"I felt very let down following this procedure"

I attended the hospital to have a combined endoscopy and colonoscopy under sedation.

On arrival at the hospital I was treated well and went through the paperwork and consent forms. I was asked to confirm that I was having sedation for the procedure; which I did. A cannula was inserted into my left arm. I was taken through for the procedure and when they checked the cannula it was very painful so it was removed and another was inserted into my right hand.

I felt a coldness in my hand and thought this was the sedation being administered.

They then tried to insert the endoscope which was awful, it was painful, uncomfortable and made me gag and be sick.

They then completed the colonoscopy which was painful and uncomfortable. When It was completed I was taken to the recovery ward where I was offered a glass of water. I was then told I could get dressed. The nurse then discussed the findings with me and I was shown out.

I had been told in the letter I received prior to the procedure that I would be there for a few hours and would need to eat and drink before I left. I had, had nothing to eat for around 36 hours and been taking laxatives to clear my bowel for the procedure. I was feeling slightly weak and very much in shock.

I felt very let down following this procedure; I was in pain and didn't feel I was shown much care or compassion. I was also very angry when I properly realised that I hadn't been sedated for the procedure.