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Gastroscopy! Test For Ceoliac Disease

LianneGaynor

Member
Messages
19
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi

I was just wondering if anyone has had this test, the camera down the throat and the biopsy of the gut, and if you had just the numbing throat spray, or the sedation?
The throat spray would be easier to just get on with the day without worry after the fact, but I am a bit nervous.
Thanks for your help.
 

I think I had the sedation - though can't really remember.
To be honest I doubt a throat spray would've worked at all for me as I'd be unlikely to let anyone put anything down my throat without sedation - in fact apparently they nearly gave up even with the sedation. They did eventually succeed though I did have a hefty sore throat for a couple of days - I suspect this was cos they had to try a number of times.
 
This is probably a dumb question but I haven't had an appointment to discuss it beforehand god knows why, but do they try the throat spray first then if it isn't going well you can have the sedation?
 
I've had it done twice and had the spray both times. No problems. Before the first procedure I was given the option of sedation but chose the spray when a nurse told me that oftentimes the sedation makes little difference other than to keep you at the hospital longer.
 
LianneGaynor said:
This is probably a dumb question but I haven't had an appointment to discuss it beforehand god knows why, but do they try the throat spray first then if it isn't going well you can have the sedation?
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You could call the clinic and ask - it may depend on the actual clinic as to whether they try you on the spray first or not.
Personally I just can't remember if there was a choice or not, it was in 2005 for me.
 
I have had 4 in total. First was sedation, I think you are still somewhat aware during the process, but it fades from your memory fairly quickly.
Ive had 3 with the spray, in general they didnt offer a non sedation option, I just asked for it. They were fine with that, but a bit taken aback. I panicked a little bit half way during the first one, when I had the sensation that I was going to throw up, of course your stomach is completely empty.... and i just burped. After that I relaxed. I didnt have any problem with the last 2.
So its a bit uncomfortable, you will be glad when its over, but its very doable.
Best of luck with you test.
 
I had two endoscopies and was sedated ( second was because they forgot to do a biopsy !) Didn't fancy the throat spray and glad I opted for sedation. I have had Coeliac for 6 years now.
 
Thanks for all your help. I hope I just get through it with the throat spray, and gagging is the worst thing that happens! I don't want to be kept longer than necessary in the hospital!
 

This is what i was hoping, but I guess everyone is different so I won't know until it's happening!
 
LianneGaynor said:
Thanks for all your help. I hope I just get through it with the throat spray, and gagging is the worst thing that happens! I don't want to be kept longer than necessary in the hospital!
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They don't keep you too long, they wake you with a cup of tea or coffee and a biccy, but I didn't have that and it's to make sure you have recovered. Also they will ask if you have someone to stay with you over night, a partner or living with parents, I said my friend would stay, but she didn't really and I was fine.
 

Yeah thats my problem I am house / dog sitting for my great grandparents and my fella can come over after work from 11pm, but my moms like no if you have sedation your staying home so I don't want that!
 
Thank you
 
I had the throat spray but was prepared with a (cannula??) on my hand, in case I couldn't cope with just the spray.

My consultant sprayed my throat numerous times while I was lying flat. At one point I took a coughing fit after choking on the spray and had to sit up till I stopped coughing. After more spraying, I had to lie on my left side and the tubing was put down my throat. The junior doctor made, 2 attempts but it didn't go down. I can't remember if this was due to me gagging or something else. The nurse was very good and talked me through the next attempt which was successful. They took biopsies and when the camera came back up into my stomach they tried to take photos of polyps they had spotted on the way down. That failed because I couldn't stop burping out the air they pumped in to take photos. (They didn't tell me how to prevent the burping but just told me to hold the air in. That's easier said than done, when you have something keeping your mouth open and a long tube down your throat.)

In January I was threatened with another gastroscopy (consultant didn't seem to believe I was totally gluten free). I've heard nothing since then, so presume he was happy with my test results.

If I do have to have another gastroscopy, I will take the spray again. It wasn't pleasant but was bearable.
 


Thank you. As long as gagging doesn't stop it altogether. Annoyingly if it was any other day but this weekend I wouldn't mind if I had to be sedated but I have things to do!
 
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