FURIOUS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!

[LoolooLacey2]

I am still waiting to see a Neurologist, a Dermatologist for a Skin Biopsy, Pain Clinic and Human Genetics, I know these will take time as waiting lists are long where I live. However, I found out in June this year that my Hospital Records have been destroyed because I had not been admitted to or attended a Clinic at the biggest local Hospital, they were destroyed in 2010. I retired from that Hospital in 2006, I was a Medical Secretary and my then Consultant has now retired. I was told when I retired that as here was no cure for my Myopathy it would be a waste of time to keep travelling back and forth for useless check-ups. Now there is a new Consultant and I have seen her twice, but there are no casenotes. Luck would have it that under the Freedome of Information Act in UK I am entitled to see my GP's records, which I have now done. The Practice has been fantastic, as being "one of the family - an ex NHS employee" they bent over backwards to help me. I now have copies of all my records concerning both my myopathic problems and my Neurological visits going back to 1992 (26 years of info). The bit am a furious at is the fact that I was supposed to be referred to a very renowned Neurologist in Newcastle and although the referral letter was sent I was never appointed to see him. I have always thought that it was never done and he never go the referral until now I see it was sent. However, this was going to cost the NHS money to refer me and I would have been due expenses to attend so guess what a total blank - wow! There are several times in those 26 years of notes that also mention - ABSENT KNEE AND ANKLE REFLEXES, abnormal EMG findings, plus mention of weakness in legs and arms, foot drop. The EMG Report states "we would be very interested to know the final diagnosis of the lady due to some very UNUSUAL resuts" - another wow! I am absolutely at a loss to find that after many many referrals to Neurology no one thought to do further testing and their letters to my GP were filed away over and over. This to me is total incompetence, but nothing more than I expect from having worked in the NHS for 24 years. At least I know that I did my job correctly for those years, but can't say that for a lot of others. Also, I was awarded Higher Rate Mobility for over 16 years and it has been taken away, but I will fight them to the end on this and I am now going to Tribunal in the near future, just awaiting a date. My findings in my GP notes rings true for many on here when I see the failings of some Medics for not looking further into my symptoms and signs. I have waited a long time, but I will go to my new appointments full armed this time. Also, I have the local Welfare Rights on my case now as I need someone who can fight my corner for me as these incompetent assessors of benefits do not do their job properly. My bet is they are paid to make as many people fail so they can save money for the Government, but hey ho they have not bargained for what is coming. Apologies for the rant, but I am on a roll. Anyone who has lost benefits or is not being treated fairly please fight and get some help from your Council or some legal support to get what your entitled to, don't give up and let them win. Onward and upwards folks.