"Repeated referrals and no help"

Since early 2012 I have been experiencing erectile problems and severe pain within my groin area. Firstly I reported this by using NHS 24 back in January who referred me to out patients at The Victoria Infirmary, to be sent home with pain killers. The problem gradually got to the point were I could barely walk and had to got to A&E at The Victoria Infirmary. They tried to get a Urologist to see me at A&E, but were told no get his GP to refer him urgently. A&E handed me painkillers and a letter for my GP instructing an urgernt referral.

I since faxed this letter to my GP and stated that the referral was urgent. To my shock my GP put this through as routine and only received my first appointment last month.

All this time my erectile problems have got worse and my leg now gives way frequently. I saw Doctor at the New Victoria Infirmary. Who took blood, gave me an internal examination and requested that I be sent for an MRI and a Cystoscopy.

I attended these appointments earlier this month.. The cystoscopy was clear, I was then asked if I have seen my consultant. My answer was no. I receive letters from a consultant but do not know who this person is and have never met them. Still awaiting my MRI results.

The pain is now unbearable and again had to leave my work and go to A&E at The Southern General recently, I was in severe pain and was told there was nothing they could do. I asked the Doctor who examined me, what do I do if my MRI comes back clear as no one has explained to me what the next step is. I was advised that my GP has to refer me again. Why do I have to be referred again and wait more months. I receive letters from Acute services stating that my appointments are with a particular consultant. I have never met this consultant. It feels as if the referral system has been an absolute shambles. I am in severe pain constantly, my leg collapses without warning and suffer with severe erectile issues, I am now 8 months down the line and no further forward with only two tests being carried out. I attend A&E to be told they cannot do anything. What is the point in going to A&E if no one can help me & I'm receiving letters from a consultant I've never met. God forbid if there is anything serious, now 8 months down the line I have seen only one urologist for a 5 min examination.