"Failed Referral"

My issue of a 'horrible taste in my mouth' dates back to Christmas 2020, although I did not involve the NHS until uncomfortable symptoms spread to my stomach and bowels in February. I was tested for H-Pylori on 2 March 2021. This proved to be negative and due to significant ongoing dental treatment and this possibly being the cause of the bad taste in my mouth, I did not return to the GP until June when symptoms in the stomach and bowels significantly worsened and I became very ill.

My GP sprang into action immediately was very concerned, because of the length of time it had already been. I was referred to Gastro at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock (NHS Ayrshire & Arran) in June 2021. The Consultant contacted me at the prescribed time in August 2021 and asked me about symptoms. I began to tell them about the bitter taste in my mouth and they can't help me with that. I replied, but isn't that why I have been referred to you?

I should point out that the consultant was extremely polite throughout and apologetic about the apparent confusion. They advised me that I needed to go back to my GP to be referred to 'Upper' GI. They asked me if I wanted a Colonoscopy, but because it wasn't serious, I would be at the bottom of the queue. I declined, because of the apparent length of time and that the problems with the Lower GI tract are a resultant symptom of the Upper GI issues. It may be something I need to return to, but to use a metaphor, "you don't fix a flat tyre by simply pumping it up, you need to remove the nail first"

My frustration is with the how the Gastro service is set up. It appears being referred to Lower GI as my GP suspected bowel cancer; this subsequently proved negative and the bowel symptoms are probably a result of the problem in the Upper GI tract, does not automatically give access to Upper GI services. Why do two interdependent systems such as the Upper and Lower GI tracts require two separate referrals? Why am I not simply referred to 'Gastro' and then directed appropriately once a patient?

It appears I have waited two months since the GP referral with little gain and am now back at square one with constant stomach pain, rumbling lower intestines and the same 8-month-old horrible taste in my mouth (there may even be the possibility of stomach rather than bowel cancer). I now have to return to my GP and wait all over again!