"Having a colonoscopy: don't be afraid"

A few days ago I had a colonoscopy at Withybush Hospital Pembrokeshire. To say the staff were wonderful would be an understatment.

I explained that I didn't want sedation or pain killer as I wanted to watch the procedure on the monitor. They went along with me and said if at any time I was in pain they would give me something. I am not saying it didn't hurt sometimes but it was no worse than when I get a flare up of my diverticulitis.

The procedure took about 20 minutes as my bowel kept going into spasms. It was wonderful looking at the inside of my bowel on the screen (it must be the nurse in me) and I am glad I was awake to see it all. Also I was able to help by turning on to my back and side for them as they requested. The staff were so kind and understanding.

Don't be afraid of having a colonoscopy, if I was to have another one I still would not have sedation and pain killers. I think the worse thing was drinking those 4 litres of that obnoxious liquid before hand.