You have had throat spray which is a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat.
Please commence drinking water 30 minutes after having the throat spray.
If your swallowing seems to have returned to normal, you may eat and drink as you please.
Unless otherwise instructed by the doctor, you may resume your normal diet.
You may resume your normal prescription medicines unless otherwise advised on discharge.
There may be some slight soreness where the instrument has been but this will wear off in a couple of hours.
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/tea and walking around, might help to provide some relief.
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;
- If cannula was inserted: Redness, tenderness and swelling around the IV cannula site that persists for more than 48 hours.
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you have the following symptoms:
- Severe pain, nausea or vomiting;
- Vomiting of Blood
- Temperature greater than 102°F / 39 °C;
- Weakness or dizziness.
Please bring your Gastroscopy 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 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)