"Confusing and contradictory info for CT virtual colonoscopy"

I was booked in for a colonoscopy at the Belfast City Hospital.

On page one of the appointment letter, I was informed that I would be asked to remain in the clinic for 30 minutes after the procedure, but on page 5 it said we ask you to remain for 45 minutes after the procedure.

On page 2 there is a confusing reference to colon OR large bowel, as the next line says that whole bowel will be scanned (colon and rectum).

On page 7 there is an instruction to ignore the procedure laid out on the medication that is given, which should be in bold black and noticeable, as there are serious differences between the two instructions.

The diet sheet is very confusing with a reference to cornflakes as being ok, but cereals not. Feel this could be better explained. Again, plain yoghurt is considered ok, but yoghurts are listed as to be avoided. It's a lot to work out when there are contradictions.

It also told me to eat nothing after 2pm, and the next line said eat nothing after 1 pm. Again with the contradictions and confusion when nervous about a procedure.

I also was told to take Omnipaque solution which had differing procedure in the directions on the information sheet compared with the directions on the medication. I was confused and contacted the Cancer Centre looking for guidance but there was no staff when I called, which was a Sunday evening.

I was redirected by phone to the pharmacist on call in the RVH, where a lovely pharmacist called Steven helped me to work out the right approach and listened and understood my confusion.