"Achilles Tendon Rupture"

I was referred by my GP with a suspected Achilles' tendon rupture and waited approximately 2 hours which was fine. I then saw a doctor who confirmed what the doctor had suspected. They explained the options and I was told I would have a cast for approximately one week and that I had to come back for a scan and to discuss treatment.

At this point I was then taken to have a cast. Much to my surprise I was asked which leg and how I would like my toes pointed or straight. I would have assumed that someone who was a nurse would either know or have been told how it should be cast. The cast was ok, but it certainly didn't feel like it would last a week. I then went to reception and tried to book my follow up with radiology to have a scan and was told they couldn't see me in a week due to the bank holiday and proposed 2 weeks.

Given how serious an injury I have and the fact that I was in a temporary cast I was a bit concerned. Fortunately I have private medical insurance and phoned them for a second opinion and they saw me the following day. This was followed up with a scan a few days later and then an operation to repair the damage. All of this has occurred before I would have even had my follow up with the NHS.