"Support from Consultant"

After receiving aggressive treatment for my MS, my first follow-up appointment was with a Doctor covering for my consultant. It wasn't a productive appointment as the Doctor did not know my history, which I can accept. They were very pleasant as was the student with them. At my next appointment, which was with my actual consultant, the clinic was running approximately 1 hour late. Fine. It happens. However, the appointment lasted less than 5 minutes, and I actually had to ask if the appointment was over when the consultant gestured for us to leave. I also expressed concern that I had relapsed and was told that the treatment I had received was very powerful. It is difficult to convey body language in writing, but I can tell you that I felt I was very much dismissed. I should say that this was the first time I had seen my consultant in over a year. I really do feel I deserved more than 5 minutes of his time. I was quite upset when I got home.

Following this appointment, an MRI was arranged, and the results were sent to me in a letter. It was one of the most impersonal pieces of correspondence I have ever received, seemed to be inaccurate and didn't give any options on going forward.

What worries me is that had this appointment happened early on, or at the point of diagnosis, I really don't know how I would be today, Being dismissed, felling unheard, and not being given options had a real impact on me just when I was starting to understand my condition.

With the support of my MS Nurse, I have changed neurologists. I now feel more confident in expressing concerns, I know that I have time, and the communication is so much better.

I'd like to thank my MS nurse  for her support and kindness. She has been my one consistent in this and her help is invaluable.