Nervous About My First Gastroscopy

| marandarussell

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Tomorrow I have my first ever upper gastrointestinal endoscopy scheduled. I’m super nervous about it. My biggest fear is that the anesthesia won’t fully knock me out and I will be conscious during it. I also worry about the possibility of the anesthesia wearing off early and waking up during it. I almost wish it had been done today so it would be over already and the anxiety would be over with.

During the procedure they plan to take a small biopsy to check me for celiac disease since changing to a gluten free diet has seemed to have some positive benefits for me. For one thing, since I switched to a mostly gluten free diet, my iron and vitamin D levels have stabilized for the first time in at least over a decade after always being too low.

The procedure is also being done to check for a hiatal hernia and acid reflux damage. I hope the results won’t be discouraging or worrisome. I also hope the anesthesia won’t make me sick. Prayers and positive energy are most welcome if any of you do that kind of thing!

18 thoughts on “Nervous About My First Gastroscopy”

  7. I’ve had 6 surgeries in the past five years including one on my retina, necessary to recover sight in my right eye. I had the same fears as you did (especially the one where the anesthesia did not work). My experience was that after I lay down on the operating table and got all set up, they gave me the anesthetic and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Every time. A couple surgeries were under general anesthetic and that left me with a little bit of a sore throat for a few hours, but no memory of anything about the operation. The others were under a sedation type of anesthesia and I slept through all of them. Don’t remember a thing. Nothing hurt. And in my first hand surgery, I had the most pleasant dream about some polar bears swimming in a white ocean, that I resisted waking up, it was so nice (I then proceeded to tell the nurse the whole story and wouldn’t let her go until I was sure she understood what an amazing dream this was, now I’m embarrassed to think of how this must have seemed. Though I do guess they hear all kinds of things). What I’m trying to say is, I’ve been in your shoes and (especially in the case of my retina, where I was very fearful of the outcome) I had to remind myself that the surgery and anesthesia were necessary, and that it would be over soon. I also found the nurses, etc., to be very caring and sensitive to my fears. I am sure it will all turn out great and you will get good info for your health. I’ll be thinking about you, and I hope you don’t mind this long reply. And who knows, maybe you will see those wonderful polar bears?

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  8. Don’t worry too much Maranda. I’ve had a number of these procedures done, and only felt dry and a bit sore in the mouth, relax, you’ll be fine… xxx

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