What could be improved
This year, I was referred to the gastroenterology department by my GP. The waiting time of at least two months wasn't ideal, but I was just happy that perhaps someone would be able to figure out what has been ailing me on a daily basis for so long.
I was expecting to see an actual doctor, but instead I saw a specialist nurse. After talking to them for around half an hour the result was to get a blood test, and come back in exactly 6 weeks.
When I returned to the department, the blood test was negative for what they were testing me for - something I already knew to be false because I was being tested for something a relative of mine has, and my symptoms just didn't fit. I was then discharged that day, without any further tests, and not once seeing a doctor. The nurse apparently spoke to one of the consultants in another room (I'm sure they can tell lots from her note taking rather than meeting the actual patient?) and then returned to tell me:
a.) To reduce the medication that actually HELPS me a little
b.) they actually told me to go do Yoga. This was incredibly insulting. Stress is of course now an issue, since I virtually feel like I've been booted out the clinic with no help whatsoever.
This really upset me, and I've had to go back and talk to my GP again (who I'm sure is starting to think I'm making the whole thing up) and after more trials on medication I've had before, I'm apparently going to be referred back, and to be asked to be seen by an actual Doctor. Hopefully, I'll be able to choose the place I get seen, because I really do not want to go back and see someone who is going to give me one wimpy blood test and send me away as if there is nothing wrong with me.
I'm 22, logically, I'm pretty young to be having these problems and being referred to the Gastro clinic.
"This year, I was referred to the ..."
About: Southampton General Hospital Southampton General Hospital Southampton SO16 6YD
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