Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Should I complain about this? (long sorry)

11 replies

fuzzpig · 28/07/2012 19:23

I'm a bit unsure.

I've had a chest infection for over a month, 2 lots of antibiotics, inhalers etc not touching it at all and this week been feeling worse than ever (at one point I actually thought I might have caught swine flu or something). Regular doctor has been fab, already have x-ray booked for next week because he was concerned at lack of progress when I saw him a few days ago, and he's always been very clear that if anything gets worse I should see somebody. Finally got the strength to leave the house today and went to the urgent treatment centre at the hospital because I was really struggling to breathe properly and had gone downhill, chest pain etc. Not bad enough for A&E but very distressing. Was thinking time on a nebuliser would've helped (have had this as a child) or something like that.

There was virtually nobody there, I got seen very quickly but all the very curt nurse did was take my Sats, pulse and temp, which were all within normal. I tried explaining how bad it had been but she kept interrupting and she could see I was nearly in tears, rapid breathing, could hardly talk or walk etc, but she didn't listen to my chest or anything. She said "your readings are fine, go to the regular walk in clinic and get different antibiotics" and that was it. She also said "use the inhaler and take paracetamol" despite me having said they weren't working.

So I did, waited ages at the walk-in as it was busier, and saw a lovely doctor who was very patient and thorough with me. She also spoke to the medical team at the bigger hospital, and they agreed that it looks like I actually have pneumonia (can't be sure of exact type but certainly not the regular chest infections I've had in the past).

I was upset by the nurse today, it really is horrible to not feel listened to, but I'm not sure if I should just put it down to the nurse being grumpy and/or making an honest mistake. DH said I could complain but I don't know. That said I do wish I could say to her "HA! You were wrong".

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
TheSilverPussycat · 28/07/2012 20:13

Hi fuzzpig so sorry to hear this, as if you haven't got enough on your plate Sad I've been wondering how you are...

I suggest you contact PALS at the hospital where you were seen, where you can give feedback about the treatment you received. You don't have to make a formal complaint, but unless we all give feedback, how can things improve?

fuzzpig · 28/07/2012 20:21

Hey TSP (I assume you've NCd?)

Sorry I haven't updated much have I. Barely been on MN (I really must be ill!)

OP posts:
fuzzpig · 28/07/2012 20:23

The really lame thing is I am mostly just worried about missing yet more work time!

OP posts:
discrete · 28/07/2012 20:24

I agree. Unless you provide feedback, she will not learn from her mistake.

Next person could have a much worse outcome....

TheSilverPussycat · 28/07/2012 20:42

Yes, it's me - v recent n/c to celebrate divorce settlement Grin

Get yourself well, they appreciate you at work, as far as I can tell from your posts :)

fuzzpig · 28/07/2012 20:54

Yeah I think they do but they have been really annoyed at me missing so much time (and I will be missing more when DH has his op, which will be soon apparently!)

Thanks TSP (congrats BTW :o) and discrete, I am glad to know I'm not being crazy about this. I often wonder if I am being over sensitive but I have proof that I was not being a hypochondriac. I am really not assertive, I wish I had just been able to reply to "use the inhaler" with "but I told you it DOES NOT WORK you twat Angry" but I couldn't even do that. Talking to PALS will be hard for me but I will give it a go.

What happens when you complain to them, do you have experience of it? Do I just write what happened and that's it, or do I get some kind of follow-up? Thanks

OP posts:
TheSilverPussycat · 28/07/2012 21:05

PALS are staffed by lovely people ime - I would ring them up if it was me, but that may not be your style :) You can just write them a nice simple letter setting out the facts.

Have you told work it is probably pneumonia (which is Serious)? Glad to hear DH's op is on the horizon.

fuzzpig · 28/07/2012 21:18

Thanks I will do that then.

Yes, have told a slightly senior colleague on the phone but need to ring up after I have been to hospital on Monday as none of the managers were in today. In a way I am glad I have a name to put to it IYSWIM.

It means I will have to talk to useless sodding ATOS because I missed too much work.

Doctor said if I'd been feverish she would've had me admitted straight away, I certainly was the last few days but over the worst it seems as I can move a bit now. She also said the much stronger antibiotics and steroids she's given me may well work in the next couple of days, so here's hoping. I guess I will still have the x-ray anyway as it could be something other than pneumonia. Just killing time til Monday morning now!

OP posts:
TheSilverPussycat · 28/07/2012 21:26

Steroids in the v short term are Ok. I expect PALS will reply by letter.

Enjoy the weekend, take it easy, rest!

fuzzpig · 29/07/2012 09:36

Thanks. Have found the address for local PALS. Will do it in a day or two - about to take my 2nd lot of drugs and hoping they start to kick in soon!

I remember the name of the nurse so I guess I should put that in? Also, I know the name of the doctor, and I really want to make it known how great she was - is it worth putting that in as well?

OP posts:
TheSilverPussycat · 29/07/2012 13:08

Yes, positive feedback is v welcome :)

New posts on this thread. Refresh page