"My A and E experience"

I called NHS 24 recently at 11pm. My arms had swollen up, I had intense pain across my chest bone, scapulae and my arms had little lumpy bits in them. I had a sore throat, blocked nose and was having trouble swallowing.

The nurse I spoke to, after the call handler logged my details, told me to take some paracetamol and that I would be seen this evening. I was called back and an appointment had been made with the out of hours GP service at Wishaw.

My father took me to Wishaw for 12. 30am. I was seen by the GP. However, when I told GP I also had Addison's disease, the GP attributed my symptoms to Addisons and then said they couldn't do anything and that I should see my endocrine specialist.

I told the GP I wasn't happy as I don't really understand why NHS 24 had referred me to someone who doesn't want to deal with any of my health needs because I have Addisons. The GP dismissed me and said they would speak to a physician.

The GP then appeared, presented me with a letter and told me to hand in at reception. Moments later I was taken down a corridor and I found myself in a ward. When I asked what was happening, I was told I was being admitted. I asked for what and I was told that my GP had requested tests and indeed, the request looked like it had come from my GP surgery. The principle diagnosis code used was "shoulder pain". However, it was not from my GP but the out of hours GP.

I was admitted, had an ECG and blood were taken. What bloods? I have no idea. I asked that someone let my dad know where I was and bring me handbag and it had my emergency medication. They did and they sent my dad home but took his number to call him to come get me when I was discharged.

I fell asleep. A doctor came and asked me some questions. I was fast asleep. The doctor poked me in my left shoulder and asked me if it hurt. It did and then I fell asleep. The next thing I know a nurse appeared with a box of cocodamol and a letter. The nurse told me I was being discharged and to get myself home. It was 4 o'clock in the morning.

I have a compromised immune system and at the very least have an upper respiratory tract infection. I live with and care for my mother who is having chemotherapy and has a compromised immune system. I now do not have access to my GP - no appointments free today. I can't see GP at out of hours as they 'don't do Addisons' and I don't want to be treated as someone who is being 'punished' by being discharged.

So what do I do now Wishaw? Wait until I have an adrenal crisis or my mother gets this too and ends up ill?