For checking public transport door to door, always use the sbb.ch website and just enter the addresses in the query box for schedules. They're remarkably accurate!

I agree with everyone else that you should go with the sedation, but also tell your doctor about your upcoming travelling.

I've had it twice, once under sedation and another without sedation. Both due to ulcers (and a stressful job). Without sedation I felt like the medical professionals were indeed trying to choke me, and it was highly uncomfortable. With sedation, only getting the IV is uncomfortable, but far less so than being strangled.

Good luck with everything!

I have had a few endoscopies. All under mild sedation. The last one I "woke up " as they pulled the tube out. It was not at all unpleasant. I was sleepy for a few hours after, but that's all.

Best wishes for a favorable outcome!

Does anyone know if I will be able to drink water and/or eat immediately after the procedure?

I won't be able to drink or eat anything at all that morning before the endoscopy (my appointment is at 11:15).

The not-eating part doesn't bother me, but going that long without any water will.

I recommend you ring them up and ask about the food and drink rather than find out here. Then you will know for sure.

I think you said it was an upper endoscopy


http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disor...pper-endoscopy

At this link, they recommend you go with a responsible adult. I've had a few of them but I stayed in hospital and didn't have to travel. I certainly was awake but maybe had a light relaxant.

It will be ok and I wish you all the best.

Today is Monday, hope all went well!

Well, I had the upper GI endoscopy earlier today and everything went really well. In fact, I think the worst part about the whole thing was not being able to have my usual 50 cups of coffee this morning.

Thankfully, the sedation put me completely out. I woke up from it feeling really groggy but that mostly wore off within an hour. I'm still feeling a bit tired today but I think I'll feel completely back to normal tomorrow after a good night's sleep.

I asked the doctor, and he said that, in the US, they don't often put people completely out because in the US, an anesthesiologist would be required to be there (whereas here in CH, the regular doctor can administer the "stuff" into your IV). So I'm thankful I had it done here and not in the US. I was actually a bit surprised that regulations would be less strict here than they are in the U.S., but apparently, the U.S. is more strict because of fear of lawsuits, etc. Ugh.

The Dr. didn't find anything, so who knows... But unfortunately, I think there may be a colonoscopy planned sometime in my future. Woo hoo!

Anyways, just in case this thread is useful to someone else at some point, I thought I'd share my experience. The procedure itself was really was nothing to be nervous about.

Thanks again to anyone who shared their story and for all the well-wishes here!

I'm glad the experience wasn't that bad and that the doctor found nothing irregular Not so much about the colonoscopy though

Lol.

Yeah, I was REALLY hoping to go through life without ever being graced with the colonoscopy experience.

But I'll be sure to post all the details here.

Glad it wasn't too bad and most important, there wasn't anything suspicious!

In the US, they often give you something like versed. Makes you groggy and gives you amnesia, so you don't remember your discomfort. And the procedure can be done in the office.

My guess is that insurers don't want to pay for general anesthesia either in the US.

Have a good time in the US!

Glad to hear it went ok. I didnt get the anaesthetic and I remember the whole thing rather vividly. Probably best I dont go into details, it might make you queasy

Glad to hear it went well - and very glad to hear that nothing was found.

Now you can enjoy your trip to the US... Gute Reise!

Thanks y'all.

My mouth is watering already with the mere thought of all that good shopping... and Mexican food.

the best thing post colonoscopy is the gas ... you'll be breaking wind for the whole of USA.




ok maybe that isn't a great attraction for wimen

Worst is the foul tasting moviprep drink, yes that's the name! And spraying water everywhere !

Funny enough I am currently working in a clinic that does GI Procedures.

Course this is the US, however, I can't imagine it being done very differently.

Our procedures require a 48 our prep time usually using an over the counter drink such as Fleet or Milk of Magnesia. I have heard that this is the most uncomfortable part of course this isn't needed for us on upper endoscopies.

So Endoscopies for us only require you not eat the evening prior to the procedure.

The procedure here only takes about 20 min with about 1-2hour recovery time. (to make sure you handled the sedation well. We will NOT perform the procedure if you don't have soemone with you. You can have some amnesia, inability to walk, and of course difficutly driving. In the US, we are very cautious with this as we are responsible for later outcomes and not the patient.

We use the 3 terms light, heavy, or General anesthesia. Light is just local such as numbing the site.

Heavy is normal for us, it isn't intended to put you to sleep, but many people do.

General Anesthesia for us is intentionally putting you unconcious for the procedure in which we do often, but it takes longer in recovery and we have to use a special team to make sure all is well.

[QUOTE=edot;1634029]
My guess is that insurers don't want to pay for general anesthesia either in the US.

QUOTE]


In our particular case it may be an issue, however, for a 20 min procedure we really don't like using a whole anesthesia team. (the Anesthesiologist gets paid more than the doctor doing the procedure)

This can double the prep/procedure/recovery time easily. No not doubling the charges though...more like x4

Hint: It tastes a little less foul if mixed in cranberry juice rather than water.

But only a little.

Last year when I was on chemo I had this thick lemony slimy stuff called Movicol - to prevent constipation from anti nausea drugs. I bet they are related.

My husband couldn't tolerate the usual prep stuff - impossible to mask it enough, so the GI doc gave him something else ... I forget the name but it was less vile. Two 90 ml bottles and then tons of water. Too much fun.

There are others who might agree that the worst part of the colonoscopy is the preparation.

If your doctor thinks you should have one, you really should.