"Colonoscopy - really nothing to fear!"

I had a colonoscopy. Obviously this being the first time I'd had this procedure I was rather apprehensive, as colonoscopies don't exactly get great press on the Internet...!

Actually it really wasn't that bad. From start to finish, everyone was friendly and reassuring, treated me as an individual, made sure I was OK and answered my questions.

I chose to have gas and air rather than sedation, and I hardly used it at all. At times it was uncomfortable, but no more than that, and the nurse and doctor frequently checked that I was OK. I was treated with respect and every effort made to protect my dignity, right down to giving me two gowns - one worn forwards and one backwards, so that I didn't have to walk through the ward with my backside hanging out! Afterwards as I was the only female patient on the ward at the time, I was put in a room on my own to rest and get dressed.

I had a lovely nurse who was with me from 'check-in', during the procedure and afterwards to check that I was OK and give me a drink and sandwich before I left. It was great to have that continuity and I felt like there was someone looking out for me all the way through.