Before I tell you this story let me inform you until two years ago my care from my gp and doctors were excellent. With deep regret I have to say the two severe traumatic experiences that have devastated my life and a minor incident by comparison has negated the goodwill I have felt.
At 61 years I have suffered scoliosis all my life but with good posture and the right exercise I have lived my life to the full. However in the last few years I have suffered abdominal and lower back pain. After ruling out any abdominal problems I was referred to a consultant rheumatologist at Christchurch outpatients in Bournemouth.
As soon as I had met this consultant I had a bad feeling. They asked me to lay on the couch raise both my legs straight about 2-3 feet up, then slowly lower my legs keeping them straight. I was totally unassisted, I felt my back arching and burning and screamed "my back my back" the consultant seemingly shouted at me in what I found to be a very aggressive way to hold my position. I then again screamed "my back my back." My back then went into spasm I was shaking and thought I was having some sort of fit.
This is called a double leg lift which I have recently found out it is not recommended for even the young and fit and very dangerous for people with scoliosis and lower back problems. The consultant was 4 feet to my right shoulder and the nurse was behind me. At no time did the consultant come to my aid to check for any damage.
I just wanted to get out of that surgery as I was in shock. I complained to my GP about this incident and cancelled all appointments with this rheumatologist.
However I needed to be referred to another specialist because, not only did I have the original problem, I was also suffering from the additional pain caused by this person.
I went one more time just to close my treatment with this rheumatologist.
When I arrived they looked embarrassed and red faced, demanding to know why I had cancelled all my appointments. I replied there were many reasons why I had cancelled. I then told them my problems had resolved just to get them off my back. However just before leaving I asked them if they realised they'd damaged my back the last time I was there which they seemed to acknowledge.
I wrote to PALs but was expecting the usual excuses and got them. I contacted the GMC. They looked into my complaint, then replied according to our consultant the double leg lift was an appropriate exercise. I could not believe this so asked under FOI what qualifications had this consultant to make such a decision on the use of the double leg lift.
In my particular case, two weeks later I received a reply on why they should not release this info but I could appeal which I have. I was also informed if this appeal failed I could appeal again. This is pen pushing at its' worst.
"Pen pushing at its' worst"
About: Christchurch Hospital / Rheumatology Christchurch Hospital Rheumatology BH23 2JX
Posted by southbank (as ),
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