Nancy, I've had maybe 6-8 dilations. As you've noted, it's a quick procedure and normally they put you under completely, although the last one I had was under lighter sedation and I actually felt some sensation. But even that wasn't anything that bothered me.

My experience is that your throat is sore that night and maybe a day or two more. But compared to the IMRT we've both been through it's really a piece of cake. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes, and of course since you're asleep it's no time at all.

I don't know how things go in most cases, but tmy clinic also gave me a series of lovely pictures of my gullet along with my doctor's notes on the procedure. Amaze your friends!

Mainly though it really gives you relief from throat tightness and swallowing difficulty. I'm crossing my fingers that you only have to go through it once... but not because it's a scary thing. It's just expensive and a hassle!

Let us know how it goes.