A question to ALL who have injections

[tallyho]

Hi all

I have been having injections monthly now for 7 years not for AMD but DMO. I have found ( and this seems to be getting worse) when I go into see the Dr (after my VA and OCT) OTHER drs come in during my consultation and chat to the Dr about other patients, usually it’s a quick question or request but I believe the Dr should be giving me their full attention. On my visit in February this happened 4 TIMES and I had some very important questions to ask, some of which I had to repeat as I was interrupted mid sentence. I had a friend with me who was so disgusted by this ( as no apology was given for the interruptions) that she has written a formal complaint to the hospital. So my question is this. Do those who attend the hospital also have interruptions from other doctors during your consultation? I don’t think it’s right I never get this during any other appointment in the hospital or at my GP surgery.

Thanks grateful for all replies as many as possible will help me get a good idea if this is normal or not.

[RP1944]

You should be able to have an uninterrupted consultation , I have never had any problems with my visits to eye consultant.

[Hidden]

Hi, I've had my Dr go off to ask a more senior one about my case. It sounds like your Dr is the go to guy!

At my clinic we don't always get to see our consultant but one of his team which inevitably means sometimes they will need to check stuff.

I agree though, it's not good if your appt is continually interrupted. My guy answered a phone query once but did ask me first if he could.

[Hidden]

Like you I have been having injections for 7yrs+ and I have had it happen on occasion but it has never caused me any problem and they always apologise. It is almost inevitable when you see the best in the field.

Have you tried saying at the outset that you have a number of questions you would like to ask? Perhaps writing them down and handing them to him?

[tallyho in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply much appreciated. The problem was firstly I don’t think she was the one in charge as I have never seen her before and secondly 1 disturbance I can accept but this happened 4 times which I think is not acceptable. I did not write the questions down because I did not think we would be disturbed and also some questions came about from what she said during the appointment. Not sure if I should have said something at the time.

[Hidden]

Yes it does appear to be unreasonable to have so many intrusions and It is surprising that the doctor did not understand that.

It is a difficult one to handle, there is always the worry that if you react, no matter how mildly, some practitioners take umbrage. There are some delicate flowers!

Given your previous experience if it happened to me more than once I would certainly comment to the effect that I hoped we would not get any further interruptions. Hopefully, that would make the point strongly enough. Beyond that, a call to PALS would seem justified.

[fed12]

I'm glad your friend wrote in! Hopefully it will have a good outcome, and you will be given more consideration. All the best!

[Gofdave33]

Unfortunately if the consultant is the senior they will at times be interrupted. Not good for the patient. I like to get my questions in before the examination takes place. This seems to help.