Panic about endoscopy

Although the last post on this thread is a little old, I want to weigh in just in case it helps someone.

I just had my first endoscopy this morning.  Going into it, I was absolutely terrified.  I not only suffer from anxiety, but have an awful gag reflex, and therefore the thought of having a tube go down my throat was simply awful.  Last night, I could barely sleep, and this morning, I was feeling sick to my stomach.  It was out of sheer willpower that I kept on going, and got myself to the surgery center.  Once there, here is what I experienced:

Arrived, and had to fill out a bunch of paperwork. 

Got called to the back for the pre-procedure prep.  This simply involved getting my blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.  At this point, my IV was also started.  I told the nurse that I was feeling super anxious, and the give me some medicine which started to relax me.

Thirty minutes later, I'm told that it is my turn, and my gurney gets wheeled into the procedure room.

Once inside the room I chat with the doctor.  I find out that I don't need to get off the gurney -- I just have to turn on my left side.  Next, they give me a bite splint.  Note that this splint does NOT go into the back of your mouth like a dental splint often does.  It simply is a small plastic tube which you hold between your front teeth.

Next, the doctor says that they are going to push the med to place me into a twighlight sedation.  I close my eyes, and wait.

Nothing happens.  I hear people talking, but it doesn't appear that they are pushing the meds, or are starting anything.  I open my eyes to see what is going on -- and SURPISE -- I am in the recovery room!  Everything is done!!! 

I ended up feeling rather silly, wondering what on earth I was so deathly afraid of.  This procedure is an absolute piece of cake.  For anyone who is struggling with the thought of going through it -- take it one step it a time.  It's easy, and you'll be back home before you know it.