"Ongoing treatment"

About: General practices in Lanarkshire University Hospital Hairmyres / Neurology University Hospital Wishaw / Gynaecology (Ward 13)

(as a service user),

I have been experiencing neurological changes in recent months and my symptoms are getting worse instead of better. My GP has sent an urgent referral to neurology and I have been seen by a podiatrist and an MSK physiotherapist. No treatment from podiatry and no further treatment from my MSK physiotherapist (physiotherapist believes I should be seen by a more specialised physiotherapy team but will accept an urgent referral back if this is what is required) due to not having a diagnosis this makes things difficult for my current physiotherapist who has now discharged me.

I attended for an MRI scan at Wishaw in the mobile van. I was admitted to hospital three days later and stayed in hospital for 3 night before being discharged three days later. I presented to A&E due to pain in my head, neck and shoulders. The A&E consultant asked for my MRI to be reported but this was refused and advised to send me for a CT scan. I had a chest X-ray, CT scan, treated with IV antibiotics and IV steroids for meningitis, I also got a lumbar puncture. The consultant was aware of my neurology referral and had requested neurology samples were added to LP to avoid my having to endure another one.

During my hospital stay my BP had dropped, which is abnormal for me as my BP has always been stable and sat within normal range. Since being discharged my neurological symptoms have worsened and my BP has been extremely low and I have been having to monitor this. I contacted my GP practice who would not address this until I have been seen by neurology. I contacted the management referral line as I have been calling every week for the last 6 weeks and my neurology referral still hadn't been vetted. I had to contact neurology to query this and explain my current situation.

I have since been told that my referral is on hold until the consultant looks at my MRI results but this has still not been reported. I have explained that I am really struggling to cope with all of my symptoms and I need seen ASAP and that my referral should be kept as urgent due to my symptoms and how this is affecting my daily living etc. I am aware the current waiting list for urgent referrals are 12 weeks and routine referrals are 60 weeks. (I cannot wait 60 weeks to be seen).

To give more context I have all of the early symptoms of someone with MS. I am concerned I have an underlying health condition that is yet to be diagnosed. I am in my 30s and have a list of neurological issues, this includes regular and repeated falls, unstable and unsteady of my feet, vision changes (which is causing a lot of distress), pins and needles in hands and feet, numbness to left foot, muscle weakness. I have endometriosis and andeomyosis and awaiting to go for a diagnostic laparoscopic operation for further investigation. I have chronic back pain due to an injury I sustained at work over 5 years ago since I have chronic sciatica. I am a migraine sufferer also which I have managed for over 20 years. I have defacation causing constipation (I have to give myself a bowel clean every day or every alternative day to clear my bowels as I cannot move this on my own), I have unexplained issues also with my joints, my sleep and the extreme fatigue I suffer from.

I am suffering from a severe mental health issues due to the above. I feel suicidal due to all of the above also. This is affecting my whole life. I am currently off work sick since my admission to hospital. I work for the NHS and I am trying to keep myself going so that I can function enough to work but I am broken physically and mentally. I cannot begin to explain how miserable this is making me and myself and my family are really frustrated. 

I am awaiting an appointment with the chronic pain clinic, ongoing consultation with colorectal consultant, ongoing gynaecological issues and awaiting operation, ongoing neurological issues and an urgent referral submitted which is currently on hold. Pelvic floor physiotherapist has since discharged me. 

Can you help me? I am a very good advocate for myself but I am struggling to cope and I don't know how long I can go on like this. I am miserable and I am making my family just as miserable cause they are worried sick about me. I can't go on like this much longer, as I sometimes think well I am one less problem to deal with if I am no longer here. I hate feeling the way I do and can't continue like this. Everywhere I go for help is like hitting my head against a brick wall. I feel like nobody knows what to do with me and I just get passed from pillar to post. I need help. 

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Responses

Response from Alix Craw, Quality Improvement Team, NHS Lanarkshire 6 months ago
Alix Craw
Quality Improvement Team,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 03/09/2024 at 13:58
Published on Care Opinion at 14:01


Dear Mrs89

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience of using services in NHS Lanarkshire. I am sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult time with your health. I understand from your comments that it has been very worrying for you to have to wait for MRI results and for review by a specialist in neurology services.

It is reassuring to hear that your experience with other services such as podiatry, MSK Physio and during your admission to University Hospital Wishaw has been more positive.

I can appreciate that having symptoms like you describe is having a negative effect on your work and family life.

In order to look into your specific case could I please ask you to contact the Patient Affairs Team at University Hospital Wishaw via phone 01698 366558 or email PatientAffairs.Wishaw@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk so that we can further investigate and try to help with the issues relating to your neurology referral which may help to alleviate some of your concerns.

Thank you again for taking time to provide this feedback to us.

Kind regards,

Alix

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