"Colonoscopy experience"

I visited my dr as I had rectal bleeding, nothing much but I’d had it a few times and was a bit concerned.  After she examined me and took blood and I provided a stool sample I was referred to the hospital for a colonoscopy.  

I received a phone call within 2 days giving me an appointment the following week. This panicked me a bit as I couldn’t help wonder why the urgency.  I rec’d info in the post giving me instructions for what to do before I went to my hosp appt.   the instructions for the drinks to clear my bowels were easy to follow.  In the letter i recd it did say to take a dressing gown and slippers if I wanted and I would keep my clothes on my upper body on.  This didn’t happen and I was to change into hosp items and removed all my clothes.  Not v big deal but I had been unsure about what to wear so would have been nice to know I didn’t need to take anything with me.

The prep before I attended the hosp was hard work, not the best taste but I got there and by the time my appointment was I was really hungry and tired.   Though when there the staff were brilliant and everything happened so fast! From my arrival in the ward I think I was signed in and prepped for the procedure within 10 mins!! I didn’t have any time to worry and this was great for me. 

The colonoscopy itself yeah wasn’t pain free but I only used a bit of gas and air a few times throughout.  It felt like I had  a stitch at times and bloated feeling, releasing wind def helped the discomfort subside.  The whole thing was over quickly, I actually don’t know how long but the nurse spoke to me the whole way throughout and to the time did pass quickly.  

After it I was advised I had haemorrhoids but that was all, so for me it was great news. I am glad I went to my gp as I had put this off a number of times when I had noticed blood so how feel reassured.

I can’t thank the whole endoscopy unit in Queen Margaret enough, they were all brilliant. Team working was fantastic from the min I walked in.  Lesley helped me before and after the procedure and was so kind and helpful and talked me through everything and my options for the whole thing.  Whilst in theatre I’m not sure of who was who (my letter mentions Jennifer and Julie) but the one who was with me the whole time was so reassuring and at one point when I was in discomfort the other nurse reassuringly put her hand on me and helped me relax too which was wonderful.  And the consultant Mr Amin explained things to me and talked me through his findings.

I’m glad today is over but my anticipation of it was def worse than the reality.  Thank you all.