"Colonoscopy experience"

I went to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for a Colonoscopy as my GP and consultant wanted to have my bowel check due to problems i had been having.

I did all the prep to the directions and arrived at the hospital for my appointment.

I was taken through and a nurse went through the consent form and explained what would happen.  I had opted for sedation and having read the leaflet i thought everything would be fine.

I changed into the hospital gown and another nurse came through and went through the procedure with me.  She asked if a cannula had been put it, it hadn't so she went to check with the doctor that he could do it.

The nurse came back and took me through - she was really nice and calming.  Another nurse in the room talked me through the procedure and the doctor came to put the cannula in.  There was a problem getting one in and i eventually had to have it in the underside of my wrist.  The sedation was given and i laid down to have the first procedure of the camera down my throat - i had been given the throat spray.  That was ok.

I was turned around for the next procedure - i have never had any pain like this, it was horendous.  I had the sedation, i was using gas and air and had a painkiller, all with no effect.  I was screaming in pain and eventually had to tell them to stop.  The nurses were very good trying to comfort me as i was in great distress by this point.  I found the whole thing traumatic.

I was taken into recovery and at the discharge i was told i would have to have a CT scan, which   i thought that would be fine.  I receive a phone call to go for the CT scan on Friday and pick up the prep and information, and find that this procedure - colonograpy will also mean a tube has to be inserted.  I am petrified now of having this done.