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"I don't hold much hope"

About: Belfast City Hospital / General Surgery

(as the patient),

I finally had my Surgical consultation at the Belfast City Hospital after almost 2 years waiting. I have been told in this time I have Matted bowel loops, Prominent Bowel loops, and most recently Dilated Bowel loops which causes immense pain and very visible distension of my abdomen. This has had a huge impact on my life with being unable to eat properly, or go anywhere due to fear of pain striking, as it happens at any given time regularly and has had me more or less housebound for 2+ years.

At the consultation and with all the findings in black and white in front of the Surgical Doctor on their computer, they went on to tell me they're not willing to do anything surgically to help me and get my life back. They did say they are going to refer me to another specialist in a different field but I don’t hold much hope as I’ve been let down so many times by doctors in hospitals regarding this mentally and physically debilitating pain I’m going through. My mental health has been bad because of the never ending battle with the pain and after this consultation that has got even worse. Is it to much to ask to have a normal life.

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Update posted by TroubledTimes44 (the patient)

Further on from my Surgical appointment 3 weeks ago I found out today that the 2nd specialist I was referred on to by the first has agreed with the initial diagnosis. I suspect that the first doctor has talked them into sharing their way of thinking. I feel that I won't be helped and won't get my life back.

Upon finding this news out today I’ve been struggling to come to terms with it. The way they say it’s not in my best interest to have Surgery when surgery is the only way to fix my problem … services say this and send me on my way, but it’s not them living with the pain 7 days a week 24 hours a day.

I just can’t believe it and I am devastated. Don’t even know how to go about getting another opinion/point of view. I’m still fairly young and the thought of living with this pain for the rest of my life is terrifying.

Response from Laura Totten, Lead Nurse, General Surgery, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust last month
Laura Totten
Lead Nurse, General Surgery,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 16/05/2025 at 14:59
Published on Care Opinion at 15:06


Thank you TroubledTimes44 for sharing your story and providing feedback on your recent experiences. We are very sorry to hear about your ongoing medical concerns. We understand this must be frustrating after multiple appointments if you feel your treatment hasn't progressed and remain without answers. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, if you would like to discuss this further, please contact the general surgical service on 02895042912 within working hours. One of our lead nurses will get back to you.

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