"A & E Abandoned & Eliminated"

After suffering with severe back pain for several days I visited my GP who prescribed codeine and wrote my a letter to take to A & E expressing his concerns.

I arrived at A & E at 11:45 am, I was seen within 10 minutes by the triage nurse and sent through to the majors / minors waiting area. I had bloods taken to rule out inflammation causing the pain at the site from a previous operation / microdiscectomy.

No sign of inflammation was detected and I was told they would arrange an MRI scan.

I was then taken to a room in seating assessment where I was forgotten and left for 7 hours with no food or water waiting to see a Neurologist, I received a sandwich and coffee just after 10 pm. The neurologist came at around 10:30 pm and was in the room for around one minute and said they are not willing to do an MRI, so go home and you will receive a letter in the post with an appointment. I was self medicating with codeine and diazepam. Diazepam was taken to reduce pain if caused by muscle spasms none of which made any difference to the pain I am experiencing, I can barely walk and sent on my way at 11:20 pm.

I was told I can return if I get worse. My pain is no better and I am confined to my bed as I only get relief by being led out flat the occasional shooting pains, I am very reluctant to return as I fear the same thing will happen again!!!