"Colonoscopy"

6/02/17

Colonoscopy Princess Anne Ward. This is the first time I have had such a procedure so I was obviously apprehensive. From the moment I stepped through the door I could not rate the staff and care highly enough. 100 out of 10, for every member of the team. The nurses and checking in procedure was very thorough, exceptionally attentive and caring. Any concerns were discussed and the whole procedure explained fully. I have deep veins which makes blood tests or cannula sometimes difficult. The wonderful nurses made sure that I had topical anesthetic at all points that the consultant/ Dr may put my sedation IV needle in. I was taken into the procedure room by another wonderful nurse. This nurse explained everything, allayed any fears, said they would hold my hand throughout, told me that I was the one in complete control and to let them know at any point if I was in difficulty or wanted to stop. I met the charming consultant Dr who again explained the procedure and answered any questions. The Dr then put my IV in and administered the sedation. At this point I was probably talking absolute drivel! I seemed to be aware of being awake but because of the drugs was totally relaxed and now cannot remember anything bar lay on the bed being asked to turn over and then it was apparently all over. For anyone worried about having the same procedure, in my case I swear I did not feel an absolute thing, and if I did I most certainly can't remember any discomfort. The first nurse wheeled me out to the recovery ward, gave me a very welcome cup of coffee with biscuit, and stayed to chat whilst doing my final observations before release. Maybe this review is a little too long and too detailed but I wanted to write my experience to thank the staff and also to tell other potential patients my experiences. I was obviously apprehensive, as no one likes these tests or procedures. Down to the hospital team I found the whole process far easier than I had envisaged. No pain at all, made to feel cared for and not stupid for being a 'woosy' middle aged woman.

Thanks Stroud Hospital.