"Endoscopy Unit Visit"

I visited the Endoscopy Unit for a lower bowel flexible sigmoidoscopy. Before getting there, I had to reschedule the appointment and was assured by the lady on the phone that I could discuss sedation as I suffer with chronic anxiety. Upon arrival and entry into admissions, I was told that sedation was not an option, and that the woman I rebooked with had no right to tell me this. I felt greatly uneasy as this was the only reason I agreed to have this done, and cheated. When the nurse left and returned, they read my notes and finally came to the understanding that my anxiety and the sedation option were actually noted. Throughout this first part, I felt as though my mental health was not being treated with care and compassion, but was told that I should 'just get it over with'. I did not feel that they were aware of mental health at all and were treating me as though there were no 'real' issues. Through the support of my mum I agreed to go ahead despite my uneasiness. I was led through to a room and told that I must change and that I would be the next patient to have the procedure done. Once I had changed, another patient was led into the same room to change. I was very uncomfortable with this and was not notified that this would happen. I asked the nurse when I would be seen, and she said there was someone else in, even though that was supposed to be me. I felt lied to because of the nature of my mental illness, and subsequently very angry. Over an hour later, being riddled with anxiety and ready to walk out, I was seen. Although I had already stated WHY I was anxious, I was again asked 'what are you so worried about?'. That enraged me because I shouldn't have to explain what has happened in the past to make me this worried, and because I had already hinted with the first nurse. The communication was diabolical. I received an apology but it didn't change the whole mess of the afternoon. I am left with even more doubts about the system and the NHS as a whole, having never been able to trust them in the past, this has only exasperated the situation. I am very disappointed with the lack of communication, false promises, lack of care with my mental state and uncomfortable questions.