"My journey through pain and diagnosis at Alexandra District Health"

I am a usually fit 82 year old lady living in the rural town of Alexandra Victoria. I recently enjoyed a trip overseas, which required a 22 hour plane trip back to Australia from Amsterdam. Not long after we returned home I began to experience acute back and chest pains which seemed like the symptoms of a heart attack. I went to the Alexandra District Hospital and was given all the relevant tests which ruled  a heart problem. But, after another episode and a trip to Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton it again ruled out a heart episode. The pain remained intense and eventually I was admitted to Alexandra District Health for pain management and further tests including chest scan (performed by ADH arrangement) at IMed at another hospital. Once again no answers to my intense back pain now radiating down my arm.

Throughout all my time at ADH I  was treated with concern and respect by all the staff and Doctors Kate and David. After some tests by physiotherapist Reece it was decided to treat my discomfort and pain as being caused by my seating during the long flight which had caused a neck injury. This whole episode has been emotional not just for myself but also my family when no answers could be found for my debilitating pain for about 10 days. Without the support, advice and determination of the staff and doctors at Alexandra District Health to find a way to help with my pain and the cause of it, (now established) my journey to good health would have been protracted and more difficult. I now have a treatment plan and pain relief and look forward to returning soon to my previously active community life.

Thank you to all involved in my care over the past week and I believe this community is so lucky to have such a great local health facility.