"First Impressions"

I was diagnosed with psoriasis 6-8 years ago and have been struggling ever since. I have been prescribed numerous creams / steroids / anti-biotics within that time in which nothing seems to help. In that time I have had to pay for each item as I work full time and each time none of these helping me. I understand there is trial and error. However, when you see a doctor each time and they try and prescribe you the same thing that you have had before, does not fill you with confidence. Please note, that this is some background context to my visit at the Dermatology department at the George Eliot..

For the last 2 years I have been asking to be referred to the Dermatology department. Each time being 'parmed off'. However, I finally had a break through earlier this year when the Doctors ran out of suggestions on what would help and they referred me to George Eliot. This was not the nearest hospital for me. However, had a shorter waiting time.

I received my appointment through the post which was a month or two down the line. I felt a little sad that this was so far away. However, progress was being made! This appointment.. around a week in advance was cancelled and re-arranged for the following month. Ok just a little curve ball. 2 weeks before that appointment, it was cancelled and re-arranged again. This time, it was re-scheduled for a week in advance on a Saturday. I could deal with that.

On the morning of my appointment, I got there early. However, my appointment was 15-20 minutes late.. No apology or explanation received. My doctor asked about my history in which I had brought medicines along etc and explained everything. The doctor did not show any emotion, not even a 'Good Morning', no sympathy or empathy. Nothing. The doctor did not explain the process to me. I felt rushed and was given a list of more creams etc to try in which the pharmacy was shut that day and I would struggle to get to the hospital to retrieve the prescription. It wasn't until I asked that she then advised I would receive another letter to come back in 3 months time.

I felt disheartened, that she didn't care and disappointment that I had waited all this time to be treated so poorly. I told the doctor that this was not what I was expecting in which she came across quite rude and said 'Psoriasis' is not curable. What were you expecting?'. She told me she would ask the receptionist to print some information sheets out for me. I then left... feeling upset, angry and annoyed. Let down.

I approached the Receptionist and explained that she was to print something out for me as per the Doctors request. The receptionist was not aware of this and went and asked the Doctor in which a Nurse shortly after came out and gave these to me.

The overall experience of this day was awful and I am not looking forward to coming back. I am unsure if the doctor was having a bad day or what not. However, she made me feel like my suffering did not matter and she did not care.