"Let down by Forth Valley ENT"

Several years ago, I was referred to ENT for repeated ear infections. They found there was a seemingly permanent hole in my eardrum, as it had burst multiple times when I was young. The discomfort has carried on for around seven years since bursting the first time.

After my last appointment in December 2021 (after almost an 18 month wait) where I found out there was still a hole in my eardrum, I was told I'd be seen again in June of the next year. I have only recently received a letter of my next appointment being July 2023. Over 18 months later again.

Less than two weeks after getting my appointment letter I have been told this appointment has been cancelled by Forth Valley ENT. I feel let down and not taken seriously, as I've dealt with ear pain for years. This has prevented me from learning to swim, a skill that could be the difference between life and death, as water in my ear causes pain. I am more sensitive to water in my ear, temperature, and volume.

I have had to sit out of outdoor P.E. lessons in the winter due to the cold causing discomfort in my ear, which is affecting my education. Family outings have had to be cut short if earmuffs are forgotten, which is disappointing and overall a pain to have to deal with.

I feel all of this could have been resolved by now if the appointments had been made a priority. The inability to swim and the discomfort in the cold has made me unable to do certain things with friends and family, as well as being quite an embarrassing thing to have to admit. I hope it is resolved soon, and I do not have to deal with the disappointment of an appointment being cancelled again, as this has happened more times than appointments have gone forward at this point.