"Flexible cystoscopy at the Urology Dept"

Following a month in North Tees Hospital with complicated pneumonia I was sent to Sunderland Urology Department for a bladder & prostate check. I'd been quite worried about having the 'Flexible Cystoscopy' as, let's face it, how many blokes fancy the idea of having surgical procedures conducted via the inside of their penis. Not many I'll wager. Everyone I had anything to do with in the department, the receptionist, nurses and consultant were friendly, welcoming and professional and helped put me at ease. The procedure itself, conducted by a Specialist Nurse, Staff Nurse, Assistant Nurse (females) & Dr (male) is moderately uncomfortable & a bit embarrassing. The staff do their best to relax you and do a pretty good job of it. The procedure doesn't take long & creates moderate stinging/burning sensation which lasts for a few hours at most. The Consultant then examined my prostate, a very very quick procedure which involved him introducing his finger or thumb to my bum. Over in the blink of an eye. If you're going to have these procedures, my advice would be, keep a sense of humour, lie back and think of England and don't waste any time worrying about it. Great job Sunderland Urology Department.