"Colonoscopy appointment"

I had a good experience of the bowel screening service in Fife last month. I received notification of a positive result only 5 days after sending of my sample along with an appointment for a telephone consultation with a specialist screening nurse. She provided excellent information and booked me in for a colonoscopy. Unfortunately the bowel preparation she posted to me didn't arrive within the necessary 3 days so I had to collect it from the hospital, just a few hours before I needed to take it.

Maybe first class post could be made available in future?

  

The package information leaflet advised that bowel movements should occur within 6 hours of taking Moviprep and advised patients to contact their doctor immediately if not. This was slightly worrying as I was instructed to take the first dose at 6pm and when my medication took more than 6 hours to take effect I doubted the out of hours services would appreciate my calling them at that hour.  Maybe the leaflet could be reworded or have an extra comment on the letter?

The colonoscopy procedure went very well and the Entonox provided a pleasant distraction from the other end of things. It was fascinating to see the insides of my digestive tract on the screen ( I shall take more care to chew pumkin seeds properly in future!) The staff were superb in their efficiency, information and care and, as a retired nurse, I felt proud of my profession. I'd have felt slightly more comfortable if I'd known to bring slippers and a dressing gown and a bag to put my outdoor clothes in rather than a hospital plastic carrier: It was clear to differentiate first timers like me from  those on repeat visits. 

I was informed at the time that the polyp they removed was most likely to be benign; this has since been confirmed by post. In accordance with the screening guidelines I'll need to have another colonoscopy in 3 year's time but, if the team are good as they were last month, I'll not worry about it. My thanks and appreciation to all at the Royal Victoria Kirkcaldy for your skill and good humour.