"Not sure what just happened?"

I visited the hospital yesterday as my GP made a referral due to a period of back pain most likely acute sciatica. My concern is that this impacted on my work this time, walking and daily functioning ( to be honest I was really scared this time as I couldn't hide the fact I was walking doubled up) I have had this for years found ways to manage it and have followed advice and tried to make life style changes. I have also 11years ago attended a two week residential programme and view myself open to new ideas. I didn't go to the appointment because I am overwhelmed by pain, depression and feeling hopeless ( as this appeared to be their message) they also seem to be worried we might ask for scan and also wanted to say that the majority of the population had bulging discs as a study had evidenced. They might also like to tell the group the sample size of this influential piece of research! All I wanted was someone to listen, ask questions and offer advice and direction.

I was asked do you want physio? Do I don't know? I don't know what is the matter? Do I need physio? I was advised don't focus on a diagnosis. The staff leading the sessions were well presented and polite but after spending time at the hospital not sure what I achieved.

But what surprised me the most was how this experience left me feeling. Please have more respect and don't diminish how people feel. Don't treat us all the same way and don't presume I am obsessessing about pain, tests and pills. Jane