Endoscopy - whos had one ?

[Turn7]

Going in on Tuesday to have one done, never had anything like it before so am consequently worrying about it.

Anyone had the experience ?

[jas xjr]

had one a few times. nothing to worry about. unfortunately they did not find anything

[CAPP0]

Not sure on terminology here - is an endoscopy down the throat, or entry via an alternative route? If the latter, I was offered one for bowel cancer screening, just routinely. Other than a requirement to "clear the decks" beforehand, which took two goes, the actual procedure was fine, not painful in any way - and they did tell me how far in they had travelled; can't remember the number but it was a long way!

[SydneyBridge]

Had one down the throat a few times. Its strange but over with pretty quickly.

[Breeks]

I've had a couple. I'd recommend sedation, apart from that nothing to worry about.

[anonymous-user]

CAPP0 said:

Not sure on terminology here - is an endoscopy down the throat, or entry via an alternative route? If the latter, I was offered one for bowel cancer screening, just routinely. Other than a requirement to "clear the decks" beforehand, which took two goes, the actual procedure was fine, not painful in any way - and they did tell me how far in they had travelled; can't remember the number but it was a long way!

You're talking about a cystoscopy you muppet

[Turn7]

Breeks said:

I've had a couple. I'd recommend sedation, apart from that nothing to worry about.

Want to avoid sedation as the days wasted then.

It is down the throat btw.

[psi310398]

Turn7 said:

Want to avoid sedation as the days wasted then.

Believe me, you don't...

The day may be wasted, although you will feel quite mellow , and you will need someone to take you home.

It is awful without and I'd never want to repeat the experience.

Peter

[chilluk7]

I've had 2 one with and one without sedation. Guess which way round? I wouldn't have another without sedation now.

Bowel one is colonoscopy of which I've had 5 and would have another 5 before another endoscopy but I have issues breathing through my nose that makes it feel worse for me. In truth it's all fine doesn't hurt and is just a weird sensation.

But to paraphrase Baz lurhman "trust me on the sedation"

[Sammo123]

I had one a couple of years ago. No sedation, just a numbing spray for my throat. It was easy enough. Not pleasant but absolutely no need to be sedated for it! The whole procedure only lasted 3-4 minutes including me swallowing the camera etc.

Don't panic about it. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

[200Plus Club]

I believe it is gastroscopy (down throat) and endoscopy (up rear) but whatever the terminology the camera down throat is horrific enough with a sedation that I wouldn't contemplate one without. Not painful, just very very uncomfortable and the retching is intense. Saying that, it takes ten mins tops and the staff are brilliant and reassuring.
Not had the "other option" thankfully

Edited by 200Plus Club on Sunday 16th July 22:09

[chr15b]

Sammo123 said:

I had one a couple of years ago. No sedation, just a numbing spray for my throat. It was easy enough. Not pleasant but absolutely no need to be sedated for it! The whole procedure only lasted 3-4 minutes including me swallowing the camera etc.

Don't panic about it. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

Gone off bananas

[moorx]

Sammo123 said:

I had one a couple of years ago. No sedation, just a numbing spray for my throat. It was easy enough. Not pleasant but absolutely no need to be sedated for it! The whole procedure only lasted 3-4 minutes including me swallowing the camera etc.

Don't panic about it. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

^^ This. It was unpleasant, but I'd still not bother with sedation if I was having another.

[zeDuffMan]

Gastroscopy is through the mouth
Cystoscopy is up the chap
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is up the rear

Then there are others for lungs, womens bits, via incisions, etc. Just to clear it up!

[Breeks]

Turn7 said:

Breeks said:

I've had a couple. I'd recommend sedation, apart from that nothing to worry about.

Want to avoid sedation as the days wasted then.

It is down the throat btw.

Yep so was mine, first without sedation. Next two with sedation....some maybe fine with the throat spray I wasn't. Just giving my experience as that's what you asked for.

[Dogwatch]

At least you get the option of gas-and-air when it is shoved up your rear end!

Unless they are really going for it

[inabox]

Have sedation. I didn't and it was about 15 minutes of a job for me, though they told me that is exceptional. But seriously; get sedated.

[GCH]

I found the endoscopy far more unpleasant than a colonoscopy tbh. Not painful, but uncomfortable and claustrophobic.

Also really comforting to realise that the thing they put in your mouth is to protect the camera/cable, instead of to protect your (probably expensive) front teeth veneers

[otolith]

I had gastroscopy without sedation, and I wouldn't recommend it. My wife had it at a private hospital. I mentioned to her consultant that I had been allowed to decline the sedation. He said that was "tantamount to assault".

I have also had the camera up the other end. I accepted the drugs, and have no recollection of anything between them going in and coming round.

[condor]

moorx said:

Sammo123 said:

I had one a couple of years ago. No sedation, just a numbing spray for my throat. It was easy enough. Not pleasant but absolutely no need to be sedated for it! The whole procedure only lasted 3-4 minutes including me swallowing the camera etc.

Don't panic about it. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

^^ This. It was unpleasant, but I'd still not bother with sedation if I was having another.

I've also had the camera down the throat without sedation- make sure they are liberal with the throat spray. My throat was totally numb so didn't feel a thing - also make sure you relax your whole body too. The procedure was only about 5 minutes then another 15-20 mins for the throat spray effects to wear off. I was recommended to have a black tea afterwards rather than one with milk in the recovery area.
The good thing about the throat spray is that you go about your normal business straight away after - with the sedation you need to be collected and looked after for the next 24 hours.