I am scheduled for a colonoscopy and endoscopy without sedation next week. After researching, I am only mildly concerned about the colonoscopy but I am very worried about my gag reflex preventing the endoscopy without sedation. I have just learned about transnasal (through the nose) endoscopy. Have any of you ever heard of this and do you have any feedback on the process and what to expect? I am going to ask my Doctor about switching to this procedure. Thanks.
I have had both procedures. Personally I found the colonoscopy worse than endoscopy. I had sedation with both though. I would have thought the nasal entry would be similar to the mouth entry as it still has to go down the throat. The sedation is mild and relaxes the muscles in tthe the throat hence minimum gagging. Let us know how you get on
I have had both procedures. Personally I found the colonoscopy worse than endoscopy. I had sedation with both though. I would have thought the nasal entry would be similar to the mouth entry as it still has to go down the throat. The sedation is mild and relaxes the muscles in tthe the throat hence minimum gagging. Let us know how you get on
I have had both procedures with sedation I found the colonoscopy worse than the endoscopy and would have though the nasal entry similar to the mouth entry as it still has to go down the throat. The sedation is mild and relaxes the muscles in the throat hence minimum gagging. Let us know how you get on
Hiya Rayneiam 
i've had both procedures and was totally aware through both.
These procedures are a great lesson in life. It is all about trust. Trust the professionals dealing with you and yourself to follow the many many people who have this procedure every day. This will calm you. But even if you aren't calm it will still be fine
Just gulp as much as you can in sucession until they say the scope is in. Then relax. What your'e going through is a right of passage. You will feel like a hero afterwards
Ive had both, and yes, the gag reflex is a little uncomfortable, but only for a couple of seconds, then youre fine. However, the colonoscopy i dislike more than the other, but this also depends on how rough the doctor is with the cable. Some doctors want to finish the procedure as quickly as possible and I think thats why they started using versed, the one that takes away your memory. Bad thing is, that drug is used for the Dr's benefit, not yours. Ive had many colonoscopies and i do prefer some kind of pain medicine, but dont accept the versed, not good.
Thank you for your feedback. Not sure the nasal entry is an option yet but I will ask. I will also ask if gaggng would be the same. That did not occur to me. Thanks.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you Michael,
I will let you know how it goes.
HI; I had the endoscopy down the throat. I warned them of my severe gag refelex but they said not to worry. They sprayed some banana tasting anaesthetic on the back of my throat and repeated it a couple of minutes later.
I then lay on my side with my mouth held open. In wnet the scope. A couple of slight gags as it went down then nothing. You can't feel it inside you; and I went home with some interesting pictures of my insides.
The most important thing of all these procedures (I have also had colonoscopy and flexible cystoscopy - all without sedation) is not to believe all you read, go with an open mind and relax.
Always remember that a few minutes discomfort could save years on your life if anything is found.
Thank you everyone for your feedback and encouragement. I had the colonoscopy without sedation but the endoscopy was postponed. I will discuss nasal entry with my doctor and maybe consider trying without sedation. Now my experience with the colonoscopy without sedation. Though the doctor and the staff said that I tolerated the process quite well.."better than many on sedation", I will have to admit that the process is still very uncomfortable. Relaxing and breathing slowly is the key but I sometimes tensed as the pain increased. Fortunately the discomfort is not constant and the overall process is only about 15 min. I would do it again without sedation as I really liked being clear headed and able to immediately resume all activities without concern.