Unsedated upper endoscopy anyone? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

CircusSquirrel · 08-22-2005, 02:50 PM

Hi All,

I am scheduled to have an endoscopy in a couple of days. Here's the thing: the days my doc does endoscopies are super inconvenient for me and I don't have anyone to drive me (the hospital is about 1 hour and 20 minutes one way) on those days. I really need to get the endoscopy done soon, though, because that is pretty much the last test I need before seeing the surgeon for this gallbladder-type pain (sharp URQ pain that radiates to back, severe epigastric pain, worse after meals). So, the endoscopy nurse said that I could have the test without sedation. She said that she has had 3 unsedated herself so that she wouldn't miss work. She said it felt weird but not painful. I'm not afraid of the test and they told me it would be quick, I just kinda want to be prepared and not freak out, or else I'll just have to make another trip and have the test done again. Has anyone had this done unsedated?

diamond79 · 08-22-2005, 03:26 PM

I had one done with VERY mild sedation. I remember the whole thing and it wasn't that bad. They sprayed the back of my throat with some numbing liquid and then gave me the sedation. They made me put a thing in my mouth to hold it open and they stuck the scope down. It felt to me like butterflies in the stomach. Didn't hurt at all just felt weird. The whole thing took about 5 mins.---took longer waiting then to have it done!

Good Luck!

Donna

kehorner · 08-22-2005, 06:09 PM

Is there perhaps another place where you can get it done that's closer? Or could you get a taxi to a hotel room to recover in before you have to drive home? Although I was knocked out with mine (versed and demerol) and even after I slept all afternoon I still felt like I shouldn't drive that night and even a little out of it the next morning. But I can't say much about getting the procedure without sedation, because I was most definitely drugged to the hilt for mine.

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 08-22-2005, 10:57 PM

Hi CircusSquirrel,

I would never have an upper endoscopy without sedation. I would freak out. But that is up to you. If you have a gag reflex, you might not be able to do it without drugs. I have heard of some people that gagged and gagged. I will not even let them put in the thing that goes between your teeth/mouth (for the tube to go it), til I am almost out! I guess, it really depends on your character and how resolute you are.

If you do go for sedation, try a cab, or the motel route, like kerhorner said.

Just be sure and get it done! Hope it all works out for you. Wannabe