"A synopsis of my experience"

First, I tried to leave comments on the day of the procedure.  I left a full and considered report on my experience. You can imagine my feelings when, as I submitted my report, something went wrong.  I lost the report and had to start again. I decided to wait until I had calmed down.

Here is a synopsis of my experience. It is intended to be taken as a guide to improving people's experience.

I have had gastroscpies in the past, and while one would not opt for one, they have not caused pain.  My experience this time was much different. 

The reception staff were pleasant, although the appointment system needs improving. I was not seen until 1 hour and 15 minutes after my allotted time for booking in, then not called through for the procedure for another hour. 

While in the waiting room, there was a man using a handkerchief as a mask, but tied in such a way that it only covered his mouth. Another patient had a mask on, but had it pulled down, again only covering his mouth. Another patient had reacted adversely to part of a procedure and was in the waiting area,  no mask, coughing and sneezing.  

When I was finally called through, the procedure was to be performed via my nose, not straight down my throat. I was told that this reduces aerosol formation.  I have a science background and cannot see how using the nasal route results unless aerosol production!

The nursing staff were great.  It was the doctor that I take issue with.  First, the doctor wanted to spray local anaesthetic in my nose. This came in a pack and had to be assembled. part of it was dropped but they continued to assemble it, then turned round and rammed it up my nose. It was a painful experience. 

After a couple of minutes for the anaesthetic to take effect,  the endoscope was brought over and the medic started to push it up my nose. The anaesthetic deadened the feeling,  but did not lessen the sensation of the scope being banged repeatedly against the back of my nose.  It also felt scratchy as it were down my gullet. Once in the stomac, it was much better, except for the banging against the back of my nose. The scope was passed into my duodenum and 4 samples were taken, then the scope was removed. I was much relieved.  I thanked the staff and was later discharged. 

The feeling that my oesophagus had been scratched and made swallowing uncomfortable lasted for a few days.  My nose was sore for several days, feeling as though I had been hit.

If I have to have another, I will be insisting on the oral route.