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0 pointscstrahan13d ago0 comments

I had a colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (thankfully not in that order) without sedation. Had it done in D.C.

My doc looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if it could be done without sedation, and reminded me that it would be uncomfortable, but otherwise didn't have any problem with it. I've endured 50k runs, brutal workouts, and traumatizing childhood neglect - I really can't see what the fuss is with mild discomfort that, by comparison, barely registers, and for such a short amount of time at that.

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nick__m13d ago

I too had esophagogastroduodenoscopy and the "sedation" I received as a barely noticeable dose of fentanyl. It was unpleasant to feel like I was drowning in saliva but it was quite bearable.

If I ever receive that procedure again, I will ask to skip the fentanyl microdose. The anesthesia and the buzz were not only underwhelming but for some reasons I started to feel the typical opioid warmth when the procedure was almost completed. Had they waited a few minutes after the IM injection I might have had another opinion on the usefulness on fentanyl during endoscopie because the last 30s were almost pleasant!

archagon13d ago

FYI, there is an alternative, depending on what you need it for: https://jamiekoufman.com/tne-transnasal-esophagoscopy-is-the...

However, doctors who do it are a bit hard to come by.

With a esophagogastroduodenoscopy, I think the main issue is the gag reflex, not necessarily the pain.

dham13d ago

Yea most of the time it was discomfort but the turns were pretty high up there in pain. But that was only 3 times.

rudhdb773b13d ago

I don't really mind the pain itself, but I could see myself thinking the worst in that situation and imagining the strong pain meant the probe had punctured my colon.

I assume that's not actually a realistic risk, right?

_zagj13d ago

> I've endured 50k runs

Did you see this? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/health/running-colon-canc...

But I agree with you, I would only want this done if I could get it without sedation.

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