"Not nearly as bad as it was in my mind"

Had an appointment arranged for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

A  few days before the appointment I was contacted by phone, as previously arranged, by one of the Nurses in the the Endoscopy Team - Linzi , sorry not sure how her name is spelt. She was excellent -  going over what would happen and going through past medical history. It was so good to have this in advance - and although it's a procedure I have had many times  - the phone call from Linzi  - really did help my nerves and anxiety, as it really did make me feel much more relaxed and certainly much less anxious about the procedure.

I then met Linzi at the Endoscopy suite . It felt like we did already know each other and she was absolutely genuine, caring and very lovely - every bit as professional and caring in person as on the phone. This, I think, was more effective in helping me to relax than the medication, and most reassuring. This helped so much and meant so much to me.

Before meeting Linzi I was welcomed into the department by Shona  - Charge Nurse , who was very caring and very helpful. I was then " booked in" by Jen  - Staff Nurse  - who was  very reassuring, calm, pleasant  and caring. The Endoscopist Mr. Ekatah was excellent , explaining what he was hoping to do and was clearly well informed and knowledgeable about the reason I was there  - which again helped so much.

A Sunday afternoon I was dreading turned out to be not nearly as bad as it was in my mind  - Thanks to everyone , you all did a great job and I am very grateful, thankful and appreciative for your care and kindness.