"I left feeling completely dismissed"

I had been experiencing episodes of severe abdominal pain, right shoulder pain and vomiting for a month. I had seen my GP and was on a waiting list for an ultrasound scan. During this time, I experienced 6/7 episodes of pain and the final episode became unbearable at which point I rang 111. They told me I needed to get to A&E within 2 hours, which I did.

On arrival I was seen by a staff member who asked me what the issue was. I explained that I had been vomiting all night the previous night, had abdominal and right shoulder pain. The staff member sighed and asked why I hadn't tried seeing my GP (The pain started Friday evening and I was in A&E on Saturday)

I explained that I was on a waiting list for a scan, however I was experiencing severe pain at present. They took my blood pressure and temperature and asked me to go back to the waiting room. I believe that this encounter lasted less than 5 minutes. At no point did they look up at me, enquire further about my symptoms or my pain levels.

I was then called to reception and referred to the out of hours GP to be seen in 5 hours time.

Upon reviewing my medical notes via the NHS app, I saw that the staff member noted that I was undistressed when I presented at A&E. Frankly, I am amazed that it felt like they were not aware that there is no universal physical presentation of pain. There was no way of understanding how much pain I was experiencing by being in the same room as me for a number of minutes without examining or at least looking at me. It felt to describe me as undistressed completely invalidates my pain and shows no concern for my wellbeing or symptoms.

I left feeling completely dismissed and stupid and questioning whether or not I was entitled to support with my pain and concerns.