"Colonoscopy"

I had a colonoscopy procedure recently. My first experience of an endoscopy, was scary, traumatising and left me feeling violated. I very nervous about having the colonoscopy after that experience. I was so upset at what happened at a different practise , it made me petrified to have the procedure done. I thought it would be the same as the previous endoscopy. I even thought to cancel on the day!

When I arrived at the Circle, I told them what had happened previously and how nervous I was to have the procedure. The nurse kept reassuring me that the nurses would be there and they would stop if it got too uncomfortable. As I arrived to the theatre to have the procedure I was greeted by two lovely nurses who were very kind and reassuring.

They talked me through each process, inserting the oxygen tube, the canula and they explained everything so I could understand what was happening.

The consultant was very understanding. He stopped several times throughout the procedure to make sure I was okay. I had a lot of pain throughout. But nurses and the consultant helped me through it. They were very supporting and understanding. They helped me a great deal. If they had been pushy, nonchalant towards how I was reacting I would have struggled and felt very alone. By the staff made me feel supported.

After the procedure they were very kind and encouraging. They commended me for getting through the procedure as they weren't sure I would get through it due to the pain.

Afterwards they explained the results and the process for coming weeks and when to expect to heee from the consultant.

I found the whole experience a complete contrast to what I experienced at the different practise.

I still feel nervous towards procedures, after my first experience. But I feel a bit better knowing there are staff out there who do genuinely care for patients and want to help them through difficult, uncomfortable experiences.

The circle has helped to me have some confidence in medical professionals. I know that the team I had cared. They genuinely cared about me and my body, and for that I am truly thankful.