Scass
17-06-18, 08:41
One of the reasons I joined NMP was for help with my stomach symptoms of reflux and heartburn. Mostly I needed help with the way my anxiety spiralled worse than my symptoms.
Once I knew I needed an endoscopy I read everything about people’s experiences to try and help me understand the procedure, and also to decide whether to have sedation or not.
I knew I didn’t really want sedation because I didn’t want to be out of it, or to take longer to recover. I have a small child so I needed to be able to look after her once I was home.
Anyway, my appointment was for 2.30pm. That must have been the time for the afternoon slots, because I was last in and therefore had to wait for 2 hours in the waiting room before there was a bed free. I’d fasted since 8am so was hungry & thirsty as well as anxious. But the wait did mean that I just wanted it over and done with.
I was taken through to the recovery area where the beds are, to wait my turn. I had blood pressure & oxygen levels checked. After about 40 minutes the doctor came to explain the procedure to me. Then I was wheeled in on my bed.
It’s pretty no nonsense. They’d double checked that I didn’t want sedation, and I’d confirmed again.
They gave me the throat spray - about 5 sprays each to the left right and middle of my throat. It tastes pretty disgusting- like chemical bananas.
This was the worst part for me. My anxiety kicked in at the thought of the procedure- and usually I would gulp down air, but I couldn’t feel it going down because I couldn’t feel my throat! I did start to panic for about 15 seconds, and told them I couldn’t get air. But they told me that my oxygen levels were 100% and just to breathe. So I started to breathe - astonishingly, being told my oxygen was fine did the trick and I relaxed.
They put the mouth guard in and I bit down on it, then they fed the tube in and told me to swallow - I did gag twice, but it wasn’t bad, and then it was in. I was quite surprised how easy it was really. Once it was in I felt some tickling, a little discomfort and wriggling, and some punches when they took the biopsies.
A nurse stroked my hair and told me I was doing fine. Even the doctor was saying I was doing really well.
I tried to think of a song in my head and just concentrate on breathing in and out. I also concentrated on relaxing each of my muscles one by one.
Then they told me they were taking it out, and that was it.
The nurse told me that she thought I was going to panic and I said that I had!
They chatted to me and wheeled me back to the recovery room where they checked my blood pressure again.
I felt a bit shaky for a few minutes, but I sat up and immediately started getting the gown off so I could leave. I had noticed the sedated patients were kept about 45 minutes longer (if that) , and most were having a nice doze.
I was then taken to a discharge area where they talked me through my results and then sent me home.
The throat spray wore off after about 45 minutes, and I started taking sips of water and had a few biscuits. I was a bit sore from the air they pump in. And felt a bit beaten up to be honest. I had a bath and went to bed. The morning after, My throat is a bit sore and my stomach and oesophagus feels a bit tender. But I feel ok really.
Sorry for writing so much, but I hope that this helps anyone looking for help and advice. If you have any questions, please just ask away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Once I knew I needed an endoscopy I read everything about people’s experiences to try and help me understand the procedure, and also to decide whether to have sedation or not.
I knew I didn’t really want sedation because I didn’t want to be out of it, or to take longer to recover. I have a small child so I needed to be able to look after her once I was home.
Anyway, my appointment was for 2.30pm. That must have been the time for the afternoon slots, because I was last in and therefore had to wait for 2 hours in the waiting room before there was a bed free. I’d fasted since 8am so was hungry & thirsty as well as anxious. But the wait did mean that I just wanted it over and done with.
I was taken through to the recovery area where the beds are, to wait my turn. I had blood pressure & oxygen levels checked. After about 40 minutes the doctor came to explain the procedure to me. Then I was wheeled in on my bed.
It’s pretty no nonsense. They’d double checked that I didn’t want sedation, and I’d confirmed again.
They gave me the throat spray - about 5 sprays each to the left right and middle of my throat. It tastes pretty disgusting- like chemical bananas.
This was the worst part for me. My anxiety kicked in at the thought of the procedure- and usually I would gulp down air, but I couldn’t feel it going down because I couldn’t feel my throat! I did start to panic for about 15 seconds, and told them I couldn’t get air. But they told me that my oxygen levels were 100% and just to breathe. So I started to breathe - astonishingly, being told my oxygen was fine did the trick and I relaxed.
They put the mouth guard in and I bit down on it, then they fed the tube in and told me to swallow - I did gag twice, but it wasn’t bad, and then it was in. I was quite surprised how easy it was really. Once it was in I felt some tickling, a little discomfort and wriggling, and some punches when they took the biopsies.
A nurse stroked my hair and told me I was doing fine. Even the doctor was saying I was doing really well.
I tried to think of a song in my head and just concentrate on breathing in and out. I also concentrated on relaxing each of my muscles one by one.
Then they told me they were taking it out, and that was it.
The nurse told me that she thought I was going to panic and I said that I had!
They chatted to me and wheeled me back to the recovery room where they checked my blood pressure again.
I felt a bit shaky for a few minutes, but I sat up and immediately started getting the gown off so I could leave. I had noticed the sedated patients were kept about 45 minutes longer (if that) , and most were having a nice doze.
I was then taken to a discharge area where they talked me through my results and then sent me home.
The throat spray wore off after about 45 minutes, and I started taking sips of water and had a few biscuits. I was a bit sore from the air they pump in. And felt a bit beaten up to be honest. I had a bath and went to bed. The morning after, My throat is a bit sore and my stomach and oesophagus feels a bit tender. But I feel ok really.
Sorry for writing so much, but I hope that this helps anyone looking for help and advice. If you have any questions, please just ask away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk