u/GreenWonderland02

Hi all, I have a genuine question (aimed mostly at A&E/GP staff) from the point of view of both NHS admin staff and patient.

This has come up because I have once again come across a patient in my job who was sent home from A&E without any scans. On review second or third time by spinal team, it is discovered they have a major spinal issue that could leave them paralysed. The specialist consultants are all shocked.

So my question is, why would this happen? Surely if a patient was seen properly the first time, it would waste less time in future? (Please don't read this as passive aggressive, I genuinely want to hear it from your POV!).

Similarly, I have been back and forth with various GPs for the same issue for over 4 years now. One of my major symptoms is fatigue and my ferritin was only tested after 4 years of complaints (it was low btw). I was told constantly that it was psychological.

I have now been diagnosed with a chronic illness but couldn't this have saved so much of the GP surgery's time if they'd taken me seriously the first time?

Same question as above, why are so many patients being brushed off with the excuse of not enough time, when it wastes even more? (Again, genuinely asking so I can be less grumpy with my GP surgery!!)

Thanks :)

Not sure if I've got the right flair, sorry!

I (24F) have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia after 4+ years of going back and forth with various doctors about severe fatigue only to be told that I was making it up. In the past year, I've been experiencing more stiffness (which is now pain), headaches, migraines and brain fog mostly. I decided to try my GP again and was finally taken seriously (yay!). They spoke to rheumatology who advised that it is fibromyalgia.

In the past month, my pain has got much worse. I'm assuming (hoping) that it's because of the current UK heatwave, but less than 2 months ago, I was walking around mostly fine on holiday, and am now using crutches to take the edge of the hip/thigh/knee pain because I can barely walk for 5 minutes. My fatigue has always been awful, so having them both is brilliant *rolls eyes*. Luckily, my fatigue is bad enough that nothing can keep me awake, not even the pain.

Wondering if people have advice for things I can do to help myself? I've been prescribed nortriptyline which hasn't helped yet (started 3 days ago) and I take paracetamol when needed. Also Deep Heat is great on my back. Also started swimming and hoping that and the crutches can help me move better. Does anyone have anything that helps, I'm willing to try pretty much anything!

Thanks :)

Wondering if anyone can help me!

I have my first practical test on Monday, which I am planning on passing ;) Just wondering what happens with your provisional license if you do pass?

Only reason I'm asking is because I have a job interview the other end of the country the next day (going up day of test) and they advise taking all ID there so you don't have to come back for an ID check if you get the job. Obviously driving license is ideal to take (along with passport and something else) because it's photo with address.

Will I be able to take it with me post test? Something in the back of my mind says they'll take it away as it then wouldn't be valid.

Thanks!

Update: thanks for your help! I will request my license back (if I pass) and do the paperwork work to get my full one after the interview 😁