"How many others?"

I read another review on this website that rings scarily true to my own experience.

I have chronic back pain caused by an underlying condition that hasn’t been monitored the way it should since diagnosis. I was referred for an X-Ray and then was refused treatment! My GP seems to be the only one in my corner. The rheumatology registrar I saw was rude, clearly uninterested in anything I had to say and quite frankly I think they shouldn’t be allowed near patients who are in such a desperate state as I was.

On top of waiting almost 6 months for this appointment, it was crushing to be told that I am only getting an MRI to essentially shut me up, told me I clearly “wasn’t trying hard enough”, and I shouldn’t even be on the painkillers I’ve been prescribed to manage the utterly unmanageable chronic pain! I was told I “might” receive a report on my MRI a month after, but also I might have to call up and remind them to do it. It was almost an expectation of me to have to chase results on a condition that impacts every part of my life. Seems a little unprofessional to me.

I was recommended a book peddling horrendous Woo science and no actual useful information and that was the end of the appoiuntmrnt. I am bitterly disappointed and even cried in the car on the way home. What will it take for you to take chronic pain patients seriously? And how many others have you done the same to? It’s unnacceptable. We are PEOPLE in pain. Treat us as such, or don’t bother seeing patients at all.