Hi. Definitely go with sedation. I thought it wouldn't be so bad if I was getting the option of 2 choices. Big mistake! Not pleasant at all. 

As for going with them, I have an appointment next week and it clearly states due to covid 19 that I'm too go unaccompanied but not sure if that's for everyone, says only if absolutely necessary. 

Good luck. 

Hi. Definitely go with sedation. I thought it wouldn't be so bad if I was getting the option of 2 choices. Big mistake! Not pleasant at all. 

As for going with them, I have an appointment next week and it clearly states due to covid 19 that I'm too go unaccompanied but not sure if that's for everyone, says only if absolutely necessary. 

Good luck. 

I had this procedure today. I had the same procedure nearly 30 years ago without sedation and was not looking forward to it as I remember retching for about 3 minutes straight and being held down. I figured this time I would be mentally prepared for it so opted for the throat spray again.

To cut a long story short, the expected 3 minute procedure took 25 minutes and was the most uncomfortable and physically traumatic experience. Retching for most of the time, they took 7 biopsies and I could feel every one being taken and they hurt like hell.

The consultant came to see me after and said "next time go for the sedative". Next time!!

Now sitting at home with one hell of a sore throat, light pain inside and feels like I have PTSD.

So for anyone wondering, go for sedation and insist if they try and talk you out of it.

Hi,

I'm in my late 70's and have had 4 or 5 gastroscopys. These day my hospital gives you the choice of having sedation or not. I'm going for a gastroscopy on 15 September 2020 and I've chosen not to have sedation as it may react with prescriptions drugs I'm on.

These days they tend to give an injection of Midazelam, the effect of which last a full 24 hrs.

So no driving, going to work, rest if possible. Without sedation you can go home after the gastroscopy and lead a normal life. A nurse should ring you prior to the date of gastroscopy and go through things with you. Also, you will need a Covid 19 test a few days earlier.

Good luck.

JIM

I'm sitting in the waiting room now after just having had my gastroscopy and just wanted to share my experience after being up since 5am worrying and wishing now I hadn't googled and read all the horror stories on here! My experience was a very positive one. I chose not to have sedation as I have kids to pick up and also didn't want any of the added risks. I was given the throat spray which gave me a burning tingly sensation and tasted unpleasant. The nurses around me were lovely and reassuring and one held my hand and they talked me through the whole procedure which took about 5 minutes. The worst bit was when it first went in. I was told to swallow and had a slight gagging feeling which I was most worried about as I feel like I have quite a sensitive gag reflex. I've only just been able to train myself to swallow tablets in the last few years, but once it passed the back of my throat the feeling went. It was obviously uncomfortable and unpleasant but didn't last long and was easily bearable for me. I had to have a biopsy but didn't feel any pain whilst it was being done. I found if you kind of make sure the tube is towards the left of your throat (as they lay you on your left side) it feels better. I didn't experience pain but just uncomfortableness and a it's a horrible sensation especially when it first goes down. I just felt like I wanted to add another positive comment on here as although I know everyone experiences things differently this was so so much better than what I was imagining in my head! I asked the nurses before I went in how many go for sedation and she said it was 50/50 and I asked if she comes across people who regret not getting it and she said no. I think it's very much mind over matter. I am so pleased I didn't get sedation. The build up and anxiety I had about it beforehand was so much worse than the actual thing! I was taken into recovery afterwards for 10 minutes where they took my blood pressure and then given a drink and my results and then discharged straight after that.