I visited Charing cross hospital A&E with severe neck pain and a lump in my neck that was very large. They did triage and failed to mention high blood pressure and high heart rate. Then after 3 hours (with a fairly empty waiting room) was seen by a doctor who said - I would guess glandular fever, and prescribed me antibiotics (which do not work for viral infections like glandular fever).
I woke up with worsening symptoms and a larger lump, called 111 and was informed to head to the hospital within the hour, I chose West Middlesex this time. I got to West Middlesex A&E (much busier waiting room) and was seen 4 times in the amount of time I waited at Charing Cross. They took my bloods immediately after seeing my heart rate and blood pressure, seen by a doctor who assessed me, referred me to a specialist, put me on drips for my pain and high BP and HR and was seen by the specialist twice.
Yes, it turned out to be glandular fever but in my opinion this hospital took the correct steps in diagnosing me and not just an educated guess, they also told me that the antibiotics prescribed to me should be thrown immediately and they actually cause worsening symptoms for glandular fever.
After my care from West Middlesex, I feel as though I was treated as a hypochondriac and neglected of a proper diagnosis and correct treatment for my condition and being given medication that would make it worse on top of the cake. Thank you to West Middlesex who made me feel seen and heard.
"Two different hospital visits"
About: Charing Cross Hospital / Accident and emergency Charing Cross Hospital Accident and emergency W6 8RF West Middlesex University Hospital / Accident and emergency West Middlesex University Hospital Accident and emergency Isleworth TW7 6AF
Posted by MLouiseP (as ),