"Colonoscopy"

I had followed the pre colonoscopy low fibre diet for five days as advised. Followed by the hell of taking the bowel cleansing preparation. It really is the most vile, vomit inducing , gloopy liquid known to mankind. The results which follow can only be likened to volcanic eruptions of the nether regions. By the time this had  been completed I was exhausted, hungry, had a headache, felt nauseous and was extremely anxious about the procedure. 

The hospital was about an hour’s drive from our house so I was fervently hoping that there was nothing left inside me that might make a sudden appearance halfway there on the motorway. 

Once at the hospital I booked into the Endoscopy Suite. We were a bit early so my husband stayed with me until it was time for me go in . 

A lovely nurse and third year student did all the preliminary paperwork, asking me questions and making sure I fully understood everything. They were very professional as well as being friendly and reassuring. Once that was completed my temperature, blood pressure, oxygen levels were measured and recorded. They then brought a hospital gown and gave me privacy to get changed. The nurse expertly inserted a cannula in my arm and said I was next on the list. 

A few minutes later the Doctor came in, introduced himself, told me some important information and then asked for my signature as consent for him to proceed with the colonoscopy. 

I was taken in to the room where two nurses and a health care assistant helped me get settled and hooked up to various monitors. Again they explained everything they were doing and were happy to answer any questions I had. The doctor then administered the sedation and pain relief. All the way through the procedure he and the nursing staff constantly checked on my well being, making sure I was comfortable. He explained everything he was about to do and while he was actually doing it. He ensured I was as pain free as possible which I really appreciated, as a previous colonoscopy had been very painful. It all went very smoothly and quite soon I was in recovery having coffee, toast and water. 

I have to have colonoscopies regularly to monitor my bowel disease so I have experience of three different hospitals and many different doctors and nurses. 

Today’s experience was by far the best one so far. The staff were exceptional and the actual procedure was the easiest I’ve ever had.