Endoscopy Introduction - The Patient Journey

Leeds Endoscopy services are provided in three different locations:
Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital.
Between the three units there are 10 endoscopy rooms. Each unit is different in size and design but all share the same philosophy, equipment and leadership structure.

M20161020 013 patient Journey introduction fine cut mh

[mikeymike]

I worried for months, and finally today was the day, and it was so smooth, fast and easy. I was put to sleep, and it was all done in a flash, next thing I know I’m awake in recovery and then wheeled out to the car. If you have an endoscopy coming up, I’m telling you there’s nothing to worry about. It’s really not scary and it’s super quick and easy.

[SweetHeavensSunshine]

I would imagine that the people that have already posted here will not see my comment. However, I just wanted to thank all of you who had such encouraging words of reassurance to share! I have been so scared for this procedure for months and have been avoiding thinking about itbecause of the panic I get from it. Thank you for helping to set my mind at ease, and making me feel more comfortable with the procedure.

[execbum]

I had an endoscopy done today, with throat spray, Fentanyl and an intravenous sedative. I was dreading it for weeks, but I wanted to come on here and reassure anyone looking at this, who's worrying about it. It took literally minutes and, although not the most pleasant experience, it wasn't as horrifying as I had imagined. I gagged quite a bit and I didn't have the dreamlike experience other people talk about. I remember everything and didn't feel woozy or high. In fact, I only felt a bit tired really, having the sedative, as I was awake and fully aware throughout. My advice would be to have everything they offer you: throat spray, painkiller and definitely sedative.

[blueflower-qwjj]

I had my endoscopy today it was a I was on anesthesia. It was the best sleep I ever had. I don’t have a ulcer or nothing so I’m good but I just wanted to encourage everyone doing this that it’s going to be okay 👌 #maythe4thbewithyou

[KayleighBabesxx]

I had the throat spray and sedation today. If anyone has anxiety or is worried take the sedation, you won’t remember anything and will wake up in recovery. The throat spray feels like you can’t breath at first but that’s just because it’s numb, you can breath as normal. The only thing I have now is a sore throat when swallowing, I was so worried for nothing.

[chefsloth]

I had this procedure February this year! It was honestly a nice experience. Throat spray and sedation, I kinda woke up and I notice I had a tube in my mouth and fell asleep again! I fell asleep for 2 hours! I was so comfortable when I woke up.

[bmroasted]

I had an endoscopy done today without sedation. Only the numbing spray, sprayed to the throat. Honestly it’s not as terrifying as most people say it is. I guess it also depends on the doctor who’s doing it cuz mine went pretty well. I swallowed the tube once and during the process I gagged 3 times but it wasn’t ugly or frightening. The tube feels weird in the oesophagus and stomach. I kept breathing in and out deeper everytime I felt even the slightest discomfort. My eyes were tearing up. But it was all over in less than 2 minutes. It’s your natural reflex to want the tube out of you as soon as possible so you would feel a little anxious while it’s inside. You only FEEL like you can’t breathe but you CAN. It’s all in your head. Just concentrate on your breathing.
I flipped reading all the horrifying comments of people who did it without sedation but trust me, it’s NOTHING like what they say. Mostly depends on the doctor who does it I guess. And I was fortunate enough to have a skilled doctor.

[charlescarter]

for those worried about having a colonoscopy, dont be.i had one yesterday and fretted for two weeks about having it done and that was a complete waste of time .the whole thing took 40 min during which time I felt nothing at all and I mean nothing from start to finish, from the insertion of the camera to its removal was totally free of any kind of discomfort.i took movi prep the night and morning before and while it does make you go to the toilet a lot, so be prepared for a interrupted sleep and stay close to your toilet, your poo will become very watery and your bum gets a bit sore and that's it.i can not stress too much how easy my colonoscopy was so I hope this is a help for someone who might be apprehensive.

[melyoung]

I have one on Wednesday 12/28/2022 and honestly, I am so terrified. Reading some of your comments have helped.

[nes]

i had an endoscopy earlier today, good experience I was nervous which is normal. GI is a really nice team, they were all comforting and nice, I got sedation and felt absolutely nothing, I was nice and calm, probably asleep and I can’t remember anything from the procedure besides waking up for a second or two but still comfortable and fell back to sleep, no need to worry! You’re in and out of there, the procedure only lasts a few minutes! Feel free to ask questions I’d love to help you out!

[andersonsmith]

I panicked a lot about mine for a while, but i have to say its really not too bad! The throat spray they gave worked incredibly quickly and i did it awake and while it felt a little strange it was not even that bad. The team that did it were lovely and it was incredibly fast to have the procedure. It took about 45 minutes in and out in total, and while mine wasn't at Leeds im sure they do a great job too!

[nebisaur]

I had this done today! (May 18-2022)Was so anxious 😰 then I watched this and made me feel better about it, the nurses and drs at my local hospital where so nice and accommodating also so that also helped lol anxiety is fun.. but in all honesty it wasn't so bad! Over in about 10-20 min. All good In my innards!

[BassSwirls]

Anyone offered sedation for an endoscopy, please take this option. I had midazolam just before my procedure. Along with fentanyl and the anesthetic spray . It was amazing I wasn't aware of the tube going in, no gagging . Very very relaxed, my mood was great . I was so anxious in the days beforehand . Please discuss sedation prior. But you must get a person to pick you up . .

[wideawakerealist]

After watching the horror videos I was petrified, but chose no sedation, just the spray. . It was completely painless, swallowing once for the probe to go down was totally easy, I didn’t even feel it going down, I had no desire to gag, only 3 minutes of calm breathing passed quickly. The only issue was the air they’d pumped into my abdomen, which I barely felt at the time. After the procedure I had bloated uncomfortable gassy feeling which gradually decreased with a lot passing wind and walking it off. The numbing effect spray too eased up within 15 minutes and at no time did it prevent me from swallowing or caused a sore throat . All in all, I’d say 3 minutes of the mildest of discomfort are not worth being zonked out with sedation for hours .

[lukeluke]

Having one in two weeks choosing to have sedation. I have had countless surgery before and a stoma for life but it’s not a scary procedure just better to take the sedation makes you feel sleepy and comfortable. 29 already had 10 surgeries and every scopy going. To anyone having one don’t worry you’ll be fine. In my advice if you’re able to take the sedation as it relaxes you and you won’t remember it too much and makes you more comfortable. Looks worse than it is but don’t worry you’ll be fine you’ve got this kings and queens 😎

[TheSmallninjavicki]

Two days from now I will have my third gastroscopy. Easy Peasy! I go to sleep, and it seems like just minutes later I'm awake. Very smooth. 🙂

[queenpig]

I had an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy last week, had the throat spray. But managed without sedation or gas and air for the Colonoscopy. The Colonoscopy was a little uncomfortable in places especially when the camera went "round the corners" as I called it. Just try your best to keep relaxed as possible make the muscles in your tummy neck and shoulders loose it does help, and slow soft breathes. I was able to lay there and talk to everyone looking after me. For me the worst was the Endoscopy and the moviprep drink, everyone is different though and what is painful for one might not be for another. My results were all clear.

[Kazilikaya]

I had one on November 23rd. It is a walk in the park. FAR less difficult than a colonoscopy(which involve. s some nasty tasting prep fluids and medications with side effects)

[ewelinastanulewicz]

I had one done with only throat spray which I don't think worked. I felt everything . I gagged and threw up a lot of stomach acid. Not the best experience but doesn't kill you . Would go back for another if I had to .

[noncookiecutter]

Had one of these today and there really isn’t anything to worry about . I was in there for about 5 minutes and had sedation and throat spray. The only discomfort I felt was the gag reflex a couple of time mainly when they first put it in and when they took biopsies in my Esophagus.