"Lack of care for Crohns Disease"

I have been waiting for an operation for a stricture for a very long time.

I think it was the beginning of last year, that I was taken into hospital by ambulance because my bowel was blocked. I was given heavy painkillers and kept in, eventually it was discovered I had a narrowing of my large colon.

I then (as an out patient) had to have a number of colonoscopies all of which were very painful, one was to try and stretch the narrowing but that was a complete failure. I was eventually told I would have to have surgery, that was many months ago. To date I have had no surgery. I have had two pre-op appointments cancelled by the hospital (Southampton General Hospital).

During this very long time I have been unable to eat properly and have suffered pain, blockages, and extreme fatigue on a regular basis.

I also have Mental Health problems which means I suffer severe anxiety and severe bouts of depression all worsened by my poor health. I have suffered considerably this year as I have got so run down that I am now unable to attend my mental health group. Despite the Hospital being aware of my Mental Health problems and the extreme length of time I have had this stricture they have not kept up any regular appointments with me or sent me to a nutritionist or given me any support, or indeed shown that they have any interest in my current health.

I feel totally unsupported by the GI Consultant and feel that the long wait for my operation has caused me immense suffering and distress. The Hospital have failed me completely and I feel that I should be referred to another Hospital who can treat me with respect and dignity and reasonable care.

I believe that the long wait has compromised my health and I am now extremely concerned that I am no longer in a fit state to endure an operation and the risks have increased considerably due to me being left so long with what is a serious condition.

If I do find another suitable Hospital I believe that I would still be left on a long waiting list. I do not have any funds to go Private, although it is obvious that I need Professional help of a specialist who is able to examine my case and urgently address these issues.

I think Southampton General Hospital have severely compromised my health by their lack of care due to their failings in treating me within a reasonable time therefore I do not trust them to operate on me safely.