"Having a colonoscopy"

I was told to go on a low-residue diet for the three days prior to this procedure. On the day of the procedure, I attended the hospital and I had the colonoscopy. I was discharged and sent home with my husband.

What I liked about this:

1)  the way this was so organised, from the first person I saw a month ago about what was involved in the procedure to the follow-up organised for me to see the surgeon about the outcome. 

2) the Day Ward staff were so personal and kind in the way the processed me prior to and after the procedure.

3) the way the anaesthetist visited, asked questions, and explained lots of things to me (I had a similar procedure 8 years ago and I was met briefly en route to the theatre where I was spoken to by this specialist) 

4) that theatre staff were extremely caring and personal, even reassuring me when I was emotional prior to the procedure.

How this made me feel:

1) very happy, contented and relaxed prior to this and after this procedure.

2) confident that I was in good hands.  

3) reassured that I would be okay, despite very high blood pressure just before the procedure.

What I did not like: 

1) I had an extreme headache - I phoned the hospital to find out what I could take.    

2) not being told or in paperwork the side effect of the minimum residue diet being headache in some people.

3) that perhaps I should have been warned that if you are prone to headaches that this may be a side effect of the diet and one may need to take extra time off work during the prep stage.

Summary:  

1) I had an excellent stay, service, treatment, personal care, and communications on the day.

2) the pre-admission diet prep - side effects of preparation were not communicated to me.