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"I've never felt so disappointed in how I was treated"

About: Belfast City Hospital / Neurology

(as the patient),

Long story short - I've numerous medical conditions: ibd, inflammatory arthritis, hEDS, sleep apnea. 

I have been experience a large list of neurological type symptom including neuropathic type pain:

- autonomic dysfunction (lightheaded, digestive issues, random rashes the list is endless)

- I've been experience lower arm and leg pain for a number of years. But since the start of this year the pain is unbearable, ice cold feeling in toes and feet, burning and pins and needles in lower legs and arms, 

I was referred to Neurology after being fobbed off by Neurosurgery. 

So as I'm autistic I send documents prior to my appointment as I can find them overwhelming and can have difficult communicating my issues. I mentioned the neuropathic pain and profound fatigue I experience daily. 

So, the specialist performed a 5 minute very basic neuro exam checking for weakness in my arms and legs. They had me walk about 15 feet up and down a corridor. From here they said they agreed that it's FND. 

When my wife or I tried speaking, they kept speaking over both of us. They didn't have any interest in what I had to say, I'm assuming they didn't look at the notes I sent, or they did and ignored them. 

I've never felt so disappointed in how I was treated in my life. Both my wife and I left the office very upset. With no further testing, no further help and now a diagnosis that will effectively stop me receiving appropriate care long term. 

I would advise seeking an alternative Neurologist, as the specialist I saw lacked any compassion, was rude and dismissive. Literally would not let me or my wife speak.

As someone who requires attending NHS appointments regularly due to my health, I've lost all confidence in them. I've been spoken to poorly, dismissed, gaslit and fobbed off way too many times and I've had enough of being treated like I'm a lesser human. 

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