"Colonoscopy"

I had to have a colonoscopy, which frankly terrified me, as I just can't cope with this sort of procedure.

The build up to it was made much worse for me by delays and lack of communication (it should have been done within 2 weeks of suspecting a possible problem but it actually took 6 weeks) and part of this delay was caused by admin errors.

Because of my fears, I elected to have sedation, because I simply couldn't face it without, the hospital's procedures only allow this where the patient has someone at home to provide care afterwards, and as I live alone they kindly arranged for me to be kept in hospital overnight following the procedure.

A few days before the procedure I was assessed by a staff nurse who was extremely kind, supportive and helpful, and immediately before the colonoscopy I was seen by another staff nurse who again, was brilliant in every way. The doctor and nurses who did the colonosocopy were great too, and despite my fears the actual procedure, although uncomfortable, produced almost no pain and I would like to reassure anyone reading this who is worried about it, that in my experience there is nothing to worry about.

However, the administration was chaotic and needs to be dramatically improved - poor admin inevitably creates doubt about everything else, and also creates avoidable stress.