"Treated like a child"

I attended immunology clinic reluctantly (been going on and off for 19 years) to discuss my results from scans and bloodwork and issues with my health (my GP advised that he had spoken already to immunology as he was concerned about results and that they would be going through this with me today).

However! I was seen by a doctor spoke to me like I was a child, had not bothered to read my results and didn’t listen to any of my concerns. Just kept harping on about medication. I told them my reports recommended a biopsy and further investigation and the look on their face was of total disregard! Then they told me to go outside so they could make a call while I was visibly distressed and crying because they made me feel like a child. At this time, we still hadn’t discussed my other concerns which I needed for them to actually look at nor had they bothered to discuss any of my results (because I believe the doctor hadn’t looked at them, if they had, they would of seen the flags raised and would’ve realised I have some blood abnormalities that the reports had made comments on. My immune system is compromised and I have multiple infections going on and I am very unwell.

Eventually, the doctor came to me to tell me they had organised a biopsy and someone will walk me over there. (A biopsy a pretty much pleaded for based on the report from my CT scan that highly recommended further investigation to rule out cancer, as by this stage , the report indicated that something was going on which presented as lymphoma). If I hadn’t of pushed for it I would spend another several months stressing about the findings. Anyway, biopsy done and the lovely lady who performed it said the doctor said they would see me in a few weeks! 

Another few weeks to wait with no acknowledgment from the doctor about all my other results and health issues so I feel this appointment was an absolute waste of time, I’m still in a bad way and none of my issues have been addressed . All these issues are getting out of control and have caused me to be on leave from work for 6 weeks now to the point I now have to resign as there is no chance I can return to work in this state. What should be happening is I being admitted as an inpatient so these tests can be carried out and my infections are treated with a plan moving forward so that I can live a relatively normal existence. Because of this treatment by this doctor (no respect or compassion or even a show of concern or understanding at the immunology clinic), I don’t want to have to live like this anymore and feel my life is pointless and I am simply just a number. What is the point of having tests if the immunologist isn’t going to bother to look at them and address the concerns with the recommended investigations. What is the point of going to immunology when they don’t discuss or ask questions about how you are feeling, what concerns you may have. You are a number, get you in, tick you off, then send you on your way. This is immunology clinic.

The only person who I felt showed signs of caring is the nurse Laura, who was just a beautiful caring soul. Thank god for her otherwise I would’ve just walked out and stepped in front of a bus because I am obviously not worthy of this clinics and doctors care because I won’t take a drug that they harp on about. Not once, have this clinic bothered to acknowledge me in the 19 years I have been living with a condition. In my opinion, the best immunologist retired years ago and now the place is run by other doctors. I wonder how many other patients could be wondering around misdiagnosed, not receiving the care they need.

I will be sending a formal complaint as I know my feedback on here will be responded with the same generic responses others have received. Nothing will be looked into on here anyway but it’s important I speak up.