"The six month wait for this appointment..."

What could be improved

The six month wait for this appointment and a more satisfactory outcome.

Anything else?

I was referred to a neurologist at Queen's Hospital in 2007. My husband and I were misled into thinking I was was going to get some help with my ongoing pain symptoms (mainly severe head pain, arm numbness along with generally feeling unwell). The gentleman we saw seemed pleasant enough at the consultation and reassured us he would get to the bottom of things. A few days later and after some phone calls I started to get the impression that something was not right. I was correct as this gentleman had discharged me before he had even got the results of the blood test back.

I informed the consultant I thought he had misled me and was was causing me distress as I knew there was something wrong with me and requested why he was not doing any further tests. I think he had taken a dislike to me at this stage.

Shockingly, the consultant then wrote to my GP and other medical professionals stating that I had a somatisation disorder (mental disorder encompassing imaginary pain) and needed psychiatric help.

I was concerned that these comments would have an effect on my future care and repeatedly asked for them to be removed, but the hospital refused.

A neurologist (at a different hospital) that I saw later was very dismissive of my symptoms after reading my notes written by this consultant (which I have been told they did have to hand) so my symptoms were again not taken seriously.

I have now had 2 strokes (one in 2007 and the other in 2008) caused by an autoimmune blood disorder. These maybe could have been avoided if the neurologist had been a little more thoughtful, done more than 1 blood test and did not let his personal feelings come into the situation.

The second stroke has caused some brain damage which I am acutely aware of and have had to make changes to my life accordingly.

I have requested an apology, but the Trust are still defending the consultant's actions and comments.

I find this unacceptable.