I came in for an ultrasound with possible steroid injection into my elbow (if inflammation was found), for my recurrent & chronic nerve pain. The technician performing my scan was friendly and attentive. They asked me immediately after the scan if I wanted to go through with the steroid injection -- I wasn't sure because I did not know the scan results, but I was willing to try if there was a chance it may help my pain. The technician said they could not advise me, but proceeded to bring out the equipment to perform the injection and started telling me the side effects. Then, the attending specialist doctor was brought in. Straight away, they asked me if I was going through with the injection. I repeated that I wasn't sure because I did not know the results of the test, but I would be willing to try in case it helped my pain.
Immediately, I felt they became extremely rude and judgemental, accusing me of lying about the location of my pain. They used very accusatory language e.g. "you told the nurse the pain was here! Now you changed your story." I felt it was like being interrogated by the police! My pain is very diffuse so I have trouble pinpointing where it is; additionally, I have brain fog from the medicine I am on for the pain, so their questions made me feel very hurt and confused. I began to cry.
I felt the specialist doctor then proceeded to imply that I was lying about the pain I was experiencing, stating that there was nothing wrong with my arm. They then told me it was my decision as to whether to have the steroid injection, but then proceeded to, I felt, bully me out of it and belittle my pain, effectively negating any decision I would have had.
I would have accepted their medical opinion not to go through with the injection, however, their overall treatment of me was humiliating and confusing... not to mention very inappropriate and unnecessary in my opinion. I left the practice in tears and I do not think I will be having any future scans there.
Staff attitude
Seeing the whole me
Being listened to
Explanations
Involved in decisions