[RSD ME]

hi all. i hope you are having a low pain day. i had a question. i am supposed to get an endoscopy done this week bc of stomach pain and just found out that they don't put you to sleep to do it. i am freaking out at the thought of being awake during this procedure not just because of my anxiety issues but also because of my being hypersensitive to pain bc of my rsd. is it possible to be asleep during this procedure? i can't be awake for it. if they don't put me to sleep i think i will have to cancel and suffer more pain bc of the rsd in my stomach. any advice would be much appreciated. thanks.

[Littlepaw]

That does sound anxiety producing!

I would verify what they mean by "awake". Conscious sedation with versed and fentanyl or other medications is not uncommon during this procedure. I don't know that most people would hold still for it with nothing!

Call the GI center where it is being done and find out what they use. If it is to be in the doctor's office and they won't give sedation there then you can request to go to an outpatient endoscopy center.

Don't cancel. Get the workup you need with meds. It really shouldn't be a problem.

I hope you get answers soon.

[Diandra]

Originally Posted by RSD ME

hi all. i hope you are having a low pain day. i had a question. i am supposed to get an endoscopy done this week bc of stomach pain and just found out that they don't put you to sleep to do it. i am freaking out at the thought of being awake during this procedure not just because of my anxiety issues but also because of my being hypersensitive to pain bc of my rsd. is it possible to be asleep during this procedure? i can't be awake for it. if they don't put me to sleep i think i will have to cancel and suffer more pain bc of the rsd in my stomach. any advice would be much appreciated. thanks.

I have had a few and they put you in a "twilight" kind of sleep, a light sedation. I did not remember anything and felt nothing. Maybe did they say no general anesthesia and you thought that meant you weren't getting anything? I'd be freaked out too if I thought I wasnt getting anything.
Also, beforehand, they asked if I was anxious and they put something in my IV prior to being brought in for the procedure.

Maybe just call the docs office and ask for details to assuage your anxiety.

Thinking of you, Diandra

[EnglishDave]

Do check! You cannot have a General Anaesthetic because you have to actively swallow. You have only a vague idea of what is going on if you are sedated, but I have also had the procedure with only a throat spray - no sedation at all. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had, medically speaking, and I will never undergo it again.

Do remember that this is an important diagnostic tool that your Dr would not be asking for without reason. Apart from the Anxiety, it really only causes a bit of a sore throat for a couple of days, your stomach will not be affected at all.

Dave.

[Lara]

Make sure that someone goes with you so that you have them there as you come out of the twilight sedation and that they can support you and then drive you home.

I've had several years ago.

The feeling of numbness on throat was troubling for me but only lasted seconds and before I knew it I had obviously fallen into twilight sleep and then it was all over and I was in a recovery area. I don't remember anything until leaving the clinic and the drive home.

all the best to you for your proceedure.

[RSD ME]

thanks for all your helpful advice. i guess i will keep my appt. i am still nervous about it but will let them know that and maybe they can give me something along with the sedation to help calm my nerves. i would prefer to be put to sleep but i guess a light sedation is better then the throat spray. that sounds awful. and my husband is taking me so i won't be alone. on top of my rsd i have something really wrong with my stomach. i have rsd there but also have something else wrong and my gastro dr thinks its maybe a bacterial infection in my stomach but he needs to check to be sure. it hurts so bad. i hope its nothing serious and am really scared. i'm glad i have all of you for support. i would be lost without you guys. you are the best. my procedure is this coming friday. i'll let you know how it goes. love and hugs to all. thanks again for caring. hope you all have a good night.

[stumblefoot]

Hi RSD ME,
I had an endoscopy a few years ago and was sedated with versed/fentanyl. No memory of the actual procedure. The doctor said that with this level of sedation the patient can still follow directions. My memory only picks up at the time I was wheeled outside where my ride home awaited.

[kiwi33]

Hi RSD ME

Adding to the wise comments from others, a while ago my partner needed an endoscopic examination. She got a sedative (long time ago so can't remember what it was) but was conscious throughout.

She was a bit drowsy afterwards but once we got home she was fine after a few hours.

I hope that all goes well for you .

[mama mac]

RSD,
I have not had this procedure, so I cannot offer any advise. Just wanted to send you warm wishes. I hope things go well on Friday and they find out what is causing your stomach pain and what to do about it. Hugs~mac

[RSD ME]

thanks everyone for all your great advice, caring support and warm wishes. i feel a little less anxious after reading all your posts. i hope that the procedure goes smoothly on friday. i will keep you posted. you guys are the best! i couldn't get through my days without my little NT family. i hope you all have a beautifully low to no pain day. love and hugs to all.