"Endoscopy and A&E"

During the past few months I have had two procedures undertaken in the Endoscopy Department and wish to place on record my appreciation for the kindness and efficiency of the staff. I was made to feel welcome and comfortable for what can be appear to a nervous patient very personal and invasive procedures. Although I have no wish to be critical as it says more about me than the hospital, I feel I must draw attention to the follow-up information and literature provided following a sigmoidoscopy. It stated that if you pass a lot of bright red blood sometime after the procedure, you should seek urgent medical attention. Seven days after the procdure during which I passed a little blood, I felt that I passed rather a lot on a Saturday evening and, as the leaflet suggested, I telephoned Castle ward for advice and was correctly informed to attend A&E if I was concerned. I decided to wait and passed further blood on Sunday and telephoned the Endoscopy Dept on the Monday morning. They kindly returned my call after speaking to the surgeon and indicated that a small amount of blood was to be expected but to see my GP or attend A&E if I felt concerned. On the the Tuesday, I was feeling a bit light headed and I had another bleed and in the afternoon, I telephoned by GP who was busy in surgery and although the receptionist said she could give me an appointment that afternoon, after hearing my symptoms said that I could alternatively go to A&E. As I was concerned about driving, I telephone three taxi firms who were all busy on school runs so I panicked and dialled 999. The para medics who very helpful and agreed that A&E was my best option. I attended a very busy A&E department and was seen promptly and efficiently by the nursing and medical staff and the doctor informed me that I would need to see a surgeon and I was warded for the night. Early the next morning, I was visited my the surgeon who kindly explained that my blood level was normal and what I had experienced was to be expected from the banding procedure which I had and that, in essence what I considered to be a significant loss of blood, was insignificant and nothing to worry about and I could go home. On reflection, I think that all this could have been avoided, if I had been made aware that the problem I had with bleeding piles before the procedure could possibly continue at s similar level for a number of days following the precedure. I have also learned that the loss of a lot of blood to a patient is a mere pin-prick to a surgeon and perhaps the follow-up guidance could be a bit more explicit. Having said this, I am proud that Warwick hospital is my local hospital and have nothing but praise for the way I was treated.