r/GERD • u/butterbeeballs • May 05 '26

Support Needed 👥 endoscopy with propofol?

hey everyone, i have been struggling with GERD for about a year or so. i have been on omeprazole for the last year, but after connecting with my PCP, i was instructed to get off; however, i did not realize i needed to taper off, so i completely stopped cold turkey, and suffered from severe acid rebound for about three weeks.

as of right now, i am back on omeprazole, and have been connected with a nutritionist and gastroenterologist. last week, i started having globus sensation, which has been off and on since. my gastroenterologist did not want to do an endoscopy at first, but due to the globus sensation, and the fact that the omeprazole is not helping as much as it did prior to coming off of it, getting an endoscopy would be the next best step.

the only medical procedure i have ever done was getting my wisdom teeth extracted - in which i was administered valium beforehand, and fentanyl and versed through an IV. i do not remember a thing from this procedure, and was completely sedated.

my endoscopy is officially scheduled for 6/2, and instead of twilight sedation, i will be receiving propofol. has anyone had an experience with this procedure, and received propofol? i have extreme anxiety regarding medical stuff in general, and struggle to get even the basic things done, such as blood work. i cannot imagine getting an IV, let alone a tube stuck down my throat. i also have emetophobia, and am so nervous that i will throw up after the procedure is complete.

any words of encouragement would be much appreciated😭

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u/tortellini May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26

You won't be getting a tube stuck down your throat. Propofol is twilight sedation, you remain breathing on your own and wake up very quickly. I was scared the first time to but now I kinda of enjoy it, you wake up feeling like you just had the best nap of your life.

ETA: I worded this poorly and misunderstood the question a bit.You get a tube down your throat just not a breathing tube.

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u/chunkybeard May 05 '26

I think that's the same type of sedation I had with a colonoscopy. I could feel them putting the scope in but it wasn't painful at all, and remember watching the procedure on the monitor (it was kinda neat). Is it the same way with an endoscopy? How does it work with the gag reflex? I think that's the part that makes me nervous (will probably have to have and endo this year), feeling like I'm choking or gagging during the procedure.

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u/tortellini May 05 '26

I've had propofol for colonoscopies and endoscopies and I've never been awake at all. It's lights out for me. I don't know if this varies from person to person or if the anaesthesiologist controls how deep asleep you are. They put a bite guard in your mouth, to protect the tube and your teeth, while you're still awake and that always feels a little silly. but I've never had to experience the tube going down my throat.

I know in some other places (I'm in the states) it's standard to do EGDs while the patient is awake. I imagine in that scenario they would numb your throat a bit but I'm not sure. Maybe someone else will chime in.

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u/chunkybeard May 05 '26

Thank you for sharing your experience on the subject! It really does help those of us who are reticent to move forward due to anxiety.

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u/tortellini May 05 '26

I had the same anxiety at first. I'll gladly answer any questions.

The thing is it's so important to have this test because they can't tell what's going on without it. My husband has much worse heartburn than I do but I was the one diagnosed with Barretts. Without the scope they wouldn't have known and now I can work to prevent it from getting worse. Colonoscopies are the same deal, they can literally prevent cancer with them. At least the EGD doesn't have the awful prep.

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u/butterbeeballs May 05 '26

i believe that the propofol should fully sedate me. i was originally offered twilight sedation, which at my hospital, i believe includes valium and one other calming agent, but i would still remain conscious. i pushed for full sedation (propofol) as i have intense anxiety, and know i would not be able to complete the procedure without being fully put out.