[Help] Has anyone had a gastroscopy?

[BN9 BHA]

I have had the camera down my throat to check my Oesophagus several times, I’ve had the throat spray option. The first time I was told the spray tastes like banana for about 2 seconds, they were correct.
I can’t say I enjoy having it done, it’s uncomfortable but just relax and it doesn’t actually take long.

 

[Zeberdi]

Due in at the Royal Sussex County hospital on Monday for a stomach investigation. I was just wondering what your experience of it was and if you could give me any tips regarding the tube going down the throat, what the sedation is like and the after effects? Any good advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Had one a few weeks back with biopsies - not much sedation but didnt feel it at all - was also given a spray in the throat which stops the gagging. You just have to keep swallowing while the tube goes down. Was given a bed to recover from sedation (but hadnt actually fallen asleep so they soon kicked me out ). Had to have someone to drive me home - wasn’t allowed to go on my own. My throat/chest was slightly sore for a few days from the biopsies but only very minor. (Had to have a colonoscopy at the same time which was effing agony for the whole procedure!).

 

[Justice]

I had a few of these another on the 23rd I always get put to sleep. When I had my operation last year. I had so much pain relief I was off my tits for the majority of the recovery.

 

[Weststander]

Due in at the Royal Sussex County hospital on Monday for a stomach investigation. I was just wondering what your experience of it was and if you could give me any tips regarding the tube going down the throat, what the sedation is like and the after effects? Any good advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Good luck btw, I hope all goes well.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Never had one….just the colonoscopy….but wish you all the best…seems as though you’ve had some great advice and that it doesn’t last too long…and maybe give yourself a treat after..you’ll deserve it

 

[dsr-burnley]

They don't like putting you to sleep because there is the tiny chance you won't wake up again. Apparently healthy people do die (very rarely) under effects of anaesthetic. About 1 in 100,000 for healthy, non-emergency surgery; but across the NHS as a whole, if they do (random number) 5 million in a year, that's 50 deaths. So they prefer not to.

I was already in hospital, so the question of driving home didn't arise.

I was fine with a throat spray. I felt like gagging as the tube was pulled out; I was fine when it went in. Just relax, that's all there is to it.

 

[Gabbafella]

I had spray the first time as I didn't know what to expect and was never in any doubt asking to be knocked out for the second one. My gag reflexes would make me the lousiest gay guy in Brighton!
Had to have a PH manometry test which I ended up removing myself after a couple of hours because I couldn't stop gagging.

 

[Randy McNob]

Exactly what he said.

I hade the one up the other end too and I didn't like that at all

hope they wiped the tube

 

[Rambo]

One of the worst things I have experienced in my life. I had the throat spray and completely freaked out when I couldn’t swallow. Of course I was swallowing I just didn’t know it.

Have as much sedation as you can.

 

[Durlston]

Thanks to everyone who has posted support and wished me well for tomorrow. Some very good advice on here and am definitely going to use the sedation now.

 

[sydney]

Had it twice, 1996 and probably about 2003. Both times throat spray, second time the tube was smaller and I knew what to expect. If you can relax and not really think about it, then if I had to have a 3rd, I'd go throat spray again because I know it's tolerable. First time the tube seemed as big as a garden hose, but second time seemed like it was half the diameter.

As a couple of others have said though, I can understand the feelings of panic, but the nurses on both occasions kept me calm. You don't really notice much else as you just focus your mind on staying calm.

Will do. As someone who's never had Covid *touch wood*, I'm more worried about who's used the equipment before me.......

i've been violated at both ends repeatedly , always been put under and never knew a thing about it , the plus of being out cold is that as in @Thunder Bolt's case , if they find polyps or anything they can act on it straight away , get put to sleep mate , hope all is well ......syd.

 

[Randy McNob]

i've been violated at both ends repeatedly , always been put under and never knew a thing about it , the plus of being out cold is that as in @Thunder Bolt's case , if they find polyps or anything they can act on it straight away , get put to sleep mate , hope all is well ......syd.

just to be clear, we're still talking about gastroscopy?

 

[BLOCK F]

I’ve had several colonoscopies and just the one Gastroscopy.
I only had the throat spray. Not a pleasant experience, but not that bad. Quickly done and then you are free to go home with no hanging around waiting for the sedation to wear off.
Nice nurses and doctor at St.Mary’s Hospital Pompey.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

i've been violated at both ends repeatedly , always been put under and never knew a thing about it , the plus of being out cold is that as in @Thunder Bolt's case , if they find polyps or anything they can act on it straight away , get put to sleep mate , hope all is well ......syd.

I didn't have anesthetic and they took biops through the tube.

 

[sydney]

just to be clear, we're still talking about gastroscopy?

yes mate , endoscopy , colonoscopy .....call them what you will , it's better to be asleep for them.

 

[Durlston]

It has been quite a day. Very proud with the way I coped.

Fasting for six hours wasn't a problem as food's never been a big thing for me. As soon as I was called I was asked about thirty questions by a nurse and asked if I wanted sedation. Great! The only problem was that she couldn't find a vein as I'm anaemic and at the third go of being stabbed, success! For me the worst part of all was having to down a drink that smelled and tasted of rotten eggs. I nearly threw up when I drained the plastic cup. I thought it was going to repeat on me - but thankfully it didn't. So I went into the theatre room and was told to lay on my left side with my throat sprayed as a bonus (it tasted exactly like bananas - as someone mentioned earlier in the thread) so I was all ready and a mask was put on with the tube slowly down into my stomach. I was high as a kite at this point. The picture's weren't pretty, especially my small bowel. Throughout it all I stayed calm, didn't retch and remembered to breathe through my nose. One of the longest five minutes of my life though. When the tube popped out it felt great - it was over and I rested for two hours on a bed.

All the doctors and nurses were so lovely and said I did brilliantly. Incredible kindness shown and they made sure I didn't leave before being picked up by my sister.

The only bummer is I have to go back again in 6-8 weeks for another gastroscopsy as there was something they were concerned about. At least I'll know what to expect with the procedure. And @Questions I have been farting all evening!

 

[kevo]

This, very much this.

I took sedation and can’t remember a thing, a colleague went with the throat spray and said it was very, very unpleasant.

I have also heard this from someone who experienced both.

 

[Questions]

Mrs Q is pretty poorly in hospital tonight and had one through her nose to her stomach tonight to pull out any crap because she has had a blocked bowel . She’s such an amazing woman. Met her when she was 18 ……. 38 years ago.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Mrs Q is pretty poorly in hospital tonight and had one through her nose to her stomach tonight to pull out any crap because she has had a blocked bowel . She’s such an amazing woman. Met her when she was 18 ……. 38 years ago.

I hope she is recovering well now. All the best.

 

[Durlston]

Mrs Q is pretty poorly in hospital tonight and had one through her nose to her stomach tonight to pull out any crap because she has had a blocked bowel . She’s such an amazing woman. Met her when she was 18 ……. 38 years ago.

Sending my very best wishes to your wife and also to you, Questions. ❤

She is in the best possible hands. You must be worried sick but the whole of NSC is with you on this. Please keep us informed and praying for good news mate.