Just to add another experience to this list for anyone interested in all possibilities of what it might involve.
I opted for the procedure without sedation because I wanted to be able to get straight back to work. Also, I like to be rational and in control of myself. In the past I have woken up from anaesthetics crying and telling strangers I love them. Nothing wrong with that of course, but I was concerned that under sedation I would have less self control to do what the nurses and doc needed me to do. Perhaps it is skewed logic to fear I would be more likely to panic if sedated. Who knows?
Having the throat spray and the following loss of sensation was a very strange feeling. i.e. I was swallowing and knew I was, but couldnt feel it at all. Very quickly after that the mouth/tooth guard was inserted and strapped around my head to hold it in place. This is effectively a short wide pipe to bite on. The camera passes through it & safely away from the teeth.
Because a minor part of the problem I was having investigated involved choking when I lie down, I was profoundly nervous lying down with my mouth strapped open and being unable to feel myself swallowing.
The staff reassured me constantly that I would be able to breath and they would use suction to remove any saliva and fluids from my mouth.
Next they prepared to put the camera in, and in truth I felt at the time it was all going too quickly. I wanted more time to have it explained, but I know they were just being efficient and getting it over as fast as possible for my benefit. There wasnt any more information they could have given me anyway.
I know this isnt everyones experience, but as the pipe went in I gagged violently and was sick. Each time the pipe was pushed in further I vomitted again - I think 7 times in all. After the first few times I tried to indicate for them to stop but when I realised that wasnt going to happen I focussed on breathing, keeping my tongue still, and staying in position as advised by the calm voice issuing a constant flow of instructions.
I was scared, but despite all the vomiting the staff were right - I could breath - they maintained suction - and the procedure was over in minutes. Possibly the most unpleasant minutes of my life so far ... but worse things happen at sea!
The doctor was giving me a commentary on what she was doing and how close we were to the end. Brilliant feeling when she said, now we're finished, I'm going to withdraw the tube - Hooray.
Afterwards I was shaking involuntarily. Dean is right that it does feel like a major violation, but the people who did it were professional and kind and acting solely in my best interests. Several staff had their hands on me during the procedure though I wouldnt say they were holding me down - perhaps they were preparing to in case it was needed, but whatever the reason I found the contact comforting. I held onto one of the hands - no idea whose, but it's just one of those little things that makes nursing staff like angels.
Oh, the final thing was that afterwards I had stomach acid in my throat because of the vomitting, and that was quite painful. I'd had the throat spray so wasnt allowed to drink anything or take antacids - just had put up with it - while the people coming round from sedatives on the ward were drinking tea and eating scones Smile Score one for sedatives.
If I had to do this again I would probably fast for ALOT longer than requested in the literature. Apparently the vomiting is exacerbated by food remaining in the stomach. For my 3:30pm procedure it was recommended that eat nothing after a light breakfast no later than 7:30am the same day. I ate the evening before then nothing except a cup of tea that morning at 7:15am - yet there was food remaining in my stomach. Next time, I'll check it out with my Doc first, but probably fast the whole day before.