Cant feel aspiration going for endoscopy; scared.

Hi Lawchick,

Aspirating food/liquid/acid in small amounts is definitely normal for those of us with reflux. As inflamed tissue in our esophagus scars over, sensitivity goes with it.

As far as your endoscopy, it's scary, but not much to worry about. I've had four of them, and I didn't have a single problem; probably the best 20 minute naps I've ever had. The endoscopy will help your doctors understand why you're feeling well, in addition to the barium swallow.

Be well and take care,
-TonyG-

I had an endoscopy with just aesthetic spray. Is a lot quicker if you are brave enough and they will tell you the result of their initial findings straight away. I took a day off work and wanted to have the rest of the day to relax and not feel so zoned out. With the throat spray you can't eat for about 2 hours after until the spray has worn off. It left me with a rough voice for the day too - sounded like I'd smoked a load of large cigars!
Good luck to you whatever way you choose and I hope you get some answers.

In the UK sedation is usually the less preferred option - just because it takes so much more time. I was in and out of my appointment within 20 minutes! If I had been sedated - I would have needed to stay in a recovery room for a few hours. I am fortunate that the clinicians who did my endoscopy were very calm and understanding - the actual endoscopy was no more than 5 mins long - the majority of the time spent filling in forms!
The aesthetic spray tasted like alcoholic bananas - and they said it might feel like I couldn't swallow - that didn't happen in my case - I just felt a bit numb - like you do at the dentist.
I hope you do get the option - but you might not, it depends on the policy of the place you are going to.
I would add though - it does make you retch when the tube goes down - it's not nice - but I kept myself relaxed as much as I could - and it was over in no time.
Best of luck!

Dont worry about the endoscopy, I had two and refused sedation for both, so they cant be that bad. Not very pleasent but as long as you stay relaxed and dont worry too much about the constant wretching, it will all be over in about 2 minutes. In the hospital I went to the tube was huge as well, about 3x the size of the ones Ive seen on US shows like House, so I think you''ll be fine :)

I had an endoscopy two weeks ago and like you, I wasn't given an option about sedation. Apparently my doctor prefers his patients to be out while he does the procedure. It proved no problem at all. Whatever they used was quick acting and when they brought me back I was up and alert quickly. I expected that I would be sleepy for the rest of the day but that didn't happen at all. It wasn't anything to worry about.
Peggy

Thank you Janpeg and Trotters. I think I just get alittle too nervous about things sometimes. Im use to being in hospital and getting medical test I just have never been "out" before. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to post. I will let everybody know how it goes. Thanks again.

There are more than one type of "sedation." Versed doesn't do anything for pain but makes you forget how bad whatever the procedure was. I routinely refuse to ever have this because I'm not fond of amnesia. I've heard screaming coming from the procedure rooms when I've been in a herd of sheep, all of us waiting for colonoscopies.
Propofol knocks you right out, but you wake up totally awake, not drowsy. Still not allowed to drive though.

I used to do endoscopy without sedation, but I have such a bad gag reflex I move too much. Colonoscopy I have done with nothing too. Without sedation I get to drive myself home!