Irish Health Service (a long read!)

[joe552]

I've been engaged with the Irish health service for the last couple of years. I went to my GP with a chest infection, he sent me for an Xray, and they found a small cyst on my pancreas (wherever that is!). So I went for an endoscopy a few weeks ago, and went last Thursday to get the results. The doctor I spoke to (well, I assume he was a doctor) said they couldn't complete the test because of low oxygen levels (as if that's a bad thing!) So he said I would either: a) do another endoscopy; b) have an Xray; or c) come back in a year. Fair enough - you like your doctors to be decisive.

So I was waiting for an appointment for an endoscopy or an Xray. This morning, got a text from the hospital to go at 9.30am tomorrow. Didn't tell me which department, which doctor, or what it was about.

So I called the last department I was at. Really nice guy called Tom spent a couple of hours trying to figure out what was going on, but couldn't. His best advice - turn up at Out Patients and see what happens.

[joe552]

Just as post script, if I have to have an endoscopy, I won't be allowed home on my own. I have to have someone to pick me up. That takes a bit of arranging.

[scottish-guy]

Yeah, tell me about it.....I had an endoscopy done (privately - which is a long story) a few months ago.

The hospital sent a taxi for me at 6am but I wasn't able to arrange anybody to accompany me home after the procedure. The reason they want you accompanied home (as you know, Joe) is there's a possible delayed reaction to the sedative.

So, when I revealed I had no-one to accompany me home I was given a straight choice - either spend 6 hours in a hospital bed after the procedure - or have the endoscopy without any sedative.

Wanting to get home, I chose the latter. Big mistake. It was either like some mind of medieval torture.

Worst experience of my life.

Don't be tempted! If you can't get anybody then lie in that hospital bed for 6 hours.

[bobsaigon2]

When I had an endoscopy in California, the Vietnamese doctor was proud to announce that I would be sedated with the same drug that Michael Jackson used. I did take the opportunity to point out that Jackson had died because of that. The doctor chuckled, but I did wake up after the procedure and had someone from my office to escort me out the door, whereupon I got into my car and drove home.

[joe552]

Well, SG, this was my 2nd endoscopy. On the first, I'd asked about having it done with anaesthetic and was told it was possible, but incredibly painful. I opted for the drugs.

Bob, I've had 2 now, and my brother has dropped me afterwards. I go to bed for an hour, then I'm fine.

I don't mind having the procedure, if I need it. But this whole thing is about no-one apparently knowing what my appointment is about!

I'll update you later today.

[scottish-guy]

I can only describe my horrendous endoscopic experience as being what a oral fisting might feel like

[joe552]

Ooooh, I've come over all queasy!

I tried calling the hospital at 8.30 this morning (appointment was for 9.30) but office staff don't start till 9. Takes me a half hour to walk so I said fuck it, I can't be arsed. What if it was just some secretary sending a text to the wrong number? 2 hours out of my life, when I have so many more important things to do with my time, like hanging around with you lot. If I'd been in discomfort or in pain, I would have made the effort. But since I'm not - why bother?

[scottish-guy]

Ooooh, I've come over all queasy!

I know the feeling - every now and then I come over a little queer.

[joe552]

Sadly SG, those days have gone for me till I get back to Pattaya!

[Mickp]

A few months ago i had a Coloniscopy , because i couldnt find anyone to pick me up adterwards the private hospital made me pay for a private nursing company to ouck me up

That was bloody expensive