Nasendoscopy vs gastroscopy

[dandeliontea78]

For those who have had both, how much worse is a gastroscopy than a nasendoscooy?

I have my first gastroscopy on Sunday and I’m absolutely terrified. Obviously worried about results but also just the procedure in general. I’ll be going for maximum sedation, but is it still awful?

Also, how sleepy do you feel after the sedation? Am I going to be able to survive an afternoon out afterwards?

Following!

If you're sedated you won't feel or remember anything. At least I don't and I've had a few gastroscopies by now. Some people say they can see the monitor when sedated, but they must be the ones who get light sedation. Mine is always Midazolam and Fentanyl, out like a light and the Midazolam (sedative) has properties that ensure you don't remember anything!

I feel a bit groggy afterwards, but after an hour or so feel ok, and I have the best sleep that night which is a great bonus. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home and even if using a taxi you must be accompanied home. They are very strict on that one, at least my hospital is.

Haven't had a nasendoscopy, but I would have to be put out fully for that also! Are you sedated for that?

Oh I just googled and it seems nasendoscopy is not done under sedation. Apparently it is very quick and does not induce the gag reflex, which is something I have. I'd probably cope with that, maybe!

Thank you. That’s really reassuring. I have had many medical procedure but for some reason this one really scares me. I think it’s the lack of control over it and the gagging risk. If I’m not aware and don’t remember after then that’s fine with me!
do they always tell you the results?

I’ve had nasendoscopys with no issue at all, I wonder why they don’t induce the gag. The tube still goes down your throat?

I’ve never had a nasendoscopy, my friend has and said it was fine, she has a very sensitive gag reflex and said it didn’t trigger that at all.

I’ve had 3 gastroscopes, the last one just a few months ago, I too have a very sensitive gag reflex and have managed to get through all three with just the throat spray but if I had to have another I’d probably go for the sedation. Everyone I know who have opted for the sedation all say they can’t remember anything about it.

Even if you do just go for the throat spray it’s over so quickly it’s manageable and you can go home straight away.

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.

I've had both, nasendoscopy no problem at all, had with no sedation. Endoscopy wasn't awful but was worse than nasendoscopy. I had sedation. If I had to have one again I wouldn't be worried.

I’ve had 3 gastroscopies - first i was out for the count, third I was awake but really zoned out. The mouth guard annoyed me more than anything else in that one! I’d never have one without sedation though. It wears off quickly but you’ll need someone to collect you.

To throw a complete spanner in the works my partner is unwell. I’ve found someone else to drive me but when you’re terrified about a procedure and the results you just want someone who really
knows you right?

Nasendoscopy goes through your nose and down the back of your throat but gastrocscopy goes through your mouth. Your gag reflex is initiated at the back of your mouth (near your tonsils), not your throat so nasendoscopy doesn’t trigger it but things going through your mouth can / do.

Ah thank you for explaining, that makes sense. Well. I just hope I can’t remember anything about it

Sitting waiting go with a cannula in my arm! So scared

Just for the record it wasn’t as bad as I expected. In fact now I think about it certain parts I don’t even remember. I’m not sure how I got from the theatre room to the recovery bit. The spray was the worst bit, and I have a bit of a sore throat now, but otherwise very tolerable

that’s good youre ok OP.

Is it normal to have quite a sore throat a few hours after. It was ok to begin with, but assume the numbing spray was still in effect. Hurts quite a lot to swallow now