Upper GI Endoscopy using spray only - DON'T WORRY!
Posted , 4 users are following.
I had an upper GI because food sometimes sticks when swallowing. I had been dreading this procedure and talking to friends who have had spray or sedation. I finally opted for the spray, as I did not want to be out of control of myself and my actions. What a good decision I made!
The spray (Xylocaine) was administered by the Consultant and I got a good squirt of it to the back of my throat. I got a strange sensation as I could not feel anything in this numb zone!
The nurse was fabulous and explained everything that was happening and was continually talking to me throughout the procedure. The main advice was to just concentrate on breathing and leave the rest to them - sound advice.
The one thing that they don't tell you - but I already knew - was that you can expect to gag as the endoscope goes past your gag reflex area. I gagged for England and it took about three goes to get the endoscope past this point. The difficulty for me was being told to swallow but being unable to feel anything and therefore not knowing whether I was swallowing or not.
It was not pleasant, but in no way was it painful at all, and the continual reassurance in my ear from the nurse was just what I needed.
Once the scope was past this point I could not feel a thing. A biopsy was taken and I felt nothing at all. At the end I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia.
I would not choose to do this every day, but if you are worried about having this done, my advice to you is - DON'T BE!!!
It is a little unpleasant, but the whole thing was over in less than five minutes.
The effect of the spray took about 10 minutes to wear off, the nursing staff made sure I was OK and gave me a glass of water to drink and after that I was free to go.
I hope this helps anyone who is facing this procedure for the first time.
0 likes, 8 replies
ooops64
Posted
I have a strong gag reflex and have been trying to desensitize my throat ready for this procedure. I thought it would be better also if I can just have the spray, then after you do not have that awful groggy feeling.
Thanks again very thoughtful.
Maureen
Spindles
Posted
ooops64
Posted
Thanks again
suberman
Posted
Good luck tomorrow - I am sure you will be just fine!
Don't forget -,concentrate on nice deep breaths and let them deal with everything else.
ooops64 suberman
Posted
Anyway my trip to the Gastrolagist was just the consultation, this information was not in the letter. He seems to think I have a Hernia and I have the procedure 15th May. So another wait to see what is causing my burning. Still on Ranitidine and chewing lots of gum (not Mastic though).
ooops64
Posted
thumbo suberman
Posted
ooops64 thumbo
Posted