"A&E Visit"

I severely damaged my calf muscle playing badminton on November 5th 2008. Following just over a week of struggling around hoping that the injury would resolve itself, I saw my GP who immediately referred me to the N&N A&E department. I attended on the Friday morning and was seen by a doctor. The doctor investigated the injury fully and advised that it was possible that I had torn my Achilles heel and recommended I be put in a cast immediately to limit any further injury and further referred me to a consultant. I was given crutches and shown how to use them, offered pain relief and discharged with an appointment to see the specialist on the following day. The following day, I saw the specialist who confirmed that I had torn the calf muscle but there was no apparent damage to the Achilles heel. I was signed off and advised to rest the leg completely for three weeks and go back to my GP if necessary.

All of the staff I met, from the guard in the A&E waiting area to the consultant were sympathetic and professional. The two doctors I saw were caring and obviously concerned with ensuring I received the best possible care and treatment. At no time was I made to feel as if I had done something stupid because of my sporting injury. I thank all the staff I met for their care.