"Bunbury ED"

Recently I was admitted to the ED with a severe headache and nausea. I had had cataract surgery the previous afternoon. I had gone to the surgeon that evening and he had checked the pressure in my eye and it was ok. The nurse and doctor who cared for me were very empathetic and after being rehydrated I was given Paracetamol in my drip and anti nausea medication and was discharged. I had been taking paracetamol all that day. I had no problem with my treatment. 

About 3 hrs after I was back in the same situation with a severe headache on the left side. I self medicated with 10 panamax/ibuprofen plus 1 sedation, but by evening it was obvious that I was not improving and called the hospital where I was put through to Health Directive. It seemed the most important question in the Health Directive's list is - are you an aboriginal or Torres straight islander? I was told to take an ambulance to the ED, my husband drove me there. I had a towel over my head because of the light sensitivity.

I was admitted to a cubicle the doctor asked me - are you confused about who you are or where you are etc? I was not. He decided I had a migraine.

The nurse turned on every light in the room in spite of my sensitivity to light and they remained on for my stay. 

After some time he gave me some paracetamol in a drip and was told I would be fine.The fact that I had been on painkillers for the previous 2 days and they hadn't worked seemed to carry no importance! The pain remained when I went home.

The next morning I was able to get in to see my GP and was given a shot of Tramadol, plus something for the nausea. What relief. I was able to sleep for the next 3 days and after 10 days was ok. 

I was disgusted by what I felt was the inhumane way I was treated at the ED. I am elderly and this is the first time in my life I have ever presented to an ED or doctor for pain relief .