"Ward 4 Nightmare Monkland Hospital"

I was admitted to ward 4, having been in pain for the previous 2 months following an accident.  I had desperately attempted to resolve the issue at home, with the help of my lovely GP/painkillers/rest and being acutely aware of the pressure the NHS was under.  Unfortunately, the pain had become increasingly unbearable and the lovely caring and professional staff at Douglas St Hamilton and A&E thought it best I was admitted (last time I'd been in hospital was 26 years ago/maternity hospital).  I was in agony and increasing concerned in relation to my health.  

The ward was extremely busy and anyone could see the staff were under pressure.  I did desperately hope my issue would be identified and potentially resolved quickly and I will be forever grateful to some of the nursing staff and doctors. Unfortunately, I found myself under the care of a doctor who I found to be one of the rudest most abrupt medical professionals I have ever had the displeasure of meeting, and I've worked in the NHS/health care most of my career.  I found them brusque, to the point of being harsh and rude, they didn't involve me in any discussions, in fact I felt totally excluded unless I pressed for information.

I mentioned my accident to this doctor on two separate occasions only to be told abruptly it was irrelevant and a coincidence.   They referred to others as their junior staff, who had informed me of the difficulties arranging appropriate scans, and that I was well and should just go home.  On one ward round with their junior staff, they told me to lie flat on the bed and subsequently abruptly tapped my leg and told me to straighten up (I was still in agony and thought I was) however I wasn't straight enough and the doctor who again abruptly tapped my leg and told me to straighten up. 

At this point I felt I needed to seek another medical opinion, as other than increasing my pain meds I was no further forward and felt I would possibly have to beg for any other scans/investigation, and since being informed I was well and could go home. I felt it was also detrimental to my mental health and  pointless staying in ward 4 any longer.  I agreed to go home and in desperation, on the condition, the doctor supported me with the referral process to a private hospital. I want to reiterate the psychological torment this doctor had on my wellbeing at this point.  

Thankfully, the following week, I discussed my health issues with two amazing, professional, caring and compassionate NHS Doctors who promptly arranged an MRI scan, which subsequently identified a grade2 fracture in my spine, I can't begin to explain my relief..... at last I'd been listened to and had a diagnosis and a plan for recovery.  I'm so grateful to be at home, just about fully recovered, and back at work.