"Sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy unit St. Helen’s hospital"

My appointment arrived very quickly, I read the info booklet. I fully expected to be mildly sedated for the procedure, which I wasn’t offered. Everyone I have spoken to who had this done told me you wont remember it as your so groggy with the sedation....you can then wash and when you feel ok they let you go.

I was taken into a treatment room, took off my coat and asked where I should undress. I was informed not to, just lie on the bed fully dressed, boots on etc and just to pull down underwear and tights, lie on my left side, no gown! I was told as the bowl bends I would feel a bit of pain and as the procedure was ending it would be very uncomfortable. To try and cope, so that they didn’t have to stop.

This procedure was very invasive, painful and I found it quite degrading. I’d had leakage during the procedure. I was wiped by the nurse and told to pull up my underwear and that I could now eat/drink as normal. I was not given an option of going to a room to wash etc, and had to race back into the hospital to get to a toilet! I was so upset by the time my husband picked me up I was in tears. The staff where nice enough, but I felt like a piece of meat on a conveyor belt.

I am traumatised by my experience, and would never have this done again. 3 days later I still cant eat or drink as normal and I need to stay close to the toilet!