abwsco Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I'm going for one tomorrow and am in a panic. The only information I've got is to take a urine sample. Am I right in thinking that I shouldn't eat until after it's done. Will I be able to have a small drink of water when I get up. The only phone number I've got is the booking line so no use ringing that Has anyone else had one and did you have the sedation as I believe I should be offered that? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Sorry I can't offer any help Anne, but I had a septoplasty two weeks ago and like you, panicked a bit before I went in. I found a septoplasty forum, would you believe? It was so very helpful. I am wondering if you might find something similar for the gastroscopy. There will be people who can tell you this information and advise you. I would imagine that if you shouldn't eat, they would have told you. In any instance a sip of water will not do any harm, although a pint might. Good luck tomorrow Anne! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Him Indoors has had umpteen. It is usually 'starve from midnight' I'm afraid. Best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordelia Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Gastrointestinal.html just found this link for you...please dont worry too much about it... "For your doctor to see the lining of the stomach and duodenum clearly, your stomach needs to be completely empty. To help clear it out you must follow the fasting instructions in your admission letter. In general, you must not eat or drink for six to eight hours before the test. You may be allowed to sip clear fluids for up to two hours before the procedure. Your hospital will give you detailed advice beforehand. If you normally take medication (eg tablets for blood pressure), continue to take this as usual, unless your doctor specifically tells you not to. If you are unsure about taking your medication, please contact the hospital. When you arrive at the hospital, you may be asked to answer some questions about your health and any medicines you are taking. You should tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to any medication and whether you suffer from asthma, hayfever or eczema. It's important to tell your doctor or nurse if you have any dental crowns, bridges or loose teeth. These can be vulnerable to damage by the endoscope, though special care will be taken to prevent this. You may also have a blood test before the procedure." hope this helps...it may be of use to ring your local doctors for advice... very best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I found this helpful NHS leaflet: http://www.dvh.nhs.uk/downloads/documents/GT7LH9V221_gastroscopy1.pdf Starve from midnight! I remember now that my eldest daughter had one of these. She was glad afterwards that she opted for no sedation. I hope it goes really well for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Thanks everyone Will have a look at the links later. Wouldn't you think taht the letter would include more information! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Yes, definitely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Good luck for tomorrow, Anne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Good luck for tomorrow Anne. Will be thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Good luck for tomorrow . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hi dont worry I one had 2 yrs ago. I think you starve from midnight, I opted for sedation as I gag on a toothpick! I have no idea what throat spray is like. Sedation makes u feel whoosy and you feel nothing of test. When u wake up as soon as u are awake enough you should be offered tea/coffe and biccies. As soon as you are awake enough to leave you can go. Its best to take someone with you as drivings out. I reccomend going somewhere for breakfast after as you might feel a bit washed out. Care should be taken with eating as your throat may be a little uncomfortable. otherwise its fine, I am a big baby ( and a trained nurse - worse pts ever!!) and if I can survive anyone can. You will be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Thanks again everyone. I feel much better about it now I've got a stomach ulcer which was diagnosed years ago by barium meal so it's just to check that all is OK as I've been anaemic. Hubby is taking me and luckily the hospital is only 5 minutes away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hi Anne Try not to worry too much, I know that's easier said than done, but when I had mine I just had the throat spray, and shut my eyes and let them get on with it Think I nearly squeezed OH's hand off during the process though The only bit that is embarasing is when all the gas they inflate your stomach comes back out as a gigantic burp Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Good Luck Anne, will be thinking of you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hi Just wanted to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow. I've had two endoscopies - one with sedation and one without. I would definitely go for sedation. You know nothing about it, and just feel a bit whizzy when you wake up. Just make sure that you have got someone who can stay with you for 24 hours after. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiggerlady Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Ive had 2 as well for anaemai/gluten intolerance and would recommend the sedation..I did both of mine without..the second wasnt the best..I kept losing the 'control' ,like you do when youre doing the breathing exercises in childbirth and kept gagging(not the best thing to do..chap got a bit cross ) If I were to have another I would def go for it! Its not like they put you 'under' as in general anaesthetic..I think its like you dont remember and are just verrrry relllllaxed Good luck,let us know how it goes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 you will be fine. I had one a number of years ago, I starved from midnight. When I arived I had a throat spray which made my throat feel numb and a bit odd but not too unpleasant just a bit odd. I then emphasised how anxious I was and had sedation. I knew nothing about what happened and was eating and drinking soon afterwards. I met a number of folk who had them regularly some opted for sedation some not. I'm glad I did but then I'm a wooossss. I would do the same again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Just thought of a few more questions. Do I need to take any night clothes with me in case things go wrong Also, can you be on your own at home afterwards if I do have sedation(highly likely). Hubby has to go back to work as he's too busy to have time off apart from taking me and bringing me home eldest DD is at college until 2pm and youngest DD is on a course so leaving the house at 9am. Oh, and how long are you normally at hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hi Anne If you have the sedation they usually say that you are supposed to have someone to stay with you for 24 hours following the procedure. I didn't and was ok but I suppose to be on the safe side you should do. I didn't take any night clothes with me - they weren't necessary. I was there for a couple of hours at least - not 100% on this due to the sedation, although I can remember leaving and coming home so must have been relatively with it (for me anyway ). Good Luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Just wanted to add my good wishes for your procedure. I'm sure you'll be fine. I would defintely plump for sedation too. I have accompanied patients to have gastroscopies and having watched them, I just know I would gag as I have a very light gag reflex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Just wanted to wish you the best of luck for today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hope its all going well today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 Well, apologies everyone I am a prize plonker It was only the appointment for the clinic and not the gastroscopy Could explain why the letter didn't give any details about fasting. I'm just back and am now enjoying my first brew of the day! Would normally be on about my fifth by now. Oh and have got two sore arms as the nurse couldn't get bloods without a struggle Now have to wait for the proper date and get in a panic all again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordelia Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 ...well that was a relief for you... and I'm sure now that you've worried you'll be better prepared for your next appointment... best of luck with that....having read all of the advice, I'm sure you'll be fine next time.. best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Oh dear! Enjoy your cuppa! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
