Renewed Investor Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Anyone ever done this? Just got up and walked out of an appointment? I did this the other day. To give some background, I've been going back and forth between the GP and the Hospital getting all kinds of tests done. I've been suffering chronic pain in my lower back, under my left rib (sharp stabbing pains that are unbearable), severe stomach pains and frequent UTI's too. I was told initially that it was IBS (WTF?) and that of course turned out to be nonsense. 2 years later I finally get them to do an ultrasound on me and it turns out I have a huge kidney stone (about 6cm estimated) and I thought "Thank god I finally have an answer" and hoped I would finally be able to get myself sorted out. I looked up Kidney stones myself when I got home and I have every symptom listed (nausea, pain in the aforementioned areas, UTI's etc). I looked up the treatments and although they're unpleasant I looked forward to whatever they decided I would need so long as it put an end to my suffering. Well, I went to the Urologist the other day expecting to be told a surgery/treatment date but when I got there they didn't discuss any of that. Instead they made me submit an urine sample and then did a physical examination and asked me again about my symptoms. The doctor then disappeared for about 10 minutes to review my file and when he came back he told me I will not be receiving any treatment for the stone as my condition is not deemed to be life threatening. As for the pain and everything else I've suffered he said that the symptoms didn't add up to being a result of the kidney stone as it has not moved down to my urinary tract. Everything he told me flew in the face of all the doctors I had seen previously and my own research on the topic. I brought this point up and he got very rude and irritable with me, telling me I would have to go back to the GP and get blood and urine tests done again (I've had about 10 of each over the years) and at this point I just got up and walked out whilst he was mid sentence. I am at the end of my tether with the NHS, I've been mucked around for 2 and a half years now. Now I am wondering where the hell does it go from here? I'm a nausea ridden mess most days and the chronic pain is barely manageable. This My life is a wreck, I struggle to work and my income is down 70% as a result. This condition is ruining me financially as well as physically and mentally. Do I go back to the GP and request to see a Urologist at a different hospital to see what they would do about it? Is this unusual or is it just the standard of the NHS now that they have all the problems we all hear about in the news on a regular basis now? There have been days where I have honestly thought about just ending it all but I dare not mention it in any appointments for fear of being sectioned. I'm not actually suicidal, I want a solution to my problem, just saying that at times it crosses my mind, out of spite and vengeance more than anything. There's nights where I fantasize that it would make them terribly ashamed of themselves if I did it. Truth is though that I'm just a statistic in the grand scheme of things and the only people hurt by it would be those who have nothing to do with my treatment (or lack thereof). I'm in weird and unpleasant state of mind these days and I want to get out of it and get myself sorted out. Sorry if this is rambling a bit, like I said earlier I am at the end of my tether with the NHS. I tried the Private route but after initially getting accepted was then told they would not cover pre-existing conditions. I just don't know what to do now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossybabe Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Sorry to hear about your past in. Ask for a second opinion or go private. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Banner Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Ask for a second opinion with a consultant of your choice, preferably having done some research. If necessary, pay for a private consultation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehead Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Crikey. Sympathies indeed. That's a big stone. Clearly not passable. What a curious reaction from the urologist. Defo 2nd opinion reqd imho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Hug Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Sorry to hear that but it looks very believable. Over 3 years, I have seen 3 nurses, 5 different GPs until I finally reached (ENT) specialist. Every GP seemed to have a slightly different view, and one even managed to prescribe anti-depressants which I obviously didn't take once I read up on side effects. I understand that GPs have (non-) referral targets, so I would expect them to be useless a lot of the time but I am a bit surprised about the specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will! Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Ask for a second opinion. If you complain then do it in writing, be as specific as possible about dates, people's names, places, advice given etc and don't rant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uro_who Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 Hi Renewed investor. Clearly I don't really know the facts but as a urologist I can say it doesn't sound quite right. A 6cm kidney stone would certainly be sorted out, usually by removing the stone but if the kidney is shot (which might be the case) based on a renogram occasionally we need to remove the kidney instead. But... What you describe is the sort of thing a urologist might say if you had a 6mm (rather than cm) stone, especially if it is in the periphery of the kidney. You don't need to complain to ask for a second opinion. Just ask your GP for one and you will be given one. Everyone has the right to a second opinion on the NHS. Might be worth checking the size of the stone first though! As I say, impossible to contribute properly with seeing the images etc, so I can't really give you any medical advice other than the above. Can I suggest that an internet forum isn't the best place to run an electronic ping pong about your diagnosis, in fact nor is email, nothing can beat a proper discussion anything less is potentially in my opinion slightly dangerous. Good luck and keep us posted about the size of the stone and whether you manage to sort a second opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uro_who Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 PS, that Bruce Banner has a very good memory! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afly Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 As my mate learned the hard way, sometimes the only way to get help from the NHS is to turn up unnannounced, in tears and pleading for help because you can't take the pain anymore. Took him 3 years to finally break down My mother lives in the US (and all the health politics that come with that) and is horrified at our health treatment here. My wife wants us to move back to Australia after her childbirth experience Britain's precious institution my a$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FedupTeddiBear Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 If you can pay, it's worth getting a private consultation. A colleague had problems with her feet and after about 3 years of being mucked about and put on long waiting lists, she paid to see a consultant privately. She saw him within a week, he gave his recommendations and she went back to the NHS with this. Somehow she switched back to NHS (although I've heard that this is not always that easy to do) and got the surgery she needed within 3 months. If you don't want to pay for a private consultation, you can demand a second opinion from your GP, who should then refer you to a different specialist. Edit to add: IME I have found that when the NHS tried to fob me off when I needed surgery after an injury, being persistent and claiming that without surgery I would be unable to continue to work in my current role (I got the physio on my side too) worked well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Banner Posted March 26, 2018 Share Posted March 26, 2018 1 hour ago, uro_who said: PS, that Bruce Banner has a very good memory! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexton Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 My wife was, after requesting a hip resurfacing, being railroaded into a total hip replacement (cheaper), but luckily the German subcontractors were having a day off and her case was given to a locum who definitely didn't want to do it as he said it was unethical for someone of her relatively young age. Turned out he had been a senior surgeon and had a lot of influence. Half an hour on the phone and he had arranged for her op to be done at a private hospital, by one of his ex-pupils (now the top guy), and paid for by the NHS. The subtle way he told the NHS manager she was being a mercenary **** and should give my wife what she had requested was impressive. Moral of the story is find the right consultant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTMark Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Sorry to hear about your problem. I gave up with the NHS a couple of years ago when the local GP service was withdrawn. At least I assume that it has been, since it isn't possible to get appointments. It was only privatised unofficially. I see a private GP which only costs £49 a month. However you can pay for a one-off appointment. In the incredibly unlikely event that you live near Winchester, might be worth sorting out a trip: https://thewalcotepractice.co.uk/ ..and for the surgery, it can't hurt (sorry, no pun intended) to find out what it might cost to have the procedure done privately if it should come to it. Try searching "Nuffield Heath" or "Bupa" and see what you turn up. Give them a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossybabe Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 17 hours ago, uro_who said: PS, that Bruce Banner has a very good memory! Or he just keeps excellent notes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDavola Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Kidney Stones are hell - not just the pain but as you say the nausea. I've had a few short spells of suffering with them and I completely understand how an extended period of suffering could leave you completely unable to cope in life. I hope you get sorted soon. Sounds like this is what you need!: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travisher Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 Definitely worth getting a 2nd opinion. I was told in hospital I had a secondary cancer in my brain after a seizure that was treated as meningitis. I used my work health plan to get a proper diagnosis. A benign cavernoma in a frontal lobe. NHS said they would not operate to remove it and I would have to stay on anti epilepsy drugs for life. I had it removed privately and haven't taken medication for years, meaning I got my driving licence back. Doctors are fallible, they are also under pressure not to run up a bill for treatment. But you can have a 2nd opinion and you can get help privately. Tip: dress in a suit with a striped shirt and tie - like a doctor or consultant. Its amazing how much you can improve your life chances by appearing to be 'one of them'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashmonitor Posted March 27, 2018 Share Posted March 27, 2018 11 hours ago, DTMark said: Sorry to hear about your problem. I gave up with the NHS a couple of years ago when the local GP service was withdrawn. At least I assume that it has been, since it isn't possible to get appointments. It was only privatised unofficially. I see a private GP which only costs £49 a month. However you can pay for a one-off appointment. In the incredibly unlikely event that you live near Winchester, might be worth sorting out a trip: https://thewalcotepractice.co.uk/ ..and for the surgery, it can't hurt (sorry, no pun intended) to find out what it might cost to have the procedure done privately if it should come to it. Try searching "Nuffield Heath" or "Bupa" and see what you turn up. Give them a call. £49 a month sounds a lot to me. Just the tight sod in me not to pay for what I can get free. Not that I abuse that free service. Was ill last week with fever, swollen glands and couldn't eat or swallow for a day or two. But stuff passes with rest. Looked my symptoms up on the internet and it came up with Pharyngitis; never heard of it, but the most common reason for a visit to the GP apparently. That does surprises me, because I always thought you had to stay away with viruses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renewed Investor Posted March 29, 2018 Author Share Posted March 29, 2018 Well I managed to get a cancellation at the GP today and she too was surprised by the Urologists comments. She agreed to send me to a different hospital for a second round of tests. I should be getting dates for another Ultrasound and also a CT scan (haven't had one of those before). She said I should be seen in the next 4 - 6 weeks. When I do get the scans done I'll be sure to double check with them the size of the stone on the off chance that the first guy who did the Ultrasound may have mistakenly said cm instead of mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janch Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 On 3/27/2018 at 9:08 AM, sexton said: Moral of the story is find the right consultant. This is key.......I'm afraid my experience is that some supposedly top people are anything but. I'm glad you've got another referral and better luck this time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDavola Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 On 3/27/2018 at 5:28 PM, Travisher said: Tip: dress in a suit with a striped shirt and tie - like a doctor or consultant. Its amazing how much you can improve your life chances by appearing to be 'one of them'. That is top notch advice actually. I'll be doing that in future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longgone Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 I am surprised by this thread. I have had continual ear infections and ear eczema with some tinitus. Complained slightly and had an MRI no problem at all. Handy for potential tumors anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PopGun Posted April 5, 2018 Share Posted April 5, 2018 An ex colleague (NHS no less) was getting no where with her ongoing issues, so decided to go private for a second opinion and to experdite treatment. Only for the private doctor to tell her she was making it all up, and charging her for the insult. I'm afraid to say some Doctors are just utter *****, and more concerned point scoring against their peers, regardless of the sector they practise in. I'm very pro NHS but going through my own (very much less severe) farce at the moment. Been waiting nearly a year for a 6 week post op follow up (which made things worse). I Don't blame the OP at all. Go to PALs and complain, it will set you up better for taking action should your condition esculate to the medical inaction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PopGun Posted April 5, 2018 Share Posted April 5, 2018 On 29/03/2018 at 3:17 PM, Renewed Investor said: Well I managed to get a cancellation at the GP today and she too was surprised by the Urologists comments. She agreed to send me to a different hospital for a second round of tests. I should be getting dates for another Ultrasound and also a CT scan (haven't had one of those before). She said I should be seen in the next 4 - 6 weeks. When I do get the scans done I'll be sure to double check with them the size of the stone on the off chance that the first guy who did the Ultrasound may have mistakenly said cm instead of mm. Absolutely. Also to check if it's got any worse since your last unfortnuate experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 Quote I went in after suffering a stroke. Was imprisoned for 2 months before they realised that there was nothing much wrong with me although they told my wife the day after I got there that I`d need a permanent carer and that my brain is like that of an 85 year old. Anyway I`m out now but having to fight a rear guard action.......all hospital appointment will be ignored. The ego is very strong on this one.... Good luck all . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Banner Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 23 minutes ago, council dweller said: I went in after suffering a stroke. Was imprisoned for 2 months before they realised that there was nothing much wrong with me although they told my wife the day after I got there that I`d need a permanent carer and that my brain is like that of an 85 year old. Anyway I`m out now but having to fight a rear guard action.......all hospital appointment will be ignored. The ego is very strong on this one.... Good luck all . That's the spirit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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