"Not happy - need help so badly"

Have been so poorly for months, "begged" my GP for help because, despite trying so hard to help myself, nothing was working.

They referred me to an Endo regarding my autoimmune thyroiditis.

My referral letter came through and I phoned to make an appointment.

The person whom I spoke with booked me in and also informed me that I would need to take a urine sample and snack as I may be there for some time.

I breathed a sigh of relief when they said that because I thought "finally, some real help after feeling so ill for so long; I must be having a thorough assessment if I am going to be there for a while" and I was so pleased.

Although my appointment was 4 weeks away I appreciated that I had to join the queue like everyone else and wait my turn but it couldn't arrive soon enough for me and I wished the days away like a child desperate for Christmas to arrive.

6th February arrived, my friend drove me over because I am not currently safe to drive.

I had hope in my heart all the way there.

I took all my blood results, my diary, lots of research notes etc.

I was ready!

This was the day when someone with knowledge could finally help me to get better.

I met with very friendly staff and after a very brief wait, I was called in to see an Endo.

They asked me what the problem was.

I started to tell them what had been happening the last few months, what I had been doing to try and help myself.

I wanted them to have all the facts so they could see a way forward for me in helping me get well.

They accessed my GP's records and we briefly discussed blood tests.

As soon as I produced my urine sample they asked why I had brought it.

I informed them I was told to by the person who booked my appointment over the phone, and to also bring a snack as I would be there for a while.

They looked at me totally confused and said the appointments were only half an hour long and that I had been misinformed.

My heart sank, I sat there in total disbelief!

Being my first appointment with an Endo, I naturally assumed that they would need time to discuss my background etc.

In the half hour I was there, I barely scratched the surface on what had been happening to me.

We went over blood results and that was it... appointment over.

They referred me more bloods (which I have had so many of already) and also an ultrasound on my thyroid which could take over a month to organise, and then said they would see me again in two months!!

Got back to the car and broke down in tears.

My illness is debilitating, I haven't been able to function for months now; had waited so long for the right help and was so hopeful and very very grateful when my appointment arrived.

Staff & Endo were lovely!

I wish I had noted the person's name who booked my appt so I can make a formal complaint.

They have no idea of how much damage they caused by misinforming me. I am in a total mess mentally & physically, I haven't been able to help look after my elderly folks let alone myself. Desperate & disappointed