Some years ago I was referred to an endocrinologist for a possible thyroid problem. He dismissed this out of hand and instead sent me to be tested for diabetes, although there had never been any indication that this might be a possibility. The test was negative, as I knew it would be, so he discharged me. It took me another three years to get my hypothyroidism diagnosed and treated.
In March I was referred urgently to Cardiology and seen in three weeks. I was sent for a scan and now the results of that scan have come through clear, I have been discharged, despite the fact I have all my symptoms, including daily chest pain since the end of February and classic episodes of unstable angina.
It seems my only option now is to go back to my GP and ask for another referral.
Why do they do this? Is it to make the throughput of patients look better? After all, I’ve been referred, seen and discharged within three months, which looks pretty good. The fact that I am very unwell and without help or support seems not to matter.