Further update on leg satsuma

[Singr]

Ok? So I went to A&E due to the pain and swelling on my knee. Guess what?? The consultant refused to see me even when I explained that I had difficulty sleeping and the pain level made me feel nauseous at times and referred me back to my GP as they already knew about the problem and should refer me to rheumatology under normal circumstances. I told them that my GP refused to see me due to Covid and would not do so until lockdown ended. Pretty fuming actually. Back to low carb and pain has eased a wee bit but couldn’t find a position for my leg last night due to pain. The prescribed Naproxen does not help. Trying to work out my next move and a complaint letter is one of the options, Any thoughts or advice.

[Singr]

Oops full stops might have been useful here!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Singr]

I personally would suggest you write a letter to the complaints department of your hospital explaining how the consultant behaved. Its irrelevant that your gp's knows about this and should have referred you through the normal route as your pain was too much to handle and you went to A &E to be treat, not dismissed. He should at least have seen you and have dealt with the pain and referred you himself for a proper appt with rheumatology.

Your own gp can't refuse to see you if you have something new happening and they have the available protection to enable him to see you safely. As jinasc has mentioned this is a matter for the practice manager who should investigate this for you although remember they work for the practice and will usually side with the gp but it usually means you will get seen even in these unusual circumstances. If you need any help please pm me. YBB

[Singr in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Thank you so much for that. I actually burst into tears when I left the hospital and I know that has a lot to do with my pain and feelings not being validated. I hate when that happens as it affects my progress but don't seem able to control it at times.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Singr]

I dare say most of us on here have at some stage burst into tears over our treatment or lack of, from so called professionals. Like you say pain doesn't help and the idea that we are not being listened to is often the final straw. Even being as gobby as I am doesnt always stop those tears of frustration. Time to pick yourself up and write some letters stating the facts. I find this often helps people feel less frustrated. Dont let these people get you down. Let us know how you get on and like I said please pm me if you need help.YBB

[jinasc]

Get cracking and Contact The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. You can find the number for them on you hospital website or just by putting PALS+NHS into your search engine and then the numbers are all listed.

Every hospital has one, they are there for when you need help with 'stuff' and you do.

In the case of your GP, contact Practice Manager and make a complaint and I would be looking for a new GP, not now, but when Covid is over.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Complaint time - PALS might help but they don't have much clout. Yellowbluebell may have some advice - I can vouch for it being good!

Is there another ED within reach?

[Singr]

Strange, that also made me tear up simply because your thoughts align with mine that this situation is just not on. Writing letters of complaint is exhausting for me but I'm going to have to do it. Thanks for all of the help. I've never heard of PALS. Hope it's not just a 'South of the border thing"

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Singr]

mygov.scot/nhs-complaints/

Which hospital was it?

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Singr]

No its not a Southern thing. Every hospital should have a PALS available. As pro said they don't have any clout so I dont tend to reccomend them and when i worked for the NHS they often caused more problems than they solved but if you don't want to complain directly to the complaints department they are an alternative.

Complaining is hard for most people but it does help you put your feelings to one side once you have written your letter. Some people write and don't send just to get things sorted in their heads. Good luckxx

[123mossie]

How awful for you, and really bad that the gp thinks it’s ok to refuse to see patients. The practice is in breach of the nhs contract, if you ask to be seen they must accommodate you, even if it’s a photo of your knee then telephone follow up. Sounds to me as if you could do with a good sit down with the gp & practice manager in the light of a likely complaint and discuss thoroughly your current diagnosis, differential diagnosis, review all investigations and decisions made. Also the management plan the practice have given you and what advice you received in the light of that not working. Bear in mind that sometimes there isn’t a solution but you must be an equal and consenting partner in the discussion around that.

Perhaps enlist a patient’s organisation who can support you and provide advocacy, but maybe it’s time to find a new practice with a more approachable attitude to their patients,

We’ve all got enough to handle with having pmr/gca without having to cope with the stress of what you’re going through. Good luck, hope you manage some progress.