I have had an awful scope experience in the past as well. It was my first one and they also did the upper scope down my throat. I remember them giving me meds and I slowly became drowsy and assumed I would just drift off but was still fully conscious when they started the procedure. I was only 15 and didn't know this wasn't normal. A nurse saw me crying and quickly administered more meds. But it did absolutely nothing. I remember gagging and vomiting when they put the scope down my throat as well.

I remember feeling traumatised and in pain after. My throat was incredibly sore and it was very difficult to swallow for days after. Every time I have a scope now I tell them about this first experience and ask to be fully sedated which I have been. I really don't have any good advice other than to share my own awful experience and to let you know you're not alone. I don't know why they don't just always fully sedate for a procedure like this.