I called my doctor at the start of April as I was suffering from extreme neck spasms. They prescribed medication and I had to get a friend to pick it up as I couldn’t drive. I was also told to call back today if the problem continued.
The spasms were just as bad today but I didn’t call first thing as I thought they may improve. They didn’t so I called at 2:30 pm and asked to be put through to the home visit line. I was then asked if it was a matter of life or death that I be seen. As I was in such pain and couldn’t leave the house (I live alone) I said yes I need someone to see me. A doctor called me back and after I explained the circumstances I was told that physiotherapy was what I needed.
I explained I couldn’t move my head left or right and was told that I could, it would just be painful. I’m not prepared to put myself through that amount of pain and possibly make my condition worse without being examined. I have a few other chronic conditions that I take painkillers for and have managed them for years on the same dose. They then told me I shouldn’t be on those painkillers as they were for cancer patients only.
After being spoken to for 5 minutes an appointment was made for me to see them at the surgery tomorrow. This was after I said that I couldn’t drive or look left or right. I had to call back to tell the receptionist this and was asked if I could get a taxi, I said no, I can’t afford a taxi there and back, and would need a home visit. So they cancelled the appointment. I told them I would make one when I could drive safely.
I’m old enough to know my own conditions and what works and what doesn’t. I especially know when I need a home visit. What’s the point in having them if you don’t use them?
So I’m left at home myself unable to get in the bath or shower due to my neck pain and unable to leave the house. Sick of being spoken to like a child by a doctor who thinks they know better by reading a few notes on a computer and not actually seeing me or knowing my long term medical history.
They had to ask what the cause of my chronic condition was.
"Talked down to and not listened to"
About: General practices in Ayrshire & Arran General practices in Ayrshire & Arran
Posted by Chally2 (as ),
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Update posted by Chally2 (the patient) 2 years ago