"Endoscopic department"

This morning I was booked in for a gastroscopy followed by and colonoscopy. Start time was 08:15.

Carpark parking is very quick before 08:15 so no problems there.

I was feeling anxious as I never had both procedures done together. I was also doing both without sedation as I wanted to drive myself there and back home.

To get to level 3a, and the endoscope unit, use the elevator to the right of the escalator. The elevator opens right at the endoscope unit entrance.

It was quick to book in at reception there, followed by admission nurse Jill taking all my details in a small, nearby office. I was then showed to a small changing room.

I undressed, except for my shoes, and put on two hospital gowns, one front and one back. I'd brought a dressing gown with me but chose not to use it.

My clothes were put in a patient bag. It and my own bag travelled with me.

I was told to leave the door ajar when ready. I then spent a nervous few minutes waiting to be fetched by the endoscopist.

I was led into a rather crowded room, equipment and staff, and told to lie down on the trolley there.

Anaesthesia was squirted onto the back of my throat and it was soon quite numb. A circular piece of plastic was placed between my teeth. The endoscope goes through the hole in the plastic between my teeth. I tend to close my eyes at times like this, just as I do at my dentist.

The procedure was only mildly uncomfortable and only took a 4 minutes. The nurses did a great job of keeping me calm during the procedure. Much thanks to Bernie, Barbara and Olivia.

Next was the colonoscopy. This was easier than I thought, especially the initial insertion. My previous colonoscopy was done under sedation so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was given the option of some gas. As it wouldn't impair my ability to drive home I accepted that option. I'm not sure that I really needed it. The whole procedure took only 26 minutes. There were a couple of uncomfortable bends that the endoscope had to manoeuvre around but no more than slight discomfort.

Once again the nurses were very comforting during the whole procedure.

Dr Rafferty told me his findings as the procedures progressed.

Afterwards I was wheeled into recovery. I had to wait 30 minutes since my last lungful of gas before I could go home. Nurse Honey was very pleasant and willing to answer any questions that I might have.

I was supplied with a report on both procedures to take home with me. It was really good to have this as one can be a bit overwhelmed with spoken information at times.

Recovery nurse Honey also gave me a leaflet on what to expect after both procedures. Very useful to know, plus what to do should you feel unwell later on that day.

I was very impressed with the facilities and the professionalism of Dr Rafferty.

Jill made the admission process easy.

Nurse Bernie, Barbara and Olivia were friendly, helpful and reassuring.

Recovery nurse Honey was friendly, pleasant and helpful.

Thank you all for quick and pleasant procedures, especially as I was feeling slightly stressed.