1. Community
  2. Tests and investigations
  3. Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Just Home From Endoscopy

Posted , 2 users are following.

Mrs_R
Mrs_R

I'm just home after an Endoscopy. I went to hospital today determined to have the sedation but a Nurse explained that I would still feel some discomfort and also will feel disorientated which could last for 24 hours. Also as my procedure would only last a few minutes so I was advised to have the throat spray. At first I thought this was just so they could bump me off home as soon as but what I was been told made sense. So I signed for the spray.

I had to wait in another waiting area only for a few minutes then the lady who was doing the Endoscopy came to ask me some other questions then to sign the consent form. I followed her into the Endoscopy room which is quite daunting seeing the bed and all the equipment. The original Nurse that I saw had told her that I was an Endoscopy virgin so to be gentle with me..Lol

I sat on the bed and had the throat spray which I gagged with I was so embarrassed as it was only the spray I told him to use as much as he could as I wanted to be 100% numb. I looked at the tube and commented on how wide it was and that it would never fit down my throat. I was told that what I had seen was what she had to hold onto not the tube that was going down my throat :oops: Then I was told to lay on my left side and other Nurse inserted a mouth guard.

Ok honestly it wasn't as bad as I anticipated it wasn't pleasant but the worse part was the first part when it goes down your throat then you swallow it calms down after that I felt air I think? been blown into my gut and heard myself belching a lot. Whilst all this was going on the male Nurse was holding my hand and I squeezed his poor finger really hard which really helped me a lot. I did thank him afterwards though. I was told everything that what was happening whilst been reassured all the time. I was told when it was coming out then a lot of saliva came up with it. I was told that I had done really well and stayed still which had made it easier for them. but it felt like the camera was only down for a few seconds not minutes she was really quick and didn't mess about. I was just left with a mild sore throat.

Well the good news was that nothing 'abnormal' was seen all looked normal, which is obviously the news that everyone wants to hear. I drove myself home and had a sandwich and drink as soon as I got home, I was really hungry as I'd not eaten since last night.

So all in all I wanted to share my experience as I didn't sleep at all last night I was worried sick about it and got myself into a bit of a state but it was no way as bad as I thought it would be, honestly it's over before you know it. The staff were fantastic which was a massive help just tell them before hand if you like me are anxious. It's a personal choice whether to sedate or to have the throat spray. Everyone is different but what would I do next time? Throat spray because now at least I know what to expect.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ladyleendah
    ladyleendah

    Posted

    I was relieved and heartened to read your post, I, like you was thinking of sedation but didn't want to feel groggy, so maybe I can go ahead tomorrow with just the throat spray. I am dreading it so much and inadvertantly read a horrific post trying to find yours. A few glasses of wine is helping now and my appointment is at 10.15 tomorrow so not long now. It helped me to learn that the nurses expect you to gag, was really worried about that. Thank you for your lovely post and I'll let you know how I get on.

    Linda

  • ladyleendah
    ladyleendah

    Posted

    I did it!!!! The worst bit was waiting, I had to wait nearly 2hrs which was mental torture, but the procedure was very quick. As I said yesterday, my main concern was gagging but it didn't seem to make any difference to the test and apart from a very mild sore throat and merrily farting, I feel absolutely fine so throat spray every time.

    Everything was just as Mrs R said and like her, they found nothing wrong with me apart from an inflamed stomach and gastritis, so Yippee :magic:

  • Mrs_R
    Mrs_R

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    I've just seen your replies smile

    I'm really glad that posting my experience helped you. I didn't find this section until after I'd had my endoscopy. I have been reading and posting in 'acid reflux'. In a way maybe it's aswell that I didn't find anything as I worry a lot and if I'd read anything other then positive posts I would have been even more nervous then I already was.

    I was lucky as I was 3rd on the list for my endoscopy so I was in and out in an hour. I was only waiting for a short while in the waiting area and I was shaking so I can imagine how you felt waiting 2 hours.

    I'm happy for you that nothing serious was found. I've just got a routine follow up appointment to see my Consultant in January 09.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.