I read many of the postings on this site before going for my colonoscopy as I was very anxious after reading some unpleasnt stories. Unfortunately, I have suffered from panic attacks and anxiety on and off throughout my life and this procedure terrified me. I had to cancel first time around as I had a mental meltdown. My GP prescribed me some Diazepam before being resheduled as he thought it would be helpful. Ironically I did not use it, but it was reassuring just to know it was there. The laxative preparation before the procedure is inconvenient more than anything, particularly as you have to go without food for the previous 24 hours. I was feeling calm on the way to hospital but only started to get anxious as I went in, but disclosed how I was feeling to the nurse checking me in. If you feel very anxious it helps just to share how you are feeling and I must say that the nurse was very reassuring and engaging. I knew my pulse and B/P were going to soar as I generally get more anxious in clinical settings and have always done so. I was shown to a cubicle and got undresssed, put a gown on, signed my consent form and asked if I had any outstanding questions.I was then escorted ito the room for the test and again just expalined to the Dr and nurses how I was feeling which help dissipate some anxiety. I was encouraged to lay on my left side and could watch the procedure on one of two screens positioned above the bed. I chose the option of entinox (gas and air) which I had full control over in terms of how much I wanted. One nurse sat at my bedside near my head and reassurred me throughout..The Dr doing the test was clearly very experienced and had a calm presence which really helped. It lasted about 20 minutes and I only needed a bit of gas and air when the camera was being manipulated through a bend in the colon. Lots of flactulance but cant really say it was a painful experience, just a dull ache really. I nearly nodded off at one point and then it was all over. The whole experience was nowhere near as bad as what I had anticipated and would have no problem with it again. The result was all clear so that gives me peace of mind. The staff are there to help,so I would encourage anyone who needs this test to just be open and talk about how you are feeling.