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

Worst endoscopy experience!

Posted , 3 users are following.

megan140702
megan140702

So, bit of a back story to why i needed an endoscopy.

At the end of October I fainted 4 times in one day. After blood tests we realised I had low iron levels and was given iron tablets. At the end of November I began to feel extremely sick. I can tell when I have a virus coming because I get a certain headache that makes me extremely tired which usually leads to vomiting and then recovering for about 5 days. However, I did not recover and I have been permanently nauseous since November. It is now March.

So I was put in for an endoscopy. I was extremely nervous for my endoscopy as I even gag when I have an x-Ray at the dentist. However, the doctor talked it though with me at my previous appointment telling me that I won’t feel a thing, remember or know what is going on around me if I have sedation. The day before the endoscopy I had a call from the hospital saying that they could move my endoscopy appointment to 12:15 (original appointment at 16:00) so I agreed as I could ‘get it out of the way’

arrived at the hospital, in plenty of time, around 40 minutes before my appointment as parking can be a nightmare!! I was checked in and had my blood pressure taken, and then I had the IV put in my arm. (I think it’s an IV please correct me if I am wrong!!!) however this took an extremely long time. The nurse couldn’t find my vein for around 15 minutes and when she finally put the needle in, I could see it wasn’t all the way in. But I didn’t think anything of it as these are trained professionals. So I waited about 5 minutes and I was taken into the endoscopy room. At this point I felt like crying my eyes out because I was so scared. Two nurses were accompanying the doctor and I have to say they were the most unsympathetic people I have ever met. Talking too fast and moving my head up and down without my contest to fit tubes in my nose etc. So about 2 minutes before the test the nurse gave me the throat spray. However she did not spray it in my throat. She sprayed it and the bottom of my gums. The spray did not travel down the throat so only my mouth was numb. The doctor then put the sedation in my IV and nothing happened. I was not relaxed like the doctors had said, I was not falling asleep, I did know what was happening around me and I could feel everything! I am not sure if I just don’t react to sedation or the IV was not fitted properly into a Vein. So I obviously began to gag! A tube was in my throat!! The doctor took the tube out and tried again but again I gagged! You can not control it! So after 2 times he gave up and they wheeled me out. No compassion. Nothing. I now have to have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy done at the same time under general anaesthetic which will knock me out! I will prefer this procedure as I won’t be awake but I’m annoyed I had to go through the horrendous endoscopy before it! Has anyone had a similar experience? I hope it isn’t just me!!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • BettyE
    BettyE megan140702

    Posted

    Have you made a formal complaint? Have you informed your GP how you were treated? Could you ask to be referred to a different hospital for your next procedure?

    • megan140702
      megan140702 BettyE

      Posted

      GP wont do anything. now i have been referred to hospital they don't deal with me

    • BettyE
      BettyE megan140702

      Posted

      I'm glad that the GA will give you confidence; we're all different and for me that would be the part I'd do most to avoid.

      I was much more fortunate in my endoscopy experience and couldn't have been treated more kindly. I think I must have a very large "swallow" as I only needed the throat spray, no sedative.

      Very best wishes for a better experience and good outcome.

  • nancyphn
    nancyphn megan140702

    Posted

    Never have an endoscopy without being put to sleep completely! had one and there was nothing to it! In and out in 20 minutes! from the time they put me to sleep to wake up! request propathol! woke up, wide awake, felt like I slept 12 hours. best sleep ever. Had 5 biopseys! had narrowing at the distal end of the esophagus and a sliding hiatal hernia which was not seen in a barium swallow! put on omprezol for 2 months, strict diet and feel good. suffered for over a year. still get shortness of breath on occasion brought on by stress! Dont be scared but be put to sleep! I could never do this awake! The big baby that I am it was nothing!

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.