"Treliske Hospital doctors make me feel like nothing"

I (23 years old, female) have been in the care of a gastroenterologist for almost two years now, starting out with multiple and severe bowel problems and inflammation. I was placed on a course of medication for Crohn’s Disease which has taken down some of the inflammation - indicating disease was present according to a GP - I have had to wait over 8 weeks at a time for letters that literally contain one sentence usually along the lines of “everything appears to be fine” - when I am visiting the toilet 11 times a day. 11. I cannot leave my own home at 23 years old for more than 3 hours at a time and must be near a toilet always. 

 I was referred and diagnosed with 3 chronic pain and joint conditions by Rheumatology in June 2021 - all of which were met with complete denial from my gastroenterologist. Prior to my diagnosis of these joint issues, this doctor asked me to stand up on camera in my living room and essentially prove I was actually chronically ill with joint hyper mobility issues.  They said I was fine and told me to sit down. I was diagnosed 2 weeks later with 3 chronic widespread pain conditions, some of which are linked to bowel issues. 

I have also had my doctor laugh at me and mock me. They have said things like that they would put things in 'Non medical terms' (using hand quote marks) for us ladies, and asking us whether we even know what a sphincter is? Even when my mother is present - literally so I have evidence that this person is treating me in this fashion. 

This makes me feel like nothing.  Like I’m not even a person. I’m not 'ill enough' or worthy of someone caring enough to look into my case properly. Like I’m not worthy of getting better. 

I am severely depressed about the state of my health and how young I am, and feel my low quality of life makes it really not worth living. 

 I feel genuinely that I am made to feel very small and not very important as some other patients, who apparently come in here and don’t even dress up like I do in my appointments - I have been scrutinised for not 'looking sick' by wearing clothes and makeup on my good days. 

 My GP, partner and family and I are so concerned for my health which is only worsening - and now we are more concerned about the lack of care. 

I really don’t know what to do. I need to be under the care of a gastroenterologist who, given my daily suffering and symptoms, is committed to helping me and caring.

 I do not have this and I have not witnessed this level of care at Treliske Hospital since I began my journey with them in 2019. 

Disappointed is not the word, I feel so let down and alone.