"Short and dismissive consultations"

I had a severe pain in my left shoulder which went through to my left breast, over the following days the pain increased and Ibuprofen with paracetamol didn’t touch the pain. Then I couldn’t lift my left arm above elbow level. Finally my breathing was affected and I was breathless because when I breathed the pain increased and I got no sleep.

As soon as the surgery opened at 8am I telephoned and explained my symptoms to a receptionist. Around 9.30am a GP telephoned me (not my usual GP) and they just would not listen to me, they said that I sounded like I was in a fish bowl, went on about the Sciatica that I have in my left leg, spoke over me and certainly did not offer to actually see me. I ended the call in tears and told them that they were not helping me at all, I just wanted the pain to ease.

So, I went to my local Pharmacy and as soon as the pharmacist saw me and listened to me, immediately called for paramedics. On the phone to the hospital she was advised to give me a soluble aspirin, a paramedic arrived who was alone but said that two colleagues were also on their way. I was hooked up to an ECG blood pressure and a blood sample taken. They were going to take me to hospital despite my protests that I didn’t want to go there. I only wanted to know why I was in such pain and for something to stop it. Finally it was agreed that my heart was ok and a paramedic phoned the GP who I’d spoken with and sent a prescription for 100 Cocodamol tablets. They did take away the pain.

However, I was absolutely furious that a GP refused to see me for 10 minutes, wasted the time of three paramedics and two ambulances who probably had real emergencies to attend. I complained to the Practice Manager and I received an apology. Now, nearly two years later yet again in pain, again never had a physical face to face appointment with my GP again a telephone consultation. Referred for X-rays GP didn’t call back for 4 weeks with the result…extensive arthritis in both my hips. Prescribed anti depressants. They raised my blood pressure and they are addictive. The GP never saw me, never took my blood pressure just sent a prescription to the pharmacy. I’ve refused to take them. Eventually I was prescribed Naproxen but do have to be careful as that can cause stomach problems. I’m sick to the back teeth of the Medical Practice and I’m unable to change to a more reliable caring practice because Scottish Medical Board don't let anyone change in the same area.

I have lost all confidence and have a lengthy record of email correspondence with the practice outlining my feeling of real fear because I’m nearing 70 now and I feel that is the problem, my age, just throw anti depressants at me to become addicted and hopefully die.