"Stressed Gastroscopy/Endoscopy at Braintree -..."

My gp advised an endoscopy for suspected stomach ulcer....on hearing this news I immediately panic ...I knew I needed to do it but I was very stressed an anxious partly due to not knowing what might happen and partly knowing what would happen!! The appointment was requested on an urgent basis through my gp and I was very impressed with the timing of my appointment - the endoscopy department phoned me within 5 days and an appointment was made within a week which I felt was exceptionally quick especially for the nhs and all the stories you hear about waiting times.

On arrival in the endoscopy suite unfortunately they must have had some staff shortages because there was no one on reception. I sat down and waited. the suite reception is quite small but its clean and the atmosphere is quite subdued for obvious reasons.

I did not get called in on time but I appreciate that these things never run on time and that's acceptable and understandable.

At this point I am getting more stressed...anxious about the procedure and worried about what will happen.I get called in to the pre-nurse form filling/cannula incision/pep talk/consent giving bit.

this is very stressful...I hate needles....but the nurse is very reassuring. The nurse is kind and patient and understands but is also firm and pushes me along to decide to go "through the nose" (help!) or down the throat (yikes)....the nurse explains that its better through the nose because there's less gagging....yeah right I'll believe that in my dreams...

The nurse says as I will be sedated I should not remember much but this stresses me out even more, the nurse tries to be reassuring. It is not helping much but I know I have to 'man up' and get it done.

a bit more waiting (20 mins) I go to the pre minor procedure room (feels like my last meal!) I pace the room...my husband cannot be with me either so I am alone. In this room there is no assistance or company by nurses its you and your thoughts...oh and the tv.

they call me in and ask am I ok....I say not really.

In the actual room I am pleased it is clean, hospital theatre like, subdued lighting and two doctors and a nurse. the nurse is kind but firm. so is the doctor. I tell them my worries...they don't dismiss them but they must move on. The spray goes up my nose 3,4,5 sprays and I'm gagging...its horrible...they give me a bit of time. I lay back...more spray....more gagging. eventually I lay on left side head almost hanging over the side of the bed...

doctor says hthey're going to sedate me now...it goes in....a few seconds I flop into a weird lolling sleep. Sadly I cannot stop gagging and I am sick. they manage to get a bit done but not enough - the procedure is stopped as I am coming round and flailing.

I feel I was not sedated for long enough and unable to stop my gag reflex. I was aware of being sick and pain inside. Overall its not pleasant but the staff and doctors try to be reassuring. I found it very stressful and I did feel some pain towards the end.