"Indifferent attitude and lack of diligence"

Over a 2 year period, starting summer of 2016, I had x2 Gastro appointments - symptoms: severe right lower abdominal pain, diarrhoea and significant swelling to stomach. Both consultants dismissed my concerns as to having a potentially serious condition. No endoscopy or CT arranged. Neither Dr even physically examined me. They promoted that I had work stress and anxiety related IBS. I was also diagnosed with non alcohol related 'fatty  liver' but no explanation as to how to manage it was provided.

Further appointment made for early 2018 but this was cancelled by the hospital.

From 2016 til 2018. I endured significant pain, discomfort, work place problems  and anxiety over my symptoms- never really being sold to the diagnosis of IBS.

I attended DGRI early this year (A&E) with worsening symptoms. Was told by Gastro Duty Consultant that I should have been directed to change my diet to combat 'fatty liver'. Bloods taken but no examinations carried out. However the consultant stated that he would write to my GP advising rapid referral to Gastroenterology.

Recently I attended the Great Western Hospital Wiltshire due to symptoms worsening and being accompanied by weigh loss and appetite suppression. 

Medical staff excellent in arranging examinations.

I received an Ultrasound which indicated the 'fatty liver' and a kidney stone. Concerns expressed as to my Gastro symptoms and advised I should have been endoscopied at least 8 months ago.

An endoscopy was arranged - for 2 days later. 

Endoscopy took place where it was found I had a serious ulcer to the duodenum ( which been there for more than 18 months) further more it had ruptured some weeks earlier (When I attended A&E the first time) and at time of endoscopy was fully bleeding out - I nearly died if not for the swift actions of a Gastro surgeon. I still have ongoing health problems as a result.

I make no complaint against the nursing staff of the DGRI nor other medical professionals. My issue is specific to  the Gastro Consultants.

Advice to anyone facing a Consultant appointment:

. Arm yourself with National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance - which sets out timescales, what examinations and treatments are needed- specific to the nature and type of medical concern you have.

. If you feel you are not listened too, challenge the Dr !and demand further investigation and or a second opinion !

. If concerns are ignored make an immediate complaint and report concerns to your GP.

Another area in which the DGRI is lacking in my opinion ( potentially detrimental to patient health) is the timescales from GP referral and consultant appointment or investigatory procedure. Patients in Dumfries and Galloway  wait way too long for such appointments- I fear there is arbitrary rationing of services to save money . The swift scheduling of examinations by the medical team at the hospital in Wiltshire - which in probably saved my life.

NHS staff on the whole do sterling work under difficult circumstances which are beyond their control; I however exclude the Dr's I experienced who I felt were indifferent and dismissive of my legitimate health concerns.