Endoscopy Question

[schnitz]

I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy next week, and my doctor says she prefers not to use the numbing spray in my throat, as she has had some patients have a bad reaction to it.  I didn't want it anyway as I am already going to be lightly sedated..  Are there other people who have opted not to use the spray and was able to tolerate the scope since they were already sedated?

[schnitz]

I just had my upper endoscopy yesterday, I think the worse part of it was the anticipation before.. I almost backed out at the last minute, but luckily my doctor talked some sense in to me.  All I remember is them giving me an injection in my IV and turned me on my left side and then I remember everything went dark and pretty soon I was awake.. My doctor did not use the numbing spray and I had no problems with gagging plus my throat isn't even sore!  She did do a biopsy and I have noticed today my stomach kinda hurts when I eat something.

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi,
Though endoscopy looks scary it is not so actually.
There are two things I would like to tell you from patient's perspective.
When the scope is introduced through the mouth and when it crosses the throat you will feel a mild discomfort. Once the throat is crossed you wont feel it.
And again when the scaope is in the stomach, the doctor would inflate the stomach to look inside which will cause a bloating sensation which you can and should tolerate.
The entire procedure would last only for a couple of minutes and there is no need to worry or get scared.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.