"Thank you for the wonderful care"

I am a 66 year old man and recently had bleeding during bowel movements. I thought it was probably haemmo-horror whatsits and my doctor agreed but thought it best to get the whole lower bowel checked out for any more sinister problems - so he suggested an endoscopy . Argh! The very thought of a tube and camera being shoved 30cm up your backside is enough to give you nightmares. But I bit the bullet and agreed.

Two hours before my appointment, I had to self-administer an enema at home and stop eating until after the procedure is over. It was very easy to do and the cleansing effect was quite nice!

The procedure itself at Boston's Pilgrim Hospital was, very straightforward and conducted in the most professional, respectful and friendly way in bright, modern, state-of-the-art surroundings. The endoscopy department almost felt like a private hospital. 

1. I arrived and was shown to a spacious lounge area with socially distanced armchair. Just two other patients were waiting there. 

2. I was then taken by a nurse to a private screening room where she went through a form with a number of questions to answer about medical history etc. She checked my pulse , oxygen levels and blood pressure. This took about 15 minutes.

3. I then returned to reception and shortly afterwards, she took me to the changing room, where I removed my clothes, put on a pair of paper shorts with an opening at the back plus a gown. My discarded clothes and belongings then went in a purple bucket which the nurse took care of for me.

4. I then had a short walk to the spacious procedure room. There were three staff in attendance: the doctor plus two nurses. I lay on a hospital bed on my left side and, a flexible tube was inserted and carbon dioxide gas is let in to inflate the bowel. This enables the camera to be manoeuvred more easily. At first there was no discomfort. It did hurt a bit as the camera went higher up inside but a nurse was on hand to give me "gas and air" or nitrous oxide. This dulled the pain. The insertion lasted about ten minutes. 

5. There's a colour monitor screen by the bed that the specialist looks at whilst he is guiding the camera through the bowel. I could see it but chose not to look!

6. At the end of the procedure, the doctor pronounced his findings - in my case, it was a relief to know that there were no suspicious growths. 

7. I was wheeled to a "recovery room" (not too much to recover from!) and a nurse went through the findings with me and gave me a copy of the report with photos for my records. I then got dressed, and was offered some refreshment. My blood pressure and pulse were re-checked and I was free to leave as felt fit and well. 

So, all in all, a very positive experience with what most people would imagine to be a dreadful, daunting affair. 

Thank you to the endoscopy team for your wonderful care throughout my short visit.  Brilliant service!