Hi all, * Has anyone had an endoscopy that can reassure my nerves? I have one scheduled for this Friday morning. I've never been sedated before at all, so the idea of having an IV in my arm and being put to sleep is freaking me out a bit. My Dr told me that it's a very fast procedure and it's done right in the Dr office, and it apparently isn't even real anesthesia like you'd get for surgeries. * But I think what I'm most anxious about is just being anxious lol. I'm worried I'm going to go there and as soon as I get in the chair to start I'm going to start having a panic attack and freaking out. Sigh. * Anyone with some reassurance for me? =(
Hi Philly. I’ve not personally had one done but my Dad had had an endoscopy before. Aside from a mild soreness afterwards from where they inserted the camera, he was fine. No issues.
It’s understandable that you’ll be worried and anxious during the procedure, but they’ll be use to it. Just be honest and tell them when you get there that you have a history of anxiety and attacks, so are a little worried. They should be mindful of it.
Best of luck x
Maybe you are having a different procedure, but when I had an endoscopy, there was no sedation. It was done in the exam room and took about 10 minutes. They stick a tube up your nose and down your throat. It feels weird, but there was no pain at all. I am a big chicken, but the procedure was not a big deal at all. I didn’t have any anxiety at all. If you freak out, you freak out. I am sure your doctor has seen all sorts of patients. Just remember, the anticipation is ALWAYS worse than the reality. The only way to beat anxiety is through it.
HI philly your be fine ive worked in endoscopy and the drug they give you just makes you remember nothing your still able to obey comands but really relaxed the worst is a bit of a sore throat after …let them know about your anxieties … all the best x
My brother had it once done without sedation, but he said it’s not common and when he had it a 2nd time they wouldn’t let him do it without sedating =/ My doctor said they didn’t do it without sedating either. But you’re right, the anticipation is alwaysss worse. Thanks for your reassurance!
Thank you! I’m going to try not to think about it and just let them know when I get there I’m a little nervous etc. I know it’ll end up being fine and so fast, it’s just the damn anticipation -_-
Thank you! I did let the Dr know during my first appt that I get very anxious about sedation, and all he said was well if your anxious and your adrenaline is going we may have to give u a little more than normal to knock u out, so u may be asleep 20 min maybe compared to the usual 15 min only. But that’s basically all he said =/ N then I’m thinking oh great he’s giving me an even higher dose haha -__-
yeah just let them know your nervous and to be honest everyone would be nervous its the unknown yes its a quick procedure … think of your happy place and try to relax … x
I had one done and it was fine. I had sedation and no sore throat at all after. the only thing that bothered me was I felt a little out of it for about 3 days post procedure. I think my body just takes longer to clear meds from it.
Hi Philly89,
having tests of ANY kind and being knocked out sends my anxiety thru the roof!!!
honestly I i can tell you I have had 2 endoscopies (1 a few months ago )and they were fine. the medication they give you puts you in a twilight kind of sleep and you can respond to instructions if they need you to do something.you wake up quickly and you feel fine afterwards.
please dont stress out that much on it like you said the anticipation is far far worse!!! you will be fine!!! let us know how it goes!!
Linda
hi…I didn’t have sedation, just a numbing mouth spray, I was fine, its a bit uncomfortable, that’s all.
i had it done and was very nervous but asked for sedation which they were happy to do. i felt nothing and woke to find it over. all was fine. i just knew i couldnt swallow the scope so there was an answer for me, you will be fine
Thank u!
Hi Linda, thank you for your kind reassurance! That really does make me feel better, I thought it was like you’re totally knocked out all of a sudden. But knowing it’s more of a light sleep thing helps my nerves a bit. What was the procedure from the moment u walked in the room? Are u in a hospital gown? Do you just sit on the chair and they give u the IV right away so that u don’t actually see any of the prepping or anything? I just want to know exactly what to expect lol.
My brother had an endoscopy like that w out sedation… for some reason not all Drs will do that 
Mine requires sedation
Thanks I was thinking like idk what would be worse, sedation or not haha bc I’d probably be nervous still without it anyway -_- but I just hate the idea of being out of control and forcefully put to sleep. I’m trying to rationalize it’s like taking Nyquil hahaha
Thank u! I hope mine goes fine as well, I’m sure it will but the anticipation is a b-tch lol
they are very nice, you do change into a gown and then they bring you in the room. you lay down, the dr preforming the procedure comes in and told me what he does, then the nurse sets up the IV and starts administering the medication. before you know it it is over, you are awake and soon on your way home. for all the health worrying i do over everything, colonoscopies (had 3) and endoscopies (2) give me the least anxiety. i have it, but not crazy good luck!!!
Hm okay that doesn’t sound toooo bad. I’m glad that it seems like they give u the meds pretty quickly haha I’m worried about sitting there and thinking and panicking, I’d rather just go in and immediately knock me out, don’t even talk to me hahaha
hi I literally just had one yesterday it went so fast and I was completely put asleep I had a colonoscopy done at the same time before I could finish asking how long does it take the Anasthesia to kick it I was knocked out