I was visiting Gastroenterology department for many years. After every visit I was receiving letters with incorrect statements, mixing facts and confusing symptoms. I didn't think it mattered as long as I was receiving treatment. After 2 years they stopped my UC medication. I developped typical symptoms but they chose not to see them despite examinations.
I was was told several times that it's very easy to miss first few centimeters when they insert the scope many meters inside my body. I had to learn how to register and photograph my symptoms. After 7 years NHS specialists finally were forced to confirm what 10 doctors - specialists abroad but also NHS GPs would see after 90 seconds examination.
I guess I was lucky - diagnosing IBD in UK can take up to 10 years.
I've heard tons of excuses about "different emphasis and different understanding of diagnosis in different countries","misunderstandings on both sides", and that my "challenging medical history so frequently veers off symptoms in a tangential manner".
I was redirected to Colorectal department. The registrar recognized one of the symptoms and kept repeating it many times (clearly not understanding it's relation with IBD). The letter I received did not confirm this fact but contained many statements impossible to understand. Poor grammar and syntax, unclear message.
Doctors refused to give me any medication. Registrar kept repeating: "you know, it's not so easy, we have policy in UK". "It is illegal to prescribe Mesalazine in UK" in case different than UC - which is not true - and suggested that I would sue the hospital if they prescribed it. I was sent to unnecessary egzamination based on overinterpreted 2% of my symptoms.
After a year of pain and bleeding my original medication was restored but I ended up with complications which might require surgery with potential complications.
""You know, it's not so easy""
About: John Radcliffe Hospital John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford OX3 9DU
Posted via nhs.uk
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