"No diagnosis over a long period of time"

Recently a member of our extended family who had been seeking a diagnosis for a continuing ailment over a period of about a year passed away.

In spite of presenting at the local Medical Centre almost monthly with the same symptoms, apart from an alleged liver function abnormality, a diagnosis could not be made. Was this followed up? We don't know.  Later my relative, was visibly in pain and uncomfortable.  When the person arrived back in their home town and again visited a local doctor and as they were in great discomfort enquired if a colonoscopy or endoscopy would be helpful in diagnosing the problem this person alleged the reply from the doctor was that these tests cost a lot of money. My relative, frustrated that they were not being listened to walked out.

Well, fast forward to recently, my relative presented at the local Emergency Department and was admitted to hospital and then transferred to our capital city for further investigation.

Eventually diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver (non alcoholic fatty liver disease) and a form of bacterial pneumonia.  Sadly this person passed away shortly after being admitted to the city hospital.