Very scared about my endoscopy - Digestive Disorders Message Board

krisdance83 · 12-11-2004, 10:56 PM

Hi there everyone,

Well, the day has finally come. This Friday, the 17th I will have my upper endoscopy. My doctor knows how nervous I am so he said I will be slightly more sedated than normal for this procedure. The anesthesiologist is involved and I had to go for a pre-op this past Friday. Is this normal for an endoscopy? My doctor told me that usually it is just IV sedation w/o the anesthesiologist but that I would have a bit extra.

Anyhow, he told me that I might "remember some swallowing." WELL that is the part that I am freaked about. As many of you might know, I am very phobic of vomiting and that includes gagging so I am not quite happy about hearing that. I told him how upset that comment made me and he said that he "swears" I will not gag because I will be unaware of what is happening. I had read on here before that someone was gagging for quite a bit before they fell asleep so that's what I'm mostly worried about. But then again I AM supposed to be having this "extra" sedation so hopefully that will help.

I know that I am probably worrying for nothing but please help me to realize that I will be ok!!!

sgt207 · 12-12-2004, 01:31 PM

I have had two done - piece of cake! Don't worry.

Colomolo · 12-12-2004, 03:01 PM

Please please dont worry at all. I had one done a few months ago and like you I was really scared. They asked me if I wanted sedation and I said no and Im glad because it really was nothing. It was over in a jiffy.

You will be fine. I look forward to reading your post where you can tell someone else its nothing to worry about because I can 100% guarantee you thats what you will be advising others in the future

krisdance83 · 12-12-2004, 10:02 PM

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement guys! I'll try to worry less.

I hope I fall asleep quickly too!!

Katie G · 12-13-2004, 10:40 AM

Hi krisdance - you're going to be just fine!

I've had 8 endos done over the years, and haven't remembered a thing. I have a very hyperactive gag reflex so I'm sedated quite a lot, and they spray a lot of the lidocaine on my throat as well (it tastes awful, but just swallow as quick as you can and you won't even feel the next swallow). I talk to the doctor a little bit as they're injecting me, then suddenly I feel all floaty, and then I wake up in the recovery area and I'm ready to go home.

Your doctor sounds very caring about your anxiety level, and I'm sure he'll will take good care of you. Keep us posted. The worry before hand is worse than the procedure.

Take care,
Katie G