hubby underwent full purging before colonoscopy. Previous stroke history and known anxiety levels for hospital procedures well documented on his records. On arrival at unit he was declined procedure as his blood pressure was 188/122 and hypertensive crisis.Hospital referred him to GP for hypertensive meds and said they would re book in 4 weeks and that he should speak with GP.
GP called today and provided prescription for hypertensive meds and asked him to do 3 readings a day on home blood pressure monitor and then send them in. Hubby asked for more details as to why referred to Colonoscory department - what were the stool results - what indicators had caused alarm and given the overall experience in the colonoscopy department whether there were any alternatives such as CT. GP literally washed his hands saying that now hubby has been referred to colonoscopy dept he needs to speak with them. Hubby insisted that he had many questions unanswered and wanted a GP chat. Eventually given a 10 min slot next week but still told that GP has no input to this procedure or case management as it now sits with specialist hospital team.
Absolutely appalling that there are no pre screening checks offered and monitored by GP BEFOREpurging starts. This should be mandatory and part of the overall process on many counts.
Lowers patients anxiety and monitors whether procedure likely to go ahead as planned
Reduces aborted mid-stream appointments which could have been reissued to another patient identifying as fully fit to proceed.
identifies whether the patient needs appropriate anxiety medication suitable to take during bowel purging which would be a pre cursor to the procedure conscious sedation / gas & air options
Thjs has created an absolute minefield of stress and further anxiety not to mention the need to undergo a complete further bowel purge still with the same levels of anxiety as GP practice have simply referred hubby back to the endoscopy unit at local hospital for a revised appointment date.
I would be interested to hear from others having gone through similar situations and what happened to resolve the outcome. I know there are many people who have had positive experiences and I acknowledge that you have been lucky but I am more interested in what the next steps should be following such a disastrous situation please.
