"Very positive thanks to some wonderful, kind staff"

Recently I went to the Endoscopy unit at NDDH for a gastroscopy, after having long term symptoms of gastric reflux.

I had never been to the unit before or had such a procedure, so I was a little anxious about what was to come.

I didn’t need to worry at all. All the staff from reception through to the procedure itself were friendly, welcoming, kind and professional.

Everything was fully explained at every step of my visit, which really helped to put me at my ease.

I chose to not have sedation, but I was given the throat spray which while unpleasant (it had a slight sting about it and though banana flavoured didn’t taste great! ) was bearable.

I was quite concerned about having to swallow the tube but that part was so much easier than I had expected. I could definitely feel pressure at the back of my throat as it went down but I managed to swallow when asked.

I concentrated on deep breathing which helped a lot. I couldn’t really feel the tube once passed my throat, possibly a little pressure in my tummy but it wasn’t at all painful and the procedure was over within a few minutes.

A small biopsy was taken and I didn’t feel this at all.

Afterward the consultant who did the endoscopy fully explained what he had seen, which I found so helpful & reassuring. I find waiting for results really stressful, so it was great to find them out straight away.

I was also given a written copy of my results to take away with me, which was very helpful as you don’t always remember all that you’re told at the time.

My visit from arrival to departure was about 1 hour & 45 minutes. Plus you get tea & biscuits at the end!

Overall, my experience was very positive thanks to some wonderful, kind staff.