I am 24 now. When I was 22 years old I started to experience some severe lower abdominal pains on my right side. I visited Maidstone Hospital and was seen by the triage nurse fairly quickly. Now, my problem is this: I entered this hospital with lower abdominal pain and as soon as I entered the room when seeing the doctor I was asked questions regarding my sex life (normal) almost instantly, but only asked about my sex life (no appendicitis concerns here- clearly). The doctor asked immediately and very quickly without pausing if I had unprotected sex and was it with multiple partners, if I used protection and so forth. I informed them that I was seperated from my husband and did not have any sexual partners, drink alcohol, smoke or take drugs (so that they would get that i wasnt 'that' kind of girl they were clearly making me out to be/feel) to which they ignored. They proceeded to take a sample of my blood to "check for infection", didn't touch me anywhere or feel anything other than prick me with a needle. I went and sat in the waiting room with other patients while waiting for results. The shock of my life and utter embarassment when the doctor visits me at the waiting room and says "Bloods dont show any infection, but here are some antibiotics for treatment of STI infections- take these for the next week and don’t skip any". I asked if there were no infection what were these for and they said out loud in their poor English "Youve come to me complaining of pain, I'm trying to help you, take these" I repeated my question to which they replied "These are for treating Sexually transmitted Infections do you know what that is?! I have already told you even if nothing has shown in the blood test, I 'still' think you may have STI and you dont know it. Take them as directed, ok?!"... And walked off leaving me sitting there being stared at by all the other patients. Without a solid diagnosis this person had just told the whole ward (practically) that they thought I had an STI! I was so embarassed I just quickly left. Before I started to take them I popped over to the GUM clinic which conveniently is in the same Hospital and told them what this person had done, I cried so much I was so embarassed. In the GUM clinic they were very polite and considerate of my feelings. They tested me for everything from disease to infection and advised me to take the antibiotics 'just incase it was something else other than STI as it could be a simple 'other' infection. (Ive always had a clean medical record) I took the antibiotics as advised... My results from the GUM clinic all came back from the clear! And I still have pains in my lower abdomen which has now been properly diagnosed at another more competent hospital- i have Endometriosis! Whom ever this disgrace of a person calling themself a doctor was, i'd just like to say: regardless of your stresses or how busy you are, not everyone is out to waste your time. Nobody deserves to be treated like you treated me, shame on you!
"Judgemental Doctor"
About: The Maidstone Hospital The Maidstone Hospital Maidstone ME16 9QQ
Posted via nhs.uk
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses