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EGD Sedation

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Posted 6/26/2015 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
I usually post in the Chronic Pain forum & I'm not really sure if this is even the right place for my question but here goes...

My new GI doc is recommending I have an EGD (upper endoscopy) because the abdominal CT showed some kind of "mass". I was fine with the idea of an EGD, but am terrified beyond belief of the propofol he says is required. I have had very bad reactions to propofol in the past & really don't want to go through that again. I am prepared to just risk not doing the EGD at all, but then I read online about some places doing an EGD with just a topic anesthetic ("throat spray"). Has here anyone done that?

If you have done the throat spray method, were they able to get all the way into your stomach, or only as far as the esophagus? They need to be able to see/biopsy a mass located at the base of my stomach. If there are doctors who will do this test with me awake/alert, then I would gladly schedule it asap. :)

Thanks!
Posted 6/28/2015 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ive had two endoscopies without sedation, and they made it all the way through the stomach into the duodenum.

The main issue is just the throat and gagging, but they still use a numbing spray. As long as you can stay relaxed and still for a couple of minutes then sedation isnt necessary, you will gag but it doesnt prevent them doing their work. Im sure youll be able to find a dr that will give you the choice. You can feel it prodding about in your insides but it doesnt hurt at all.
Posted 6/28/2015 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have had five in the last few years (two different facilities and physicians) and in all cases sedation was required. I personally prefer propofol over versed since the side effects are less for me. The last two I had were done at a facility that used versed because it does not require an anesthesiologist. But the side effects take longer to subside.

In all situations sedation was not an option unless there was a strong medical reason.
Posted 6/29/2015 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
You can refuse sedation. It's not even offered in many countries. If you react badly to it, that's a reason not to have it, or at least not that particular one!

There are other things they can use if there's a reason for using sedation. Ask your doctor! There's at least usually an anesthesiologist you talk to unless the gastroenterologist is doing it himself (rarely). When you get the call for pre-procedure information, tell the nurse you refuse Propofol because you react badly to it. You are not alone! Some people don't tolerate it!

I've had it without sedation, but I'm such a bad gagger that it's very difficult for the doctor to see what's in there. I like Propofol because I wake up with no side effects, just wide awake. I refuse Versed because it has long-lasting side effects. Those aren't the only things that can be used either. Ask!
Posted 6/30/2015 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I had my last endoscopy without Propofol. The GI doctor used 75 mcg IV of Fentanyl and versed 8mg IV throughout the procedure. It was a flawless endoscopy. When I woke up I was a little groggy but that's about it and there were no other side effects.

Just wanted to let you know that Propofol is not necessary. There are other ways to sedate you if necessary.

 

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