"Endoscopy - Screening colonoscopy"

Arrived early for my 9.30am appointment.

Greeted by a lovely receptionist, who gave me a straighforward form to complete.

At about 9.50am, called through by a cheerful nurse for a preliminary chat etc.

Just after 10am, they showed me to a cubicle.

There, I swapped my briefs for a pair of NHS pants with a 'back hole', then put my jeans back on.

Waited 50 minutes alone in the cubicle, which was less than impressive.

Eventually, at around 11am, called into 'theatre', where I was greeted by a crew of cheery staff.

Having slipped off just my jeans and shoes and socks, I popped onto the exam bed and the fun began.

No pain (even without pain relief or gas/air) No embarrassment.

We just chatted away whilst I watched the whole procedure in glorious technicolour on screen.

By 11.20am it was finished.

I swapped the NHS pant for my own much sexier briefs, was discharged and left by 11.30am.