Preparing for endoscopy can result in anxiety and nervousness. Some of the common concerns and questions during endoscopy include 

• Post-Anesthesia Discomfort is when many individuals express concern about feeling nauseous or unwell after the anaesthesia wears off.
• Sensitive Stomachs where those with sensitive stomachs worry about the procedure exacerbating their discomfort.

 Experience 1: Conscious-Day-2597's Endoscopy Reflection
Conscious-Day-2597 recently underwent an endoscopy with no issues, sharing that the experience was like waking up from a normal nap without any lingering sickness. Hunger was the main feeling after fasting for 15 hours prior. The hardest part of the experience, according to this user, was the wait for biopsy results, as they hoped for clarity on their health condition.

Experience 2: *Active-Cherry-8363’s Advice on Anesthesia Sensitivity
Active-Cherry-8363 recommends speaking directly to the anesthesiologist about any concerns, as they did, noting that discussing anesthesia sensitivity helped reduce their own anxiety. With this approach, they found reassurance in the medical team's professionalism and attentiveness, which helped make the process smoother and less intimidating.

Experience 3: *Aware-Bullfrog5307’s Reassurance on Procedure Ease*
Aware-Bullfrog5307 recounts a seamless endoscopy experience, with the anesthesiologist explaining each step, having them roll to the side, and then quickly drifting to sleep. The user emphasizes how comforting it felt to be in the hands of experienced professionals, noting that the presence of knowledgeable doctors made the entire process feel safe and manageable.

Experience 4: *Curieuse30’s Perspective on Endoscopy’s Mental Relief*
Curieuse30, preparing for a third endoscopy, views the procedure as mentally reassuring. They mention minimal side effects and highlight that the procedure’s quick nature, similar to colonoscopies, makes it relatively easy. Though nervous about biopsy results, they recognize the procedure as beneficial in diagnosing and managing ongoing gastritis symptoms, largely triggered by stress in their case.

Experience 5: *Shamalam1’s No-Anesthesia Experience*
Shamalam1 opted for endoscopy without anesthesia and found it unexpectedly tolerable. They recall a moment of embarrassment due to a passing of gas, attributing it to the tube pushing through their system. Despite the unusual sensations, they report no pain, describing the experience as interesting and reassuring others that it is a manageable procedure.

Experience 6: *Cvgarcia on Post-Endoscopy Recovery*
Cvgarcia recently had a second endoscopy and shares a reassuring account, emphasizing the mildness of the anesthesia. Upon waking, they felt refreshed and experienced no nausea, only hunger from fasting. They note the short recovery time, feeling ready to leave within an hour, encouraging others that the experience is far from unpleasant.

Experience 7: *Justanothermortal’s Comforting Insight*
Justanothermortal echoes the sentiment of fear initially but found the endoscopy surprisingly pleasant, like a short, deep nap. The user assures others that any fear is unwarranted as the procedure itself is gentle, and waking up feels restful rather than jarring.

These experiences highlight the diverse responses and reassurances individuals find in preparation for and recovery from an endoscopy, providing valuable insights and advice to ease any anxieties associated with the procedure.


Experience 8: by Sachinvhatkar20

I have horrible medical anxiety, so I feel you. It's a pretty quick procedure, just like colonoscopies, but you're probably too young for those ;) I'll be more nervous afterwards waiting for biopsies to come in. They always take some tissue samples to check for celiac, h pylori, etc, but I've never noticed any side effects from that either. My mind always jumps to worst case scenario and 99% of the time, they just don't know what caused your gastritis to flare up. My 1st 2 cases (decades apart, really) were stress-related. The 2nd time was in the spring of 2020, right before COVID. My elderly parents were the cause. This time, I've been on a low dose of an NSAID for 2 years on and off for my arthritis, and that's probably the cause. I'm more afraid that they'll tell me I have to stop taking them, and I'll have to deal with the pain.

How to prepare for endoscopy?

Below I will give me constructive feedback from online users who got successful with their endoscopy procedure and the things they did before, during, and after endoscopy. Their experiences will prove beneficial for you to avoid getting rebooked because maybe you ate food outside the allowed hours leading to the endoscopy procedure.

Comment by u/Active-Cherry-8363
"Make sure to talk to the anesthesiologist (they come in before) and let them know about any sensitivities or concerns. I told mine that it doesn’t take much medicine to knock me out, and he was really nice, which helped ease my mind. Also, if you’re anxious, remember you’re going to be surrounded by knowledgeable doctors. They’ve been through extensive training, so you’re in good hands!" 

This advice encourages open communication with the anesthesiologist, which can be helpful for personalizing the experience and reducing anxiety before the procedure.

Comment by u/FluffySocks22
"Follow the prep instructions exactly, especially if they tell you not to eat after a certain time. The clearer your stomach, the better the procedure goes. If you're nervous, bring someone to drive you home and give you support after. You may feel groggy from the anaesthesia, so rest up the rest of the day if you can." 

This reply highlights the importance of following pre-procedure instructions for a smooth endoscopy and suggests having support afterwards, as the anaesthesia can cause drowsiness.

Comment by u/HealthNerd88
"Make sure to drink plenty of clear fluids leading up to the procedure. Staying hydrated helps! If you're prescribed a laxative or have to take a special solution, don't skip that part—it’s crucial for a successful exam. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you have any questions about the prep!"

Comment by u/PatientSupport123
"Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding diet and medication. Typically, you’ll need to avoid solid foods for a certain period before the endoscopy, and it’s essential to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking. Some may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped. Also, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward since sedation is common."  

This comment highlights the importance of following medical instructions and considering post-procedure arrangements.