"Lack of referral to breast clinic"

I presented with Breast pain in November 2017. The registrar in Beauly diagnosed Costacondritus. I returned in January 2018 pain much worse. This time Registrar said she would refer me to Breast Clinic. I followed this up 2 days later and reception advised that a more senior GP stopped the referral because I did not meet the Breast Clinics new directive that patients presenting with pain only will not be seen.

I attended GP again in March because pain turned from dull to burning and was in armpits, breasts, shoulder blade, mid spine. Again senior GP would not refer.

I went back mid March as what looked like a red insect bite appeared on left breast. My own GP advised trainee GP that I had been in pain for 5 months and should now be referred to Breast Clinic. Was given an antibiotic cream but did not work. Pain then waking me up at night. Husband advised to go back and was given antibiotics.

I collapsed and MRI found spinal compression. Whilst in hospital a consultant checked my breathing. Was advised I have crackles on my lungs. Was sent for chest xray that evening and it showed white patches on both lungs. Dr said I may start coughing in 2 weeks time.

A couple of weeks later I attended my Breast Clinic appointment. The doctor exchanged pleasantries and examined me. I was v tender under both armpits and was told that said red mark was a hair folicle infected but breast tissue healthy. My husband said hang on a minute, my wife''s xray showed white patches on her lungs last week in Raigmore and she had crackling on the lungs. The doctor dismissed this a 'red herring'. No mammogram or ultrasound or needle biopsy was carried out.

At 5pm that day I phoned the Macmillan helpline to advise what had happened over a 6 month period. A nurse called back this morning and spoke with me for 45 mins. She advised that under Scottish Guidelines for suspected Breast Cancer if skin changes or is inflamed then a referral must be made to Breast Clinic. I called the Breast Clinic back to raise a complaint. and was advised by the doctor me to raise a complaint to The Complaints Manager Quality and Patient Safety at Assynt House. I forwarded a complaint. I then contacted the Inverness Courier and sent a copy of complaint to them too.

The feedback from NHS Highland that they support the doctor's decision and have advised me that NHS Highland will not be seeing me for 2nd referral as my GP has requested.

I've also been advised that if I still have concerns I should be referred to another NHS health authority in Scotland even tho I have been resident up here for 43 years.

I want the people of the beautiful Highland's and Islands to be aware of the Breast Clinics behaviour.

I am a mother of 2 beautiful children. I have to put up a fight to be here for them no matter what.