endoscopy - what's it really like?

[lesleyhannah]

My GP says I may need an endoscopy (the camera down the throat thing). I'm absolutely terrified. I have a phobia about not being able to swallow, and the thought of having this thing put down my throat, for more than 5 minutes brings me out in a cold sweat. Also I'm told they put a local anaesthetic down the back of your throat, so your throat feels paralysed for about an hour after the camera is removed. The doctor says they can't give a general anaesthetic, but the sedative they give means I won't remember anything afterwards. I find this hard to believe - and remember being told a similar lie about childbirth.

Has anyone had this procedure? If so, would you give me your HONEST feelings about it - I think the fact that the doc is so keen to reassure me is making me even more nervous, as it feels like he's hiding something.

Thanks in advance - this is really freaking me out.

[keepersdaughter]

Hi Lesleyhannah, while everybody's experiences are different I do hope I can put your mind at rest a little. About two years ago I had both endoscopy and colonoscopy. I had the colonoscopy first as I'm over 50 with family history of colon cancer. The worst part of that was the prep. drinking a LARGE bottle of laxative throughout the day the day before. Went in for the proceedure, they put an IV in my arm, next thing I knew I was waking up the the small recovery ward about half an hour later. Because they found a couple of polyps which were painlessly removed (didn't know a thing about it)
Dr. said I needed endoscopy too. Same thing, except without the prep. Just went to the outpatient part of the hospital (I'm in US), got into the gown, lay on the bed with nice warm blankets, put an IV in your arm, feel relaxed, next thing you know you're awake and ready to go home, around half an hour later. They found a couple more polyps which were removed too, so I do think it's worth checking out if Dr. recommends it.

As I said, everyone's experience is different and I know I was a little apprehensive about both procedures, but in my experience it was very quick, easy and didn't know a thing about it. I do hope this puts a little more at ease. When the nurse gave me the sedative she said most people sleep through it, so if you can relax a little more I think it will help. Good luck.

[Katelb]

Hi Lesleyhannah,I have recently had something similar to KD but in this country,and like you,I was terrified at the thought of being asked to swallow a tube etc,and having the other end interfered with! but please don't worry too much,the procedure you are probably going to have is a gastroscopy and in most hospital,you are given the option of being sedated,again probably using a drug called Midazolam which will mean that you will be able to co-operate with the Dr's etc,but you won't remember anything about the procedure;as in KD's case you will 'come too' and it will all be done and dusted. Make sure when you get to the endoscopy unit that you ask to be sedated if they haven't offered it,it will mean that you must have someone with you for at least 12 hours afterwards,and all the usual things like don't drive etc. .I do hope all goes well for you,Good luck.x

[sunflower]

Hi LesleyHannah, If you are given sedation..which will be administered through a small needle on the back of your hand, you will not remember the experience. I was a patient of endoscopy department for six years....though my tubes were the other end.!!! I found the nursing staff to be lovely and very supportive. It's surprising how a kind word and warm look can put you at ease. Any examination is not nice and certainly would not be chosen for pleasure. However, this examination is necessary for your health. So what you are feeling...nervous is normal but it WILL be alright. xxxxx

[Crocus]

Hi LH, I had this procedure done quite a few years back (gallstones) but I had a light sedative and up till today I can't remember anything about swallowing the camera. Perhaps you could make sure that you will be given a sedative?

[franbee]

I also had an endoscopy some years back, and like others, don't remember a thing about it. Someone told me I might feel pain afterwards, but I didn't.

[lesleyhannah]

Thank you all so much. I saw the consultant today, and was shaking with fear - the phobia's so strong it overcomes any shame I should feel about making a fuss about such a small thing. The consultant said he'll do the procedure himself. He has promised I won't remember anything afterwards - I didn't believe him but the replies from you all has helped a lot. He has promised it'll only take about 5 minutes. Is this true? I read a US website and it said the procedure takes about an hour. I'm terrified of having a panic attack during the (is it an endoscopy or a gastroscopy - I'm not sure what the right name is).

They're doing it to investigate suspected coeliac disease. I've had the blood test, but that was normal, so I'm not sure what the test could show. The doctor said he wants to do it urgently.

Thanks again - I'm not usually so useless, but this is my 'Room 101' the biggest fear in my life. Spiders, rats, injections - bring them on; just don't let me choke to death. I'll print off your replies and keep them with me. I'll let you know when it's going to happen.

[sunflower]

Hi, The gastroscopy only takes a few minutes and I assure you that you will not have a panic attack because the sedation will make you calm. Sedation is an amazing invention. You go to sleep...so not aware of whats going on. But then, when the Doctor asks you to do something..like in my case turn onto my back...you do it!!! You will NOT remember. Your Doctor is being very professionl and committed to your health in booking you for this procedure. Tell us when, the night before on NTN and we will be sending out postive thoughts and prayers for you. Lots of love Sunflower. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[lesleyhannah]

Thank you again, Sunflower. xx

[closetotheriver]

Hi Lesley

I had an endoscopy last year in my local hospital and it was absolutely fine. I'm lucky in that I've worked in hospitals all my life and am fairly relaxed about these things, but after the consultant showed me the equipment and explained what was involved I chose to have the procedure done without any sedation - not because I'm particularly brave, it's just that I try and avoid medication of any kind if I possibly can. On the day I wasn't the only one who had chosen to go down this route so it wasn't just me who felt that the procedure sounded far worse than it probably was.

When I arrived for the appointment I was given a gown to wear and I sat and waited with all the others. When I was called in I lay on my side on the trolley and my throat was sprayed. I can't remember whether a rubber guard was put into my mouth before the endoscope but I was told to swallow and hey presto I could see the camera going down on the screen. A nurse held my hand throughout and the consultant talked me through what he was doing and what he could see. He took a couple of biopsies and in next to no time (5 minutes or so) the procedure was over and I was back in the waiting room having a cup of tea and some toast.

It's easy for me to say not to worry but honestly with the sedation you WILL BE FINE - the procedure really does sounds far worse than it is, and will be over before you know it. The camera is minute and the wire thing it's attached to is really thin. Not only that the staff are well used to patients being nervous and will do everything they can to re-assure you beforehand.

Barbara

[lesleyhannah]

Thanks Barbara

I think my real panic will start when I get the appointment. It's funny you say how thin the equipment is - a woman I met this morning, who also elected to have it done without sedation, said she was horrified by how big the thing they put down her throat was. She said she'd never have another one.

I think we all react differently - I had heard horrible stories about barium enemas, but when I had one I found it a pretty easy procedure, quick and painless. This choking fear goes back to my childhood. My dentist has to book double appointments every time he sees me, because he has to keep stopping to let me swallow every couple of minutes (I can put up with his needles, fillings and everything else without flinching).

I do feel very stupid about this, especially as I know there are loads of people on this site who are suffering from really serious conditions which require really unpleasant investigations - but I'm glad I posted the query, because hearing that the camera thing is very thin has helped me, as has the fact that so many people have said the sedative really does work.I'll certainly let you all know how it goes.

[Crocus]

Hi Lesley, It really only takes about 5 minutes, and with the sedation one is completely calm, kind of a "I'm not bothered" feeling, not aware of what's going on. I had mine a very long time ago and with latest technology it should've changed for the better. I can understand your fear because I have that utter fear for spiders. I'm crossing fingers for you Lesley, but you'll see, it will be over before you know it, and you won't know anything about it anyway. Keep us posted will you? Crocus xxxxx