Leicester_H Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 I'm having one tomorrow and freaking out at the thought of it. I've had 'nasty' tooth stuff done - and thats not so bad. But having reading up on this procedure it seems that many people feel that they're suffocating (so a bit like legalised water boarding!!) - I'm worried that I will panic and really freak out. Also, the stats that the hospital gave me say 1:5,000 chance of complication and 1:30,000 chance of death ! (no I haven't missed any zero's off thoise numbers). I'd rather know the worst to expect - anyone with experience ?? How long does actual tube stay down the throat/nose H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 I haven't but one thing to remember about hospital statistics is that they ignore age, other health issues, and the like. "Complications" can include rather minor stuff which whilst unpleasant at the time can pass very quickly - e.g. minor scratching which will heal rapidly. As a planned procedure they will be well equiped to understand your condition, etc., and can give you tranquilising type meds if you really need them. I'm sure someone will be along soon with more info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dippy bird Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 I had an endoscopy two years ago (camera down the throat and into stomach) - which was pretty horrific. I was given a tablet which was supposed to knock me out - but they started before I was out ! I thought I was going to choke to death! I hope your experience is better than mine.The only good thing is that it did show up that I was in urgent need of an operation, so I suppose really a short period of discomfort is a small price to pay,for getting my hernia fixed after suffering for so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 Just wanted to say 'Good Luck' Hazel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 My friend had one a couple of years back, it was unpleasant but not painful. She said it was worth the unpleasantness as she was then able to get to the bottom of her problem and get the treatment she needed. Sending positive vibes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 Good luck, I haven't had that, I had a tube put down my nose to check out my vocal chords - I'd put it off for nearly 2 YEARS! because I was SO terrified of it, I only had it done because when I got the new appointment through the consultant on the phone said "Don't worry, all we'll do on the first appointment is talk to you" then when I got there and she started spraying the numbing stuff and I said, "but you said we were only going to talk" she said "I said that because I knew you wouldn't come otherwise!!!"" Anyway, whilst not at the top of my list of things to do on a regular basis, or even ever again, it was NOTHING like as bad as I feared, and the fear FAR outweighed the discomfort. In fact the worst bit was the taste of the numbing spray. I concentrated on steady breathing and keeping calm, counting breaths etc. When I was frightened at the dentist (I am SUCH a wuss ) I asked to hold someones hand, and albeit that I nearly broke the technicians hand (he was huge and very black and very gorgeous so although I was embarrassed at being scared it was a fab excuse! ) I felt much better for holding his hand. Best of luck BeckyBoo p.s. oh yes, and mine took no more than about 2-3 minutes, I guess it depends what they're looking for, as I said, mine was high up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I had gastroscopy and opted for sedation which knocked me out. fine after - it seemed very quick. They dont hang around in there for hours matter of minutes - to look and biopsy. go for sedation unless you are having under a general. I was up eating crossants and coffee quite quickly much to OH's horror. You will be fine good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted September 18, 2009 Author Share Posted September 18, 2009 Hi all, I survived!! Thanks for your messages. I was worried about the 'many people feel they are going to suffocate' bit - but I didn't so I didn't panic. NURSES were great - doctor was nice but obviously not that expert - had to ask if my blood should be dripping on the floor like that ? - cannula in hand not sealed properly !! - when I started to cough, she said I need more anaesthetic - but instead of going down the instrument to my throat it weny down her arm - had to start again. Not terribly painful, but hurt more than I expected. When home could see 6 places in throat when tube had broken the skin - expect its like that all the way down. CT scan nect week - then results - fingers crossed, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 Oh my goodness Hazel! But at least it's over - lets just hope that they manage to get to the bottom of it and sort you out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 glad it is all over and I hope that you soon get your problem sorted. I had the tube up my nose thing when they were looking into what eventually turned out to be a thyroid problem the symptoms of which were being made worse by reflux. I now have medication to reduce the acid and thyroid replacement. It was worth the poking and prodding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 oh, poor you - glad it's all over, fingers crossed for the results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 I'm glad it went ok and will keep fingers crossed for your results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 Hope all's well, Hazel. Ax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vivihen Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 I'm glad that the procedure wasn't as bad as expected. Good luck for next week. Best wishes, Viv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henriette Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 Very pleased for you that it's all over. Sounds as if you were very brave. All the best for a good result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 Oh Hazel, poor you. I hope that the next bit is less stressful and unpleasant and that you get to the bottom of things soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
