"Mumps Diagnosis"

I contacted my local GP surgery after becoming concerned that my face had become swollen and I was experiencing pain in my jaw area. I was transferred to the triage nurse who arranged an appointment for the same morning. At my appointment I saw the triage nurse who I explained my symptoms to and was advised I may have a throat infection and was prescribed a 10 day course of antibiotics and advised to contact if symptoms worsened. I contacted the surgery again the next day as my symptoms had worsened and my face was significantly more swollen. Again I was put through to triage where I explained my concerns about having the mumps virus and was provided with a same morning appointment. I was seen again my the same triage nurse as the day before and a GP. The nurse advised of her concerns that had mumps and requested a GP examine me. The GP advised that it was unlikely that I had mumps as I did not have "the usual presentation", however a swab should be done anyway. As a mumps swab kit was not available I was requested to gargle 20ml of cold water and spit into a sample pot for testing and sent on my way. I was advised to continue with antibiotics as it was likely that my symptoms were a result of a throat infection (even though I did not have a sore throat. I was advised to return to the surgery 6 days later for a throat swab to test for mumps. Over the weekend and following week my condition deteriorated and I contacted the surgery the day before my planned appointment as I was being violently sick, dizzy and experiencing headaches. As I was being sick at the time of the call my mother spoke with the nurse and GP who requested I come to the surgery. My mother explained that I was very Ill and could not make a visit to the GP and also expressed concern that I had a contagious illness and should not be around vulnerable groups. The GP reiterated that I would have to atrend the surgery to be checked out. When asked what the outcome would be the GP advised that a referral to a&e may be required. As my mother was so concerned about my condition she advised the GP that she would take me to a&e - the GP advised that a&e would not be expecting me as she would not refer me until she had seen me. I attended a&e and was seen straight away with them following procedures relating to a contagious illness. The consultant who saw me commented that the GP could have been more assistive in making arrangements for me to be seen which would have eliminated the need for me to present at a&e. I was sent home from a&e after 3 hours observation and advised to contact my GP should things deteriorate again. I returned to the GP surgery for my planned swab appointment. I would like to note that as someone with a potentially very contagious illness I was seated in the waiting area again (this will be the 3rd occassion) with other patients with no precautions to prevent spread of illness. As I was aware of the risks to others, I myself sat away from others and covered my face. I again saw a triage nurse (different person from previous 2 visits) who carried out throat swab. There were no results available from the previous gargle test carried out a week before. I was noted to have significant oral thrush and was prescribed mouthwash. I received a call the same day around 5pm from a doctor who advised I had tested positive for mumps virus and requested information on the possibility of me being pregnant due to risks with mumps virus. I felt this conversation a little late considering how long I had been presenting symptoms and being very ill for over 1 week. I was provided advice to rest and take paracetamol. I became very ill again the next day and spoke with a GP who I felt was rather impatient and condescending over the phone. I was prescribed anti sickness medication which my mother picked up. After a period of 14 days my condition improved. I feel that the whole experience with my GP surgery was unsatisfactory as I felt that they were unprepared, lacked the relevant knowledge of my symptoms and did not treat me with dignity or respect. If I had received the right support at initial point of contact, I would not have had to access an under pressure a&e service for help. As a very healthy individual who has never been unwell, my experience has actually made me fearful of becoming unwell in the future if this is what can be expected of a frontline GP service. Nearly 2 weeks after the resolution of my illness I have again been requested to attend my GP for "mumps testing" even though this has been done and diagnosis made nearly a month ago. Pretty poor service.