"Communication by doctor"

 I am pregnant and I  have a degenerative spine condition. This is managed by my GP and the pain management team at Kalgoorlie Hospital.  My GP is away on holiday so a different GP advised me to attend ED should I need pain medication before my GP  returned.  As it happened, recently a pharmacist told me to go to ED for an ear infection. I didn't want to, however I thought I will get my ear seen to and request pain medication for my degenerative spine condition. I took my discharge summary to ED which explains all of the above. I was seen by a doctor who was the consultant in charge. The doctor may be a consultant, however in my opinion their bedside manner is lacking to say the least. The doctor commented - Why would you come to ED for an ear infection? I advised them of the above and asked them to have a look at my discharge summary. The doctor asked me if I smoked, I was honest which I believe was the doctor's queue to launch into a tedious lecture on why I shouldn't be smoking whilst pregnant. The doctor also lectured me on why I shouldn't be taking the medication for my degenerative condition although this is being managed by my GP, the pain management team, the hospital pharmacist and advise from a surgeon at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. The consultant took a cursory look in my ear and advised there was nothing they could do, to go and to purchase a nasal spray. While shepherding me out the door, I felt the doctor loudly explained for the benefit of everybody to hear in the ED waiting room - I'm not comfortable giving you this medication while you are pregnant and it would be illegal of me to do so. You need to organise it with your GP. In my opinion, the consultant was judgmental, rude and abrasive. There appears to be a hysteria sweeping ED's concerning drug seeking. For the record I was not requesting the usual drug seeking medication, I requested Targin which doesn't get me high, it simply manages my back pain and prevents me from being physically debilitated. If I were drug seeking and wanting to get high, I'd pop down to the local pub and ask around. It would be a lot less stressful and I wouldn't have had to cop this doctor's pearls of medical wisdom. The nasal spray they recommended didn't work either. By displaying this intolerant, judgmental behaviour, I feel people won't attend ED when they need to. Let's keep in mind people are often at their most vulnerable in these situations. My condition is excruciatingly painful. I need help to shower, feed my dogs, walk up steps etc, everyday activities most people take for granted. On a positive note, I returned to ED a couple of hours later as my ear wasn't improving. I saw a very nice doctor who explained exactly what was going on and what to do about it. I understand ED can be a tough job, so is being pregnant and hobbling around with two crushed spinal discs. Perhaps the consultant and their colleagues should keep this in mind. Thank you for your time.