Going in for endoscopy next week-Scared-Feedback please!

King1234:

Being "knocked out" for an endoscopy is not the same as anesthesia for a surgical procedure. You will get an IV when you arrive. They do not put you under deep enough for them to have to breath for you or hook you up to lots of equipment. If you choose to go to sleep, you are under a light anesthesia and the procedure takes minutes - not hours. I have many drug sensitivities and have severe hypertension, so I am an anesthesiologist's worst nightmare because they have to be careful with dosing and what medications they use. However, I was never petrified of going to sleep.

Your doctor is correct, they can do it with little or no anesthesia, but it's unpleasant. Not unbearable, but not something I'd ask for if I could be asleep instead. There's a recent posting in HealingWell by someone who recently had an endoscopy done and was awake during it - maybe you'll find it if you read through a few old subjects. I think it was posted within the last 10 days.

For my most recent endoscopy, before I went to sleep, the staff made me comfy and I was in a semi-reclined position - not laying down, but not totally sitting up and I was sort of on my left side instead of my back. Then they gave me some medication through the IV and I went to sleep. I awoke a short while later and had nothing more than a slight sore throat. I was home within 2 hours of leaving the house, had a light snack of poached egg and toast and felt fine. I rested for the day and didn't drive due to anesthesia, but the next day was a normal day.

I've had 2 endoscopies and am preparing for a 3rd. The first one was by a different doctor at a different facility than I use now. The first place was OK, but not great, so I understand your concern about being scared of being put under. However, the second place, which is the local hospital I go to now, was fantastic and although the procedure was the same, the atmosphere and everything else was so much better that it seemed like a totally different procedure. This doctor is so much better than the first doctor that I knew everything would be better the 2nd time. I didn't have the warm fuzzies when I met the first doctor, but I felt very comfortable with the 2nd doctor immediately. I have no fear of the 3rd procedure as I know it will be over quickly and I will not be "totally under"; just enough so that I don't feel the tube going down my throat or remember what's happening.

Most people say "that wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected" when it's over.

Hope this eased some of your anxiousness about the procedure.

I think you have been given great advice here. Just relax, and go with the flow...I know, easier said than done. It is a quick procedure, and it will be over before you know it! Please, let us know how it goes. You will be fine though sweetie, so try to relax. Wishing you the best!

I had an endoscopy in September and like you, I was petrified of being "knocked out".  My mother had had the procedure and kept telling me it was not big deal but I couldn't relax.  For what it's worth, and this may sound weird--but being knocked out was almost pleasant!  Once they give you the meds you are asleep in moments, next thing I knew they were waking me up--I felt as if I had had a lovely nap (I am not a good sleeper).   My throat was a little sore later in the day--lasted less than a day.  I wish you good luck and good results.  

SHMT

King...feel free to keep posting as the time draws closer, also, please tell us how it goes after the fact.

Great, thanks so much Kman. I think I am going to do it awake since I am so nervous about the meds or being put asleep. Did you gag a ton when they put the tube down your throat or were you not really able to feel it due to the numbing? How long would you say the entire procedure took?

Thanks again for your feedback, its really helpful.

Thanks so much Bileman. Did you have a gagging sensation at all? I was hoping for something like valium to just relax me, not something to put me to sleep! How long did it take?

Thanks again for your response!!!!

Glad I could help King1234. It felt more like extreme pressure in your throat. I don't remember really feeling like I was choking, the nurse who was beside me, tried to keep my mind on breathing slowly and steady. It felt like it took maybe 10 min,,,I may be wrong, but it was quick thats for sure. Like it was already said, a biopsy make make it take a little longer. They did when I had my second one done.

LOL,,,Sharpie pen,,thats is pretty close,,,,Felt more like a baseball bat,,LOL

All kiding aside,, there is nothing to really worry about. I am sure you have a great Doctor, and it will be over before ya know it. Make sure you ask for drugs,,,might make the whole day a little better ...****

GOOD LUCK !!!


Bileman

Good luck, king1234!! Just to clarify, it didn't feel like choking at all, just the gag reflex. You'll just want to try and relax so it doesn't happen often.