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"Dismissed symptoms turned out to be rare condition"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I attended the ED after my GP advised I go in. The GP observed involuntary muscle spasms in my foot and reduced sensations to temperature. I also had lost feeling in my toes, and pins and needles in my legs as well odd sensations  and the leg being 'dead'

When I went to ED they took my history and assumed it was due to B12 deficiency. They took a blood test and wanted to send me home before the results had come back, adamant it was due to that. I felt uneasy about this and asked to wait. I was made to feel bad for taking up space.

It turns out it was not my B12, but the drs were still not interested. They did not repeat the tests that gave my Gp red flags, and ignored warning signs of Hyperreflexia. I asked for them to do imaging of my spine and they said no. The Dr told me my symptoms did not make sense and told me I could even wake up one day and itll have gone away. They seeingly justified their lack of concern by saying I had not lost true power to my legs. Whilst that is true, that does not mean the other symptoms were not a concern in themselves. 

Concerned about my health I went back to GP who ordered an urgent MRI. This showed I large syrinx and I have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia, a rare neurological condition affecting the spinal cord. I had a further MRI dedicated to the spine and im currently waiting the results. If left and not monitored this condition can leave you paralysed. 

The Dr's at ED also put on my discharge summary that I had 'dizziness and fainting spells' which i categorically did not say. 

In my opinion, its very clear that the drs in ED thought i was fabricating my symptoms or were due to anxiety. Drs should trust a patients intuition and if the patient feels there is something very wrong they should listen. Especially with sensations around the nerves/loss of feeling, as it is hard to show a dr this so they must listen to a patients account seriously. 

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Responses

Response from Luke Dix, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 6 days ago
Luke Dix
Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 11/02/2026 at 2:12 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 3:01 PM


picture of Luke Dix

Dear moonbc73

Thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent experience with the Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) Emergency Department (ED). I was very sorry to read how unsettling and frustrating this was for you during a time when you were understandably concerned about your health.

The issues you have raised regarding communication, including the incorrect information documented on your discharge summary is concerning. I am particularly sorry that you felt some of your symptoms were dismissed and were uncomfortable while waiting for your results. This is not how we want our patients to feel when seeking care.

Your subsequent diagnosis of Syringomyelia highlights how important it is that patients feel heard, especially when presenting with neurological symptoms. Please be assured that patient safety and the delivery of high-quality care are our highest priorities at FSH, and I am sorry your recent experience did not reflect these standards.

As this platform is anonymous, we are unable to review the details of your presentation without further information. I encourage you to contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service (PFLS) on (08) 6152 4013 during business hours, or via email at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au. This will allow us to investigate the concerns you have raised and provide you with a more complete response.

Thank you again for your feedback and for bringing this matter to my attention.

Kind regards

Luke Dix
A/Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group

South Metropolitan Health Service

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