My recent health care experience concerns a Pain Management Clinic in the South West. I am sorry to say that I found the experience upsetting, bizarre, and the outcome disappointing.
I feel I was not listened to. My responses both on the 'tick-box' questionnaire and verbal were mostly ignored, discounted or misinterpreted. I had the impression that this was in order to fit preconceived ideas about my physical condition and and my state of mind, and also to fit a preconceived diagnosis of a condition which I am sure I do not have.
I suffer from chronic pain, which is often severe. The cause is a serious back injury and major back surgery, as confirmed by many doctors, the surgeon, and my GP. I had hoped, as it was a Pain Clinic, for some discussion, help and advice on pain-relief and pain management techniques. Sadly, there was none, apart from an admonition to 'improve my mood' and a referral to a 'psychologist'.
Assumptions were made about my physical and mental state which are simply not true. I found the pain doctor to be patronising, disbelieving and dismissive of my views and responses and of the pain I experience daily.
I am in my sixties and all in all, it was a distressing and disappointing experience.
"A distressing and disappointing experience"
About: Derriford Hospital / Pain Management Derriford Hospital Pain Management PL6 8DH
Posted by Katerina (as ),
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