Hi, I had one last year, I had sedation and didn't feel a thing, I'm not a brave soldier. The spray on the throat for me tasted horrible but I didn't have to put up with it for long as I was out of it. I cudnt have coped with the sensation in my throat. That's just my personal opinion. . 3 out of 4 people in the day unit went for sedation. You are in hospital a few hours with sedation but out quicker with just the spray.

Thanks scones.  I know that I, too, would opt for sedation. 

Hi Tele,

Sorry, I tried to reply a couple of days ago but had problems logging on.

I had a colonoscopy via stoma and a gastroscopy a few weeks/months ago. As far as I recall I'd asked for sedation but don't know if I actually had it. They coyldn't complete the colonoscopy due to a stricture.

Although I had the numbing spray on my throat, for the whole time the tube was in, I was tring to vomit. Most uncomfortable. Fortunately it was over in minutes and as soon as the tube was removed I was ok.

I probably did have sedation because I was in the recovery ward afterwards and supposed to stay for at least an hour. However, as soon as I told them my lift was on the way to the ward, they let me go straight away.

For such tests I'd always have sedation and I'd always prefer to have somebody to accompany me. I'm lucky that there's always someone there for me.

Regards

Taff

Hi I had two last year. The first was without sedation which although not painful I found it quite frightening. The second one just six weeks later I was given a sedation. It’s a very light sedation which relaxes you and I’m sure makes their job much easier. You will be left to recover in a sideward for 30-60 minutes. You can’t drive after sedation and will need someone to take you home afterwards.

i also had a Colonoscopy in May this year with sedation, again very light just to relax you. In fact I found this procedure very interesting and watched the whole thing on the screen as it was done. 

Be reassured that both these procedures are common practice and you will be in good hands I’m sure. 

Good luck. 

I had the most traumatic experience ever with my gastroscopy! instant retching as soon as the camera got to the back of my mouth had to stop the doc before he got to my esophagus, I had the numbing spray but I cannot express how traumatic this was for me I haven't gagged or retched like that before in my life! I got quite upset instantly after as I wanted to find out what was wrong with me now I have to wait again and I didn't have a clue it was going to be that bad, the doc said I could go under general anesthetic next time but I'm going for a throat xray first to see if that shows up anything, hopefully all is ok though.
Would not recommend this to anybody but if it needs doing it needs doing :)

Hi, sorry to hear about your experience, did you opt for sedation.? I didn’t remember a thing once the sedation took effect. I also had sedation with a colonoscopy and woke up screaming for them to stop, three times this happened, when I did wake up, I was violently sick, think they must have kept giving me more of something to knock me out. My hand was completely black with bruising, they must have been holding me down. Not a nice experience at all so I can understand your concern.

Hi, i consider myself pretty brave so decided go without sedation as i just wanted 2 get home quickly. It was horrific! It tricks ur brain in2 thinking u cant breathe n ev tho this was explained 2 me n i thought i cud overcome it i went in2 a blind panic. Am booked in 4 anoth n wudnt even attempt it without sedation. It will b traumatic enough 4 ur friend so anything that makes it easier 4 her should b taken. Also, if she does choose not 2 b sedated u should still go with her if poss, she will need a friend.

The worst thing feeling like your going to be sick all the time pipe is down you throat or that your choking sedation is best way especially it your nervous.

Billy 

I've heard some people are fine with it however personally i had sedation as i get really anxious if i feel like i can't breathe. The spray does taste horrible but after the sedation i only remembering a little retching and for the rest of it i was out and don't remember it. If she has sedation then someone would need to take her home but if not then she can go unattended. 

Hope it goes well for her x 

I had this procedure done yesterday and decided to use just throat spray. As i have a toddler and i wanted to be able to go home asap and not be groggy!

It was honestly the worst experience i have ever had. Childbirth was easier to go through. I would 100% suggest that you have the sedation. I have heard some people have been ok with the just the throat spary and my hat goes off to them! 

Positives are that it is over with very quickly and you can go straight home. But it is a very traumatic experience in my opinion and should be done under sedation x