Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - My Experience
I just thought I'd post my experience with my upper endoscopy/gastroscopy today, as I'd been putting it off for ages due to the awful stories I read online. I think people are more inclined to post their experience if it's an unusually traumatic one, so I'd like to add another good story to balance it out!
Background: I'm a 26 year old female. It was about a year ago that my GP pushed for a gastroscopy, but after doing my research, I refused. Even the thought of it made my heart skip a beat. I was in the hospital once for an ultrasound and walked by the endoscopy unit... I remember thinking, no way am I ever going in there! Then this year I suffered a few bad bouts of vomiting, and my GP again encouraged me to have a gastroscopy. By then I was so sick that I just wanted to do whatever I could to help myself.
So, in preparation, I read as many encouraging experiences as I could. By the time I arrived at the hospital today (University College London), I was in good spirits and excited to finally get it over with. I knew I was going to opt for just the throat spray and no sedation, as I always feel like my best chance of getting through anything is mind power.
After an hour's wait, I was led into the procedure room and prepared by two lovely nurses. The doctor sprayed the numbing stuff into my mouth (it kind of stung and tasted weird, but it didn't bother me). I was expecting to feel uncomfortable as my throat was numbed, but it wasn't bad at all. I could still sort of feel myself swallow. If you feel like you can't swallow and it weirds you out, just put your hand on your throat and feel yourself swallow from the outside.
The nurses then inserted the mouth piece, and the doctor told me to close my eyes. I felt the endoscope go to the back of my throat. He told me to swallow, and next thing you know I felt it (very faintly) go down my throat. I could breathe normally, as the endoscope was a lot narrower than my esophagus (I had pictured it as being so big it would block the air!), and I could even swallow without choking. Swallowing had been my main concern, because I find it hard not to swallow for long periods. But I was able to breathe and swallow as normal.
While the endoscope was in my stomach, I was comfortable enough - I could have lasted like that for another hour. A few minutes in, the doctor moved the endoscope into my duodenum, and this is when it felt a tiny bit sore for a few seconds. It was more like discomfort than pain. He took some biopsies, which didn't hurt at all, I just didn't like the general feeling of something in that part of my intestine. But that part was so short (20 seconds or so) and the doctor reassured me by saying the procedure was almost over. Next thing I know, he pulled it back into my stomach, then all the way back up my throat. The whole thing lasted about 5 minutes max, no gagging at all. I would do it again right away if I had to! I'm really glad I didn't opt for sedation, as being aware of how easy it was going is what kept me calm throughout. I was out of the hospital and on the bus home within 15min of being done.
Here's to reassure you about some common fears people have:
Gagging and being sick: The throat spray will do a lot to stop gagging, but even if you do gag, remind yourself that it's okay. It doesn't feel nice, but you're not going to die or have permanent damage, and there's probably nothing in your stomach for you to vomit up. I've had plenty of nights vomiting continuously for 10 hours, thinking I was going to suffocate, bursting blood vessels in my face from the violent gagging. So, absolute worst case scenario, I'm sure you can manage a few minutes of that surrounded by nurses that are taking care of you. But you probably won't be near that bad!
In preparation, I actually trained my gag reflex to be less sensitive. Touching your gag reflex over time will desensitise it. If gagging really has you worried, I suggest Googling instructions (sword swallowers do this, as do people who... ahem... deep throat). This could be especially useful if you're the kind of person who gags when they brush their teeth or swallow pills. Sensitivity should return when you stop "exercising" the reflex (it's not good to weaken it forever, as it's there to stop you from choking!). Making a fist with your left hand and squeezing your left thumb inside it is also said to suppress your gag reflex.
Not being able to breathe: Nothing to be afraid of here, there is plenty of space in your throat and nose to breathe.
Not being able to swallow: I managed to swallow just fine throughout, but you may not even need to, as the nurses suck out excess saliva with one of those dentist tubes.
Pain: Many people experience no pain, others just a tiny bit of soreness or discomfort at points. But probably nothing worse than the symptoms that have led you to do this test.
Panicking: If you are vaguely comfortable with things going past your gag reflex (as I was after desensitising it), you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I could hardly feel the tube in my throat. Thank goodness for that spray stuff! And just keep telling yourself it's a very short, safe, painless procedure, and each second you bear is one second closer to it being over. In the lead up to test, read other people's good experiences, and focus on the positive of how glad you'll be to have finally done it.
If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. If you're still really scared about having a gastroscopy, just remember, I was exactly like you a few months ago! And I managed to change my mindset to the point where I was laughing and joking with the nurses as they prepared me.
Upper Gastroscopy (Endoscopy) With Sedation
I am sixteen years old and had an Upper gastroscopy yesterday!
Firstly DON'T WORRY! Alls I did was worry and it really was ok.
I checked into the hospital, and waited in my bed for about half an hour. I was then taken to a pre-theatre room, where i was told to lie on my back. I had my throat sprayed and it numbed it instantly. I then had the sedation put into a vain in my hand. The doctor then told me to lie on my side, but I couldn't as I was already sedated (That's how quick it works!)
DON'T worry about the air being pumped into you, I didn't feel a thing!
The next thing I knew, I woke up and it was all over. The procedure only lasted for 5 minutes.
I waited around for about one hour for the sedation to ware off and then I went home with my mum and boyfriend.
Today I woke up with mild stomach pains due to the fact I had a BIOPSY took of my stomach, but as the day wore on they gradually got smaller.
Upper Gastroscopy / Endoscopy Without Sedation
I can see a Colonoscopy coming my way.
Just wanted to say about 4 years ago I had to have an upper tract endoscopy (tube down throat) and was beside myself over it. I'm the biggest wimp going and very frightened of invasive procedures.
Anyway, circumstance on the day were that if I had sedation I'd have no one to drive me home afterwards but I wanted to get it over and one with.
So believe it or not I asked for it without sedation. The nurse tried to dissuade me but I stuck to my guns. I did accept the throat spray though. I calmed myself as much as I could and walked into the procedure room.
I'm please to say I managed it without sedation and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. No pain and only minimal discomfort. I did mumble about getting the endoscope out quick just before the end but by then it was nigh on all over. The examining doctor said I'd done so well to tolerate it. That made me doubly proud of myself because at the time I suffered from severe panic attacks (now thankfully gone).
Back in recovery all my fellow endoscopes who'd had their procedure before me were snoring their heads off. I waited there a while because I wanted the numbness the spray had caused to my throat to wear off. During this wait I heard other patients who had been sedated fighting, groaning, moaning and shouting during their investigation. I'm sure that would have been me if I'd been left with no control.
Now possibly got to face a colonoscopy and heading to that section to see what the score is on that front.
Colonoscopy? After HIDA, Upper Endoscopy, Enterography And Pelvic Ultrasound
Long story shot. On October 11th I woke up and thought I had some sort of stomach bug. I was more nauseous then I have ever been in my life. This continued on for months. I was vomiting a few times a week through till the end of December. I have since been on an upswing and feeling much better still have days were I don't feel great and I never feel quite normal, but I'm eating again and I'm about to get out of bed.
My GI set me up to do a Colonoscopy tomorrow. She wanted to rule out Crohns, but I have none of the typical symptoms of crohns. After doing some extensive research it really seemed unnecessary and, although the risk is very low, could possibly do more harm then good. I can't take antibiotics so even getting something simple to treat like C-diff, a UTI, or yeast infection would not be an easy fix. She wanted me to do an MR Enterography IF the colonoscopy came back clear, but for some reason the nurse scheduled it for last Monday, the results for my stomach, small bowel and colon, "appear unremarkable." And "There is no abnormal bowel wall enhancement, thickening or evidence of bowel obstruction."
I have also had a bunch of other testing done for this:
Gallbladder ultrasound
HIDA scan
Upper endoscopy
CT scan with IV contrast
MR Enterography with oral and IV contrast
A LOT of blood work and repeated blood work
Urinalysis multiple times.
Extensive stool analysis for blood, bacteria, parasites, yeast, beneficial bacteria etc...
Pelvic ultra sound
STI testing
Pap smear
I feel like doing the colonoscopy won't show anything and I want to know what you guys think. And what other avenues I might consider perusing? I have an appointment with an OB/Gyn on the 31st just to see if she has anything to add. I will talk to my GI when I get a chance and she can better explain to me why she thinks the benefits out weigh the risk.
Endoscopy Without Sedation
I had an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy this morning. I didn't know whether I wanted to do with or without sedation until the last minute. I had read this forum and asked about every single person I know, and everyone said I was crazy to consider doing it without sedation. In the end, talking to the nurse, I decided to try without it. And I am so glad I did! I would be surprised if the endoscopy itself lasted longer than 5 minutes. It is very unpleasant, don't get me wrong, I did not gag or vomit, but there were a couple of moments where I thought I was going to have a panic attack, so I just concentrated on breathing deeply and keeping calm. When it was over I was up and out of the hospital in 10 minutes, which is great!
View 1 RepliesWhat To Expect From An Endoscopy?
So I saw my GI doctor today. Did a rectal exam, went over all of the testing I had done. She does not think my symptoms are anything serious (yay!) but she does want to do an endoscopy on Monday to see if there is an ulcer or anything.
I am SCARED! I have never had any sort of sedation or medical procedure. Anyone been through this? What can I expect? I have classes the next day and I am hoping I will be able to function fine the next day. Any input helps
After Endoscopy? Bad Gas, Bloating And Abdominal Pain
So I am scheduled to have an endoscopy done on Friday. I have read all the bad things that happen after having the procedure. How often do you have really bad symptoms? Bad gas, bloating, abdominal pain, etc after the procedure.
I am really tempted to call off having it done right now. The pain that I have is not daily and doesn't last long. It is something that I can live with and wait out a few months if need be.
Barrett's Oesophagus :: Pain Ever Since After Endoscopy
I had an endoscopy in February to assess why I had a lump sensation in the throat and some stomach pain. Prior to the procedure I had no chest pain whatsoever.
After the endoscopy, I was diagnosed with silent reflux and Barrett's Oesophagus and have had chest pain ever since.
I told the consultant about this a few days ago and he wants to perform another endoscopy to find out why I have had chest pain since the initial procedure. I'm a bit hesitant as I'm not 100% sure that he didn't cause the problem in the first place. Would anyone else go ahead or get another consultant to have a look?
Sharp Pains During Eating After Endoscopy
i had an endoscopy on Monday afternoon and ever since I've been having these sharp pains during and after eating. Is this normal? The pain sometimes radiates to my back or over my whole chest area making me panic and think I'm having a heart attack. I have a heavy set girl and keep thinking I'm going to die!
View 1 RepliesPanic Attack (anxiety) Due To Upcoming Endoscopy
i'm going to do endoscopy tomorrow, i'm so panic i cant sleep, its like im getting panic attack one by one, im terrified if i have a stomach cancer and im panic about risks of endoscopy if someone had cancer and if i use dat instrument of endoscopy i will have cancer too oh omg n list is going i know they r realy stupid thought but still they r on mind i'm 24 years old how was your experience?
View 16 RepliesGERD (acid Reflux) :: Endoscopy Experience Anyone?
I'm currently suffering with presumed acid reflux. But it's just that presumed. I've been suffering every day with bad heartburn, I've completely changed my diet, in fact I'm not eating much at all.
So my doctor has prescribed me lansoprazole but its giving me bad side effects.
So I think I need a referral but I'm petrified of having an endoscopy.
If you have had one can u please share your experience?
Normal Endoscopy But Nausea And Blood In Stools / Vomit
Doesn't make sense. Just sending back to original doctor. Anyone else? If so what was the cause?
View 5 RepliesOmeprazole :: Bit Of Diarrhea?
I have just finished taking Omeprazole and have never felt better.I took the tablets every day around late afternoon,and from the first tablet got instant relief.
If you go on Google there are some references to side effects which may apply to you.
I only got a bit of diarrhea ,but this may have been relevant to food.
Omeprazole And Oxytetracycline Can Be Taken Together?
Can both of these be taken at the same time??It says about not taking oxy with indigestion remedies.
View 1 RepliesOmeprazole With Domperidone Can Be Taken Together?
The dr told me to increase my 20 mg of omeprazole to 40 mg daily. He also gave me a prescription for domperidone to be take half an hour before meals 3 times a day. I usually take the omeprazole an hour before I eat breakfast. Can I take both these pills together or is that dangerous?
View 8 RepliesOmeprazole And PPI Bad For Kidneys?
I know everyone bad mouths omeprazole and PPI but I really feel like they saved my life. For two yrs I was against taking them and had constant chest pains, reflux, and lost 30 pounds because all I ate was chicken and rice. Now, after taking the meds I feel like I got my life back. I go out again with my husband and friends, I can eat again (still no chocolate or coffee) and am chest pain free. However, now I see reports of these meds damaging kidneys and I feel trapped. I can't go off the meds cuz the chest pains come right back. Any advice?
View 24 RepliesOmeprazole :: Taking It For Last 3 Years
In 2010 I was rushed in hospital with Projectile vomiting and my GP put me on Omeprazole which I have been taking ever since. Should I ask my doctor if I can be taken off them now as I've been alright since then.
View 1 RepliesLexapro And Omeprazole During Pregnancy?
I'm currently taking lexapro for anxiety & depression and Omeprazole for Gerd and just found out I'm 4 weeks pregnant. My doctor said the benefIt's outweigh the risks but I'm reading some really scary defects online and I'm wondering if anyone here has had good/bad experiences with them?
View 2 RepliesOmeprazole Vs. Lansoprazole - Which Is More Effective
I have the option to use either for triple therapy to treat a stomach infection (h.pylori)
Omeprazole 20mg 1 tab twice daily
Lansoprazole 15mg 2 tab once daily before dinner
Which one would be more effective? If I have to suffer more so be it. I want this thing gone.