"My Gastroscopy experience"

I visited the endoscopy department yesterday for a gastroscopy procedure.Naturally I was nervous.The receptionist was friendly and welcoming and directed me to a waiting area.After a while ....about 30 mins..a nurse called me to explain the procedure, take my consent and medical details and answer any questions.She was well informed and took her time to reassure me that the process though uncomfortable would not hurt.I then went back to wait.It didnt seem long maybe another 30 mins before I was called through to the endoscopy suite.I met the doctor and climed onto the trolley bed.All the time the senior nurse was chatting pleasantly to relax me.There was a short wait, then my throat was numbed I lay on my left side, had a mouthguard placed in my mouth and the gastrostomy began .I had been warned that I would gag as the tube went down, however the doc was so skilled and the nurse holding my head still was so comforting I felt relaxed and the scope slipped in easily no gagging at all.Nurse kept talking and I felt no discomfort or pain.., even though some samples were taken.After about 4 minutes the doc drew the scope out.Right away he told me results..thankfully nothing worrying....and suggested further tests that could be done to cover all bases.There were two other very friendly nurses in the room observing in case needed.Then I was taken to a waiting recovery suite and after a while offered a drink.Nurses kept checking I was ok.After 30 mins or so the Nurse in charge of discharges called me through to a seperate room to go over again what the doctor had said and found, and she gave me a form with the information on it.I had a few questions and she was very knowledgable re her subject and answered them all.I was advised about aftercare and given numbers to call in case of any problems.I had been told on the letter to expect a wait of up to 4 hrs in fact I was out in under 3.Everyone I met was truly professional.I was treated kindly and with respect.Just 2 comments.Perhaps doctors could peruse patient notes before they come into the suite.It must have only been between 5 or 10 minutes I sat on the trolley surrounded by scary looking equipment but it seemed ages.....looking at the hose thing I just wanted it over!And some soothing music would really help the nerves .Overall I cant speak highly enough of all the staff involved.