This procedure has been at the very top of my 'horror' list forever, so facing up to it has been torturous, to say the least. I was choosing the sedation route but without the numbing spray (as I envisaged that I wouldn't be able to swallow if my throat was numb and I have a fear of not being able to swallow!)

Anything relating to procedures involving mouth, throat, tongue face is enough to make me break into a sweat, so when I was dropped at the Endoscopy Suite at 10.45am today (no one could accompany me due to covid tules) I was beside myself with terror.

After a long wait of 40 minutes I was finally called through. As lovely as the booking in nurse was and despite his best efforts to calm me, by the time I entered the theatre and met the consultant I was actually ready for doing a back door boogy and heading straight out of the door. 

He took one look at me and soon assessed that I wouldn't be an easy patient. As I was pacing the room eying the bed and all of the equipment he calmly explained exactly WHY I was anxious and that as he was so experienced he would ensure that the drugs he used would not only relax my nerves but would also make me drowsy to the point where I actually wouldn't care what was going on.

Once he finally persuaded me onto the bed and the two assisting nurses gently prepped me and put on my canula ready for the drugs I was already starting to relax due to the doctors calm approach. He promised me he wouldn't put the mouthguard in (another phobia I had got fixated on) until I was well sedated. 

OMG the next thing I knew was them pushing me through to recovery and offering me tea!!!

I absolutely DID NOT FEEL A THING!!! It was totally amazing. I do not remember anything and can only reassure others about the reality of this process. With the rght doctor on your side it will be a seamless, painless and stress free experience. Honest!

If someone told me I'd have to do it again tomorrow I would be absolutely fine about it.

My husband collected me 20 minutes later. I haven't had one twinge from my throat or tummy despite having no numbing spray. I enjoyed the rest of the day. Had a nice walk in the cold sunshine and went to the pub too ( no alcohol of course!!).......I thought my husband deserved a pint after being so supportive of me throughout my period of total paranoia over this Endoscopy.

Hope this message helps someone else through their own ordeal.