"Endoscopy to remove gall stones in the bile duct"

Prior to the procedure I expected to feel apprehension, worried I may choke during the procedure or worry that the scope may do internal damage etc once inserted. As it turned out I was completely at ease beforehand & on the day, even when moved unexpectedly to another ward, my fears never materialised.

The nursing staff, who booked me in, were so professional I was reassured further. Their attention to detail in double checking every aspect of the process ensuring no mistake was made & confirming the patient had done as required prior to the treatment. A full detailed step by step run through of the procedure was given which too relieved any concerns. Only blood results now stood in the way of procedure commencement. Another nurse now took over & skillfully manoeuvred myself in bed from the ward to the X-Ray department where she explained again every stage of the process. The suppository was inserted & I was readied to meet the team.

On entry to the endoscopy suite all members of stall were introduced including the doctor in charge. He explained proceedings then sprayed my throat to numb it for endoscope entry. He then administered the anaesthetic intravenously & I recall him saying you probably won't remember what happens next, most don't. 

Next I remember is back in the ward having had one of the smoothest & quickest sessions of the procedure, according to reportd. Staff assured me everything went extremely well & that the doctor had confirmed the removal of 4 x 10mm stones with no complications.

The initial inference was that, following the procedure, the patient would require some time to recover from the anesthetic & if discharged the same day would need a responsible person to oversee their recovery for a further 12 hours. In reality I felt 100% immediately after the procedure & not in the least felt like I needed additional support. The allotted time for ward supervision was followed & staff contacted my responsible carer to ready me for discharge. My carer duly arrived & we left the department only once staff deemed it acceptable, thanking all staff for making my experience so straightforward. I walked to my carers car & was home soonest.

Once home I was fully back to normal & even made dinner for one & all.

Compared with the guidance notes supplied my experience went so smoothly & uneventful that maybe the notes could have caused unnecessary angst. However I know others, with maybe other complications, might not be so lucky but to say the experience was so easy, including the days following, is no exaggeration. 

I can only reiterate, to others requiring this procedure, to sign up when it is offered.