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First time colonoscopy

Posted By Fran9A

"First time colonoscopy"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / Endoscopy Suite

(as the patient),

Immersive Reader

As to be expected with the unknown, I was nervous the whole build up to the procedure. I had been given clear instructions on my prep prior to the day along with hiding my fear the day before the big event which so many people telling me of there horrific time!

Soooo big day happens, I'm trying hard to look cool but my wife knew rightly lol, met the staff, had a good giggle with them thought prep and questions which eased my nerves. Then meeting with doc/surgeon, nerves started again but too late to chicken out.

Into the room I go in my stunning open back gown, left my dignity at the door and waited for a very uncomfortable time. How wrong was I!

I hardly felt a thing, all went smoothly and maintained humour throughout...I'm not sure how much sedation I had and I'm not sure of how long it took, any pain, also forget some of the conversations we had.

The staff were professional but understanding my worries and keeping my mind off the procedure. I can't express enough to anyone who is needing a colonoscopy that it's over in no time and it's not as embarrassing as you may think.

Well done to all the staff from start to finish and keep up the good work, I remember most of the names but I'll not want them too happy or they'll be an outbreak of morale which no one likes any more lol.

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Responses

Response from Deborah Poots, Deputy Ward Manager, Endoscopy, Mid Ulster Hospital, NHSCT last month
Deborah Poots
Deputy Ward Manager, Endoscopy, Mid Ulster Hospital,
NHSCT

Submitted on 01/05/2025 at 13:17
Published on Care Opinion at 13:17

Immersive Reader

Hi, My name is Deborah Poots. I am the Deputy Ward Manager of the Endoscopy units in both Antrim and Mid Ulster Hospitals. I would firstly like to thank you for taking the time to respond to our Care Opinion feedback.

I am delighted to hear you had such a positive experience in relation to, not just the staff you encountered but mainly with the procedure itself. Coming in for these procedures can be very daunting and nerve wrecking, especially when you have had to listen to other peoples 'horrific' experiences. Although everyone's experience can be different, depending on the reason they need the procedure, It is great to hear you found it wasn't just as bad as you had been made to believe. You will be able to promote this to other people you may hear are attending for a similar procedure in the future.

The fact that you were well prepared from the start and given clear instructions by the Pre Assessment team in relation to you bowel prep makes a big difference to how well you manage to prepare for the test. Abiding by specific instructions and having a bowel clear enough to see is a great help when it come to preforming the procedure so well done to you on achieving that to begin with. It makes our job a lot easier!

We are aware of the anxieties people are feeling coming for these types of procedures, in relation to the procedure itself, and the outcome of them, and strive to treat everyone who comes to us, as we would want to be treated ourselves. The staff always do their best to remain professional and understanding in all that they do and a little laugh along the way can help many patients relax and get through the procedure with some ease.

I will ensure ALL the staff are made aware of your lovely comments which will make everyone very happy and most certainly increase morale among them.

Many Thanks

Debbie

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