"I do not think they should put old people through this"

I don't like to moan or complain but am quite upset.  I have problems with choking and have to go to the hospital 3 times regarding a gastroscopy.  The first time I attend I went with my friend in a taxi, as my husband is ill and couldn't go with me.  When I arrived I thought I was going to be put to sleep but I had made the wee mistake of letting them know I had arrived and would be going home by taxi.  They said I couldn't be put to sleep as I would need someone to drive me home and take care of me. I was so stressed I thought I was having a heart attack.  The nurse calmed me down before I saw the doctor.

At the second visit they had found polyps and I needed to come back in again.

I received a letter to attend in mid December.  I thought it would the same doctor so I was ok about it.  I knew I would be put to sleep so I arranged to go by myself in a taxi but my nephew would meet me to bring me home.

When I got there I was nervous and stressing again.  The same nurse as before gave me a letter to sign, and mentioned that there may be students in the room.  I asked again about being put to sleep and was told me it would be ok, she explained that the drug they would use would put me to sleep and I wouldn't feel anything.  I felt happy and reassured,

I went through to another room and undressed and put on my gown.  I was concerned as I had not yet had the cannula fitted for the drug to put me to sleep fitted yet but I was told it would be done in the treatment room.

I went through and it was a different doctor to the previous appointment who I had expected to see.

Another doctor came to put my cannula in, I told them not to use my left side as I had had breast cancer.  The tourniquet was pulled so tight it was painful and I yelled. 

The doctor looked at me quite impatiently and loosened it.  I alway's have had trouble with my veins but I tried to lighten the mood by teasing and told them not to worry as I have a good pain threshold. Still couldn't get a good vein so tapped my hand a few times.  I was still trying to be jokey but it was sore. Tried to insert the cannula but I saw the needle come back out, it hurt and I think a wee bit of the drug was lost. That area was abandoned and used another cannula was used in a different vein, I actually thought to myself at this point that this doctor might be a trainee.  The 2nd cannula only went 1/2 inch into my vein still leaving the other needle hanging.  A nurse came and helped by removing the hanging syringe.

They then said I need to have my throat sprayed.  I said again I wanted to be put to sleep but I had to have the spray first. I tried to cover my anxiety and nerves by being a bit jokey.  I finally laid down but I don't think I had enough drugs I could feel everything and I started to choke.  I was really worried I was going to be sick.  I have always had problems with my throat, I've had my tonsils and thyroid removed.  I'd had a small breakfast at 7 but it was now around 4.  I was worried I would make a mess.  I began fighting and panicking, there was no explanation, I was choking and frightened and so upset that I couldn't help it and let it all go, I vomited water type liquid.

I was wheeled out of the room by a nurse who had my dentures.

When my nephew got me home I put cold cloths on my hand as it was and still is swollen, bruised and black.  I was told I would feel groggy for 24 hours but I made tea - drinks and a small pie for our tea so I wasn't doped up.

I am angry that I was duped, I wanted to be asleep, I don't think the drug even went into my vein.

I don't like to complain but I do not think they should put old people through this.  It is totally wrong in my opinion.

I hope you see this as constructive criticism.