"I really don't know what to do"

I didn't make the decision to post a review lightly. I make no judgment on the individual doctors, but I have to say that I am very concerned about the quality of the treatment I've received in the 4 years I've been a patient and the implications it has had for my continuing ill health.

I was diagnosed with acid reflux in early 2014. Whilst I have no reason to doubt the diagnosis, none of the medicines I have been given in that period - which consist of proton pump inhibitors - has had any effect whatsoever in alleviating the symptoms. Indeed, the symptoms are horrible and persistent - pressure in the throat, difficultly opening the mouth, a lump sensation in the throat. Persistent discomfort almost all the time, with little or no respite.

As if that wasn't enough, recently the symptoms have worsened. Not only has the pressure sensation worsened, to it has been added pain in the chest, itching sensation in the chest, and painful spasms in the nose. When I last visited the practice, I thought I might at leastget a referral for an x ray for the chest pains. But no, it was a change in the tablets, which again have had no effect whatsoever. As for the pains in the nose, the doctor's comment was staggeringly complacent" Well so long ad you can breathe, don't worry about it"

At a previous appointment, when I asked for a referral to an ENT doctor, I was told this would be uncomfortable for me. I suspect the real reason as that the referral would have cost the practice money. In any event, my dosage was doubled, but with little effect.

I can't believe I'm the only person with these symptoms, so why do I still feel unwell 4 years after the symptoms came on, and over 3 years after the diagnosis. I'm no saint, but I've never smoked and I do a reasonable amount of daily exercise. I suspect if I had been referred earlier on to ENT to have the reflux removed, rather than being given totally ineffective tablets, I would not now be writing this email.

In many ways, the practice is ok. Getting an appointment is easier than some people would say. However, in my case, I feel an opportunity has been missed, and I'm desperately worried about my future health.