immediately felt my throat was burning and I started having trouble breathing. I've done many tests for my lungs since that day and they all were normal.So I started to think that it might have something to do with the oesophagus and reflux. 

My symptoms are:

-sometimes pain on the right side of the upper chest (associated with a pain in my back but not always)

-difficulty filling my lungs with air as if I had asthma

- reflux (not always acid, sometimes it's just what I eat that makes its way back up)

- hiccups and burps everytime I eat or drink something

-chest tightening after eating and when I wake up in the morning

My doctor sayed it would be better for me if I did the endoscopy so I said I would do it and I also chose the local anesthatic over the general anesthesia because I want to be aware of what happens and also because I would like to be able to resume working right after.

I've done a lot of research and what scares me the most about the endoscopy isn't the procedure itself but rather the side effects that may potentially result from it. I'm sorry if this sounds stupid but I can't help being terrified that these will happen to me:

-allergic reaction to the local anesthetic product 

-heart issues (I'm not sure why this can happen!)

-breathing issues

-I'm also scared of choking with my saliva when my throat will be numbed

-coughing blood in the days after the procedure

-infections 

-throat ache and not being able to swallow normally anymore

-irritation of my oesophagus or even perforation in the worst case scenario

Does anyone know what might cause these potential side effects and who are the people who are the most at risk ? 

Is it common to see appeat some side effects even days or weeks after the procedure ? Does the anesthesia have an effect on the heart (heart rate for example) ? 

Thanks!

 

0 likes, 117 replies

117 Replies

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  • lisa33471
    lisa33471 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    Hi lavender. Altho I have just read ur response I am still really nervous about my forthcoming endo sad so u didn't have the sedation just the spray? I cannot go through this without sedation. I'm quite an anxious person. I get worried incase I choke and the scope gets stuck! I am in two minds whether to cancel like u did but I know it will b peace of mind. I think I'm getting anxiety just thinking about it and been put off by horror stories sad
    • Roberta1111
      Roberta1111 lisa33471

      Posted

      Hi Lisa

      I so know your anxiety I lived it for 6 months when I knew I had my endoscopy coming closer.

      I had mine 2 weeks ago and decided to go sedation. I asked for a smaller dose of sedation just to relax me.

      I am so glad I did , it was very calming I was relaxed within a few seconds closed my eyes but could hear what is asked of me.

      I felt the scope go down and swallowed it ok gagged a little but it was not troublesome at all lasted 2 seconds.

      I opened my eyes again and they were taking the mouth guard away.

      I recovered about 20 mins and Wales out feeling fine with no remembering of a harsh memory. I told my dr I would do it again smile

      I wish I wasn't so anxious for 6 months such a waste of time!

      I hope this helps Lisa

      Robin

  • vanessa1021
    vanessa1021 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    A little late IK but I had one done today. I cried because I was scared but they do a really good job of keeping you relaxed. They told me to roll on my side put a thing In my mouth for me to bite a lady said she was putting something in my IV I slowly blacked out and then I woke up in a recovery room I couldn't believe it had happened that fast.

  • john63268
    john63268 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    I had an Endoscopy at the age of 66 never been ill in my life now I have a perforated bowell and a colostomy bag thanks to having an Endoscopy examination 
  • robski333
    robski333 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    Hi there,

    Just wanted to say that I have just had my gastroscopy done and I am completely disappointed in MYSELF for all the anxiety and pressure i put onto myself and others leading up to this procedure! I was stressed beyond words for 2 months reading all these horror stories online and whether or not sedation was the only way to go. Stories of choking and gasping for air! Now I am the world's worst stress head and create dramas for myself so I know all about overthinking things (just ask my wife, kids and parents). I have to say I though sedation was only way forwards before but the nurse said as I am super anxious I should consider just the spray to stay in control of my emotions. I went with the spray and as the tube went in I felt a pressure around my throat but was breathing deeply so no obstructions so felt at ease then. The Dr was very good and I felt slight movement from tube inside but never gagged or sputtered and could not believe just how straight forward this whole procedure was!! I have to say to all the haters and scaremongerers, try and think of others a bit before peddling this trash because I wasted 2 months stressing because of these s**t, trashy stories!! 2 minutes and was done and I would do it again same way with no anxiousness this time 😉

  • susan34946
    susan34946 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    i just had a upper endoscopy done with dilation..is it normal to feel sore in my throat and a lump while swallowing irratation..

  • joshuapryce1987
    joshuapryce1987 Lavender_Blue

    Posted

    It is a checkup of most importance, but it depends how experienced and professional your surgeon is. Look at views and recommendations.

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