"Misdiagnosed"

I have contacted my practice on 2 separate occasions to be refused a face to face appointment despite having neurological symptoms and the inability to walk.

In January, the first telephone consultation I was told by the Doctor it was sciatica and prescribed medication and told my symptoms could last up to 8 weeks. I had to sign myself off for a week, the pain and symptoms did not reduce.

In March I had another episode of the inability to walk, along with neurological symptoms and was forced to contact out of hours. The following day I again contacted my practice to be refused another face to face assessment. Another Doctor diagnosed me with nerve issues and explained this pain was “phantom” and he would refer me to physio. Due to the severity of the pain and the inability to walk I had to sign myself off work for a further week. 

The symptoms continued and I took matters into my own hands and paid privately for physio treatment. 

I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and my 12 week recovery starts now. 

I am extremely disappointed with the treatment and lack of face to face assessment and feel had this taken place at the start of my pain I would be well onto the road to recovery rather than losing work time. I am a nurse and realise the pressure the NHS is under and I now feel responsible for adding to that pressure having to take time off. 

Both GP’s I feel were extremely patronising/rude during both phone calls. I felt rushed during the phone consultation and was swiftly prescribed drugs without protection for my stomach.