"I did not find the appointment ..."

What I liked

I did not find the appointment at all a nice experience, please see comments bellow.....

What could be improved

I saw a consultant in the Restorative Density Department at Torbay Hospital on the 3rd June 2009

I found the consultant to be very rude and arrogant, they would not listen to what I had to say, and had no people skills at all. I have had a problem with my Jaw Bone which looking at x-rays that my Jaw has receded a lot. About 2 years ago I came to Torbay Hospital and had an X-Ray on my Jaw this was with a different consultant and I had another X-Ray about 9 months ago with this particular consultant. My dentist showed me a copy of both of these X-Rays together and he is very concerned about how quickly the Jaw Bone receded, he says he hasn't seen anything like this before, and he along with myself would like to know the reason why this has happened so quickly. We are both questioning if it is Osteoporosis. I have asked my doctor if I could be referred for a Bone Density test, and she has stated that I should discuss this with the consultant that I see at Torbay Hospital for them to refer me. I asked the consultant if I could be referred but I wasn't listened to, I was told it should be my doctor booking this appointment. I do realise that things like Bone Density Scans do cost money and that my doctor has her budget and the consultant has a budget, but I feel that I am being passed from one to another, and neither of them want to spend their budgets. It is my health at risk here, I am going through the menopause and I want to make sure I am healthy, so myself and my dentist are concerned about this.

This particular consultant was very abrupt with their attitude towards me, and stated to me at the appointment yesterday that I am going to be referred to the hygienist "Who will take no nonsense". I was asked if my gums are still bleeding when I brush them, I replied that they are not now after having my teeth removed, the consultant said "They must be, as my gums are still swollen" I wasn't believed...

Anything else?

My gums have improved no end since I had my teeth removed, they do not bleed at all when I am brushing them. I do not have blood stains on my pillow at night. So overall a great improvement.

After seeing the consultant yesterday, I came away from Torbay Hospital feeling very upset, as I have been through a lot with having my teeth out, all the consultant could do was to criticize me, telling me that I am not brushing my teeth properly, and gave me some purple tablets to show up the areas that I so called haven't cleaned. I was treated like a child, with no respect at all.

Prior to having the teeth out, I was having infections and abscesses frequently.

Throughout my dental treatment with this problem my dentist has been wonderfully supportive and concerned, as he is fully aware I have a fear of dentists, and because of his treatment I have been able to over come this fear, but after visiting this consultant yesterday it has really set me back.

I do not want to see this consultant again nor do I wish to see the Hospital Hygienist if "They will take no nonsense". During my appointment yesterday I kept very calm and took a lot of nonsense from him, which I am very proud of myself for doing so.

I wish to know what you are going to do about this, as I feel this sort of treatment is unacceptable......