"Uncaring, none existent advise"

I attended an appointment with a doctor on 14th May 2025, following a previous diagnosis for which I had been prescribed Codeine to manage ongoing pain. Unfortunately, I found myself relying on the medication frequently, often running out, and it wasn’t consistently effective in relieving my symptoms. As a result, I returned to the surgery seeking further guidance and support.

During this visit, I was met with a doctor whose manner came across as abrupt and dismissive. It felt as though they were uninterested in my concerns and eager to conclude the consultation quickly. I was told, quite bluntly, that there was nothing more that could be done and that I would simply have to live with the pain. I was advised to self-refer to physiotherapy and was issued more painkillers—something I had not requested.

What I had hoped for was a more holistic discussion: perhaps advice on lifestyle changes, supplements, or how others manage this condition. Instead, I left feeling unheard and unsupported. It’s disheartening to see how impersonal and transactional healthcare can feel now—what happened to the days when you could have a meaningful conversation with your doctor?

To make matters worse, my 23-year-old son, who is autistic and struggles with severe depression, contacted the surgery the following week and spoke to the same doctor. He, too, was told there was nothing more that could be done. Whether this reflects a lack of compassion or professional burnout, I can’t say—but it’s deeply concerning.

I already find it difficult to seek medical help, and this experience has only reinforced that reluctance. I left the appointment feeling like a burden rather than a patient. If I need to return in the future, I will request to see a different practitioner. I would genuinely prefer to go without than to be treated in such a dismissive manner again.