"My First Colonoscopy"

Had my first Colonoscopy today at Broomfield hospital.

I was welcomed by caring, reassuring professional staff who put me at ease and went through everything with me before my procedure.

Being my first Colonoscopy and feeling extremely apprehensive I opted for the sedative, which to be honest I was disappointed with as I felt it did little for me. I have had sedation twice before with different procedures and have known nothing of what has been done, not so this time.

After having my blood pressure taken, which was a slight ordeal the procedure started. I watched on the screen with interest the scope going up through my colon, which at times was quite uncomfortable (not painful) but tolerable as it navigated the bends.

Once the scope had reached the appendix which didn't seem to take very long at all, around ten minutes, it was then drawn back slowly while thoroughly examining the Colon. Eight biopsies were taken at various points to be sent off for investigation. Taking biopsies is standard practise, painless and nothing to worry about. 

Once the procedure had finished, around half hour for a straight forward Colonoscopy, I was then taken to the recovery room, monitored for a short period, then up, dressed and having a nice cup of tea and biscuits in a arm chair.

Fortunately I was told my colon looked perfectly normal. Let's hope the biopsy results also confirm that.

Personally, having now had a Colonoscopy I feel the bowel prep before hand is the worse part.