"Anxiety about gastroscopy"

I am an extremely phobic patient who hates hospitals and has a terror of anything being put in my mouth so a camera down my throat was hugely terrifying for me. I explained this to the endoscopy department and they kindly put me down if anaesthesiologist controlled sedation so I would be completely asleep for the procedure.

I still worried terribly but I needn’t have as I didn’t feel a thing and was asleep the whole time. All of the nursing staff I met were lovely and very sympathetic. The gentleman who collected me and took me down for the procedure was just the kindest, loveliest man and he made a huge difference to my anxiety.

Once in the room I felt a little pressured as both the consultant and anaesthesiologist pressured me to have throat spray which I had already stated I didn’t want. I stuck to my guns and didn’t have it but I felt their attitude was harsh, particularly with a nervous patient. If you are having this procedure, do your research and know what you want and don’t be pressured.

Apart from that the whole experience was very smooth and I can’t believe how much I worried about it beforehand. If you are opting for the heavy sedation you won’t even know what’s happening so please don’t worry. And a huge thank you to the lovely nursing staff who looked after me.