"Appointment with an orthopaedic consultant"

1st appointment - consultant disagrees with radiologist's report (MRI scan Glenfield), suggests physio and an additional test to investigate cause of my arm issues (as he has disagreed with the radiologist's diagnosis). Consultant is very dismissive of my other symptoms, and rather patronizing and arrogant. Having had these symptoms before I am not convinced by diagnosis/treatment plan but leave. The following week I go to GP and ask for a 2nd opinion. They advise against this as it will delay treatment. I agree to wait - for now. Then I get a letter from the consultant saying after talking to a radiologist at the General he now agrees with the original diagnosis (from 1st radiologist) and sends me for a nerve root block - I cancel additional test ordered as this in now not necessary. Physio starts and I have nerve root block (Royal), which helps my arm issues immensely. Consultant doing the block assumes my consultant has explained what the procedure involves - I explain he hasn't as it was a treatment regime passed onto to me in a letter. She briefly explains. Why doesn't the consultant check MRI scan before my initial appt and then get advice before seeing me so that I don't have to go through this? Back to consultant for follow up. Clinic running 75mins late....only after I had been there 40mins was any note of a delay put on the board - a very optimistic 50min! I go in (eventually) - no mention of the fact that he is running late - a brief sorry about the delay would have been courteous - I know these things happen but to acknowledge that would not have been too much to ask for. There are 2 students in the room - a speedy/slightly unintelligible introduction is made with no pause to check if I do mind they are there - I don't (it is a teaching hospital) but please don't assume that. He starts by asking why I cancelled the additional test he asked me to have. I have to remind him that he changed his mind about the diagnosis..he flicks through a few papers and then says 'oh yes, I didn't change my mind...' - yes you did so please have the decency to admit it. Once again I don't feel the consultant has refreshed his mind on my case before I come into the room. I mention my real issues with 24/7 neck pain (exacerbated by everyday things) and 24/7 headaches. He says he cannot do anything about that as he cannot see any reason for that on my scan - its just age (am in 40s)! He suggests physio (having that), acupuncture (having that) and buying a TENS machine in Aldi/Tesco. I ask how do I manage the pain...referral to Pain Management but I have to go back to my GP for that. By now I am in disbelief at his attitude and arrogance - so much so that I don't ask about the long term treatment for the impinged nerve in my neck that caused the arm problems (currently improved due to nerve block). I know these nerve blocks wear off. He doesn't bring it up and appt ends. Back to GP demanding a 2nd opinion not at the General! No faith in consultant at all!