"Incorrect information on patient leaflets"

I had an urgent referral to the endoscopy unit due to on-going issues that have left me in extreme pain.

Upon receiving a phone call to book me in, I was told by the person on the phone I could have sedation for this. Prior to the appointment I got paperwork through to tell me about the procedure and an enema pack to take before hand. Within this leaflet there was the offer of sedation, and information on what to do prior to prepare if sedation was the route I wanted to go down.  After speaking with family members who have previously had this test and given the fact I was already in pain (& not to mention the mental exhaustion) I had decided sedation was my preference and was fully prepared for this going into my appointment. As per the instructions I fasted from midnight and took my own nightwear to change into.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I stood for a good 10 minutes with no receptionist at the ward reception. I was then taken into the side room and told that sedation is not offered for this type of procedure and all they would offer is gas and air. I explained that when I had my daughter I was very sick with gas and air and would prefer not to have to take this. I was told they could discuss sedation but again it's not something they offer and I didn't need to take my own clothes to change into with me. I was made to feel like asking for this was an inconvenience and unnecessary.  Being already worked up about the procedure and just wanting it over with I agreed to try without, however I was very anxious and unhappy about this decision.

Everyone within the room who done the scope was lovely during the procedure. The lady who stayed beside me the whole time rubbing my shoulder (I can't remember her name) was a very calming presence and although I was in utter agony throughout she tried her best to keep me calm and reassured. The man who done the scope explained everything to me and was very professional. 

Once the scope was done, I was asked to pull my trousers back up, sit on the chair in the room and wait for my report. Once I had the report I was sent on my way. As I had expected to be there for at least 2 hours or so I did not have someone there to take me home straight away and spent the next half hour walking around the hospital in complete agony and feeling very confused.

Nothing sinister was found on the scope which I am grateful for, however disappointingly I was advised to wait four weeks before going back to my GP to ask for more tests. Given the pain I am in this is just not doable. 

I really urge you to look into the paperwork you send to patients, as this was not the experience I was thinking I was going into the hospital for. Incorrect information on patient leaflets should not be being sent out to patients who are already in a vulnerable state.