You have had sedation today: it is essential that a responsible adult accompanies you home and stays with you for the next 24 hours.
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, drink any alcohol, sign any legally binding document or look after young children or other dependants for 24 hours.
You should have lukewarm fluids for 24 hours and a soft diet for about a week following dilatation.
You may resume your normal prescription medicines unless otherwise advised on discharge.
There may be some slight soreness behind the breastbone and in your throat where the instrument has been but this will wear off in a day or so.
Some bloating may be experienced if air has remained in your gastrointestinal tract (stomach and/or bowel). This is not something to worry about, it will resolve itself naturally over the next few hours. However, if it gripes you, having a warm drink, or taking some peppermint water and walking around, might help to provide some relief.
If you have discomfort in your back, chest and upper part of your abdomen, it is most likely due to stretching of your gullet and this effect should not last long.
If chest & back pain is severe you MUST seek medical attention immediately.
Side effects to look out for
These side effects are extremely rare but we need to make you aware of symptoms to look out for.
Things to report to your doctor:
- Mild Fever;
- Redness, tenderness and swelling around the IV cannula site (through which injections were given) that persists for more than 48 hours.
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you have the following symptoms:
- Severe vomiting or vomiting of blood.
- Persistent chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Tachycardia
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Temperature greater than 100°F / 39 °C;
- Weakness or dizziness.
Please bring your Gastroscopy and Dilatation report with you to Accident and Emergency department
Further information and advice
If you have any urgent medical queries between the times of 1800-0800 relating to the symptoms that we advise you to look out for on your discharge leaflet – Please use our new dedicated Out of Hours Hot-Line. This will put you in contact with our partners at the L+D Gastro-Enterology Ward. They will not have access to your report so please have this handy when you make your call.
07815178199.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.
Bedford Hospital Endoscopy unit: (Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm)
01234 355122 ext. 6445
For appointment queries: 01234 792269
FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE YOU MUST NOT DONATE BLOOD FOR 4-6 MONTHS
The reason for this is that your ability to donate blood in the future is dependent upon your diagnosis and the possibility that you might need to undergo further investigations or complete treatments. (British Society of Gastroenterology, 2019)