Question:
Having an endoscopy, will I be completely out?
I have to have an endoscopy to rule out an ulcer before I can have surgery. I was wondering if you are completely out, or just groggy. I have panic attacks and don't won't to have one while having this procedure. I'm hoping you are completly under. — Gail M. (posted on April 27, 2001)
April 27, 2001
I have had endoscopy and my doctor (who I no longer go to anymore) had me
do it unsedated. He believed it wasn't necessary. It was bearable, but
not fun. Anyway, my understanding is that normally you are given
"twilight" stuff. So, you are really barely conscious and
probably in and out. I'm also interested in replies because I'll most
likely have to have another one before surgery. Good luck! Don't worry!
You'll be fine. It's not painful, just weird.
— Meredith P.
April 27, 2001
I am still pre-op but from what I am told, it is considered
"conscious sedation" -- You are technically awake but pretty
out of it. A friend of mine had it and said it was a piece
of cake. Don't get to stressed out about it, I really don't
think it is that bad! Good Luck and God Bless!!
— Donna H.
April 27, 2001
I've had about 14 or so, spanning many years, even pre-op. It's a nice
afternoon nap, and I've never awakened too soon or had any problems with
it. Kind of a nice little rest when I must do it. The closest thing to
actual "pain" is probably the IV.
— vitalady
April 27, 2001
I just recently had an upper endoscopy. Don't worry, it was easy. I was put
on an IV and a few minutes later we started. I don't remember feeling
sedated, but I know I was "loopy". I heard myself retching, but
didn't feel it, it seemed as if it were someone else. The sedation wore off
almost completely and I was free to go. I wasn't allowed to drive for 24
hours, and my throat felt a little swollen inside, though not sore. One
embarrassing thing though. Having given birth to 5 kids and being
overweight, I have urinary stress incontinence. I wish I had thought to
wear a pad or depends or something, because I realized I was wet when I got
up. I mention this because a lot of heavy people have this problem and I
wish someone had thought to warn me. Of course not everyone retches at the
thought of a hair in their mouth like I do, let alone an edoscopy tube. If
you do, be prepared!
Really though, no big deal, you'll be fine with a little sedation. They
could have said they were going to cut my arm off, and I wouldn't have
cared. Good luck!
— blank first name B.
April 27, 2001
I had my endoscopy on April 11th, and I don't remember a thing! I remember
the doctor spraying this aweful tasting stuff on the back of my throat then
telling me to turn on my side. Next thing I knew, I was back in the
recovery area. It was a piece of cake! I was so scared that I would gag
and choke, but it was really easy for me. Hopefully it will be for you
too. It doesn't hurt to voice your concerns to your doctor who is
performing it. They tend to make it easier I think. Good luck!
— Lori E.
June 25, 2001
I guess I am the only unlucky one on this panel of responses, because my
endoscopy (just had it last week) was horrible! The doctor sprayed me with
this stuff and I couldn't breath so I started to panic right there (even
though the nurse said It was OK if I felt like I couldn't breath I truly
felt that my throat would close up!!)....then the doc told me to lie down
and he shoved some tube down my throat and I just kept wretching and I
thought I would definitely throw up, but I hadn't eaten anything so I
didn't. Then, after what seemed like an eternity I must've fallen asleep
because I don't remember anything after that except my throat felt very dry
and irritated all day, and nothing tasted good at all. It was not a
pleasant experience, and I hope I never have to do it again. Sorry, I just
have to be honest here, I would've rather had a tooth pulled with no
anesthesia!! LOL
— pamwashere
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