"Colonoscopy and care Broome Regional Hospital"

After surviving bowel cancer in 2000, it was a bit scary when in late 2017/early 2018 a few pains and discomfort began occurring in upper abdomen below rib cage. After waiting the usual male month, to see if it went away, I sought the advice of my long time local GP Dr Sally. Sally organised all the pathology tests, x-rays and ultrasounds ... all gave no clues. Next cab off the rank was the old "Triple Faecal Test". Not a happy chap when all three came back positive to blood! " TAXI!! " next cab has to be colonoscopy at Broome Regional Hospital. Two pre-anaesthetic checks later and it is decided to explore my nether regions. Whoopee! My 76th birthday...

Went through the usual dietary regimen and bowel evacuation and presented my starving dehydrated body to the lovely Kathy at reception. Kathy ascertained I was indeed who I claimed, and handed me over to Jan and Lisa. Jan quickly had me out of my clothes and into bed !!! ... and plugged into all the usual appliances that assure people you are indeed still alive. Matt the ever smiling orderly then navigated my bed to the parking area where Belinda (anaesthetic nurse) prepared me to await the main men. Namely Dr James (anaesthetist) good lookin' young dude with a air of confidence and good health, and then the jovial, exuberant Dr Paul (all in a days work).Dr Paul was most disappointed I was not the renowned Irish pugilist Barry McGuickin. Can't begin to imagine the mileage he would have made out of that !!!

Matt then wheeled me into theatre where Marika, Estelle, Leanne and Bronwyn the theatre nurses made me comfortable and ready for my procedure !

At this point it occurs to me that I am about to let a good lookin' dude, whom I met yesterday, put me into a trance using elements which will reduce pain and even block memories of whatever might happen in the next hour. Then a man I met twenty minutes ago will proceed to violate my alimentary canal with a CAMERA !!!! All the time wishing I was somebody else !!! These shenanigans will all be observed by said theatre nurses ... all of whom I first met today !!!!

Back to recovery and nurse Leanne, then cuppa good coffee and a round of excellent sandwiches served by the ever caring Jan. Trish co-ordinated this party and gave the OK for me to vacate the premises.

Outcome...One polyp found and removed......await biopsy ....rest all clear, and a good time had by all.

A million thanks to each and every one of the lovely staff at BRDH.