"Surprisingly pleasant colposcopy experience"

Earlier this year I had an abnormal smear and was called in for a colposcopy at Birmingham Women's Hospital. I had no idea how common this is at the time, and I was really quite frightened- about what to expect from the procedure and about what might happen to me.

To be honest, I had some difficult experiences at the same hospital a year earlier when having my son, so it wasn't a place I was particularly looking forward to visiting again.

I was sent some information which helped, but I couldn't help having 'what if' thoughts. When I got to the clinic though I was greeted by a really friendly receptionist, and I didn't have long to wait before one of the nurses came to collect me. The team were brilliant, they really put me at ease and were very reassuring about the procedure. I thought it would be awful, but it was really no worse than having a smear- thanks to the team helping me to relax I think. I like the picture of a lovely tropical beach on the ceiling too! It was over before I knew it, and although I had to wait a few weeks for some results, the nurses managed to allay most of my fears on the day.

I went back today, six months later, just to check everything is okay. Again, the receptionist was smiley and welcoming and the team were really great.

I just wanted to share this. It could have been an unpleasant experience, but because of the slick process and great team, I feel really well looked after and reassured.

This is a pretty amazing achievement since I did not have at all happy thoughts about the hospital before hand.