"My experience with a Dr at my recent visit."

About: Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services

(as a service user),

I arrived 30 minutes early feeling drained and exhausted after spending all night in A&E with an elderly neighbour. I hadn’t eaten since previous day so got a scone and tea to settle me before the session.  The doctor came out 5 minutes later, called my name and immediately turned back into the corridor. Gathering my belongings I couldn’t find the doctor on entering the corridor and had to ask two different people which room they might be in.  This was a dr who was not usually there. 

Entering the room I apologised and said -sorry, I wasn’t expecting to be called early-to which their reply (as they flicked through my file) was that I was lucky to have an appointment some people have to wait. They then, without even the most basic of pleasantries (or introducing himself) asked -so how are you- I told them I wasn’t well, I’d had a tough few months physically and mentally (including the death of my only companion, my dog) No acknowledgment of this was made, their immediate response was to focus on my medication; implying I’d been coming on and off it regularly. I disagreed explaining that while a discussion was had at one visit re coming off it at some point no firm decision had been made. They insisted, reading from the file (about a medication I’d been on in 2019) saying -well it’s in here in black and white.

Discussion quickly turned to current dosage. He pointed out that it had been increased. I confirmed my GP had adjusted to see if it would help me as I was struggling so much.  Their blunt response was -well that’s the dose working for you now, you will not be coming off that-.  I was summarily dismissed when I asked what would happen if I got worse. They flatly said that they would just keep increasing dosage accordingly or maybe add another medication. When I asked about possibly reducing it in the future they shut me down saying -you’re talking about things that MIGHT happen-.   Their tone made it clear they werent interested in considering my concerns. They continued to insist I’d being going off medication even though I corrected him by saying that while dosage had fluctuated between 20 and 40mg I had NEVER stopped taking it.

They seemed completely uninterested in the fact that I’ve had a very challenging year mentally and physically as I also live with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. It didn’t seem to register at all!  At one point they asked how often I experienced panic attacks. I said -maybe once a week, maybe more, maybe less, but that anxiety was the bigger issue, which I manage on my own as best I can. They then said -tell me what you consider a panic attack- and I had to list off all the symptoms I experience while having one. The next comment was a sneeringly condescending -well do you want me to give you a tablet-.That’s when my anxiety began to spiral upwards. I began to feel small and worthless, like they were belittling me for even trying to manage my condition. I was acutely aware of the power imbalance in that room. This person, in a position of authority made me question myself and for the first time I felt completely unsafe in a medical appointment.

I asked what they meant by -giving me a tablet” and the response was extremely impatient. My heart was racing, it was overwhelming how dismissive and impatient they were. At that point all I could do was say that I wanted to end this appointment.  They tried to talk over me and I just put up both hands and asked them to stop talking. I was shaking and began to gather my things. Near to tears I said I was leaving. I felt like they had made assumptions about me from the first moment.  .

I asked a staff member to get someone I had recognised as I went in.  She stayed with me until I could calm down. I then deliberately walked home hoping the fresh air and the walk by the water would settle me. I also called a friend because I was afraid my emotions would spiral even further if left alone. I needed someone who knew me, someone who could remind me I wasn’t a fraud, that I’ve worked very hard on my recovery even though this Dr had made me feel otherwise. This appointment was part of my care plan, I wasn’t there looking for more tablets. In fact considering the challenges of the past months I was doing well to be there at all!   In reality they were dismissive, condescending and completely uninterested In truly listening to me.  

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Responses

Response from Martin Jones, Alcohol & Substance Misuse Service Manager, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services, Health Service Executive last month
Martin Jones
Alcohol & Substance Misuse Service Manager, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services,
Health Service Executive

Manage the Sligo / Leitrim Alcohol & Substance Misuse Service

Submitted on 29/10/2024 at 16:38
Published on Care Opinion Ireland at 16:38


picture of Martin Jones

Dear Sligo MH Services user,

I am very sorry to hear of your experiences attending your appointment and the distress which is so evident in your description of events. We would hope that everyone attending our services would come away from encounters with staff feeling positive an empowered. Clearly that was not the case here - you did not feel listened to, or even safe. Giving feedback as you have helps the service to grow and change to better meet the needs of people seeking help and I thank you for taking the time and effort to post your story on this platform. I will make sure that your comments are heard throughout the service so that we can be more attentive to individual situations and equally importantly, remember that we are a user-friendly service. If there are any changes made, as a result of your feedback, they will be posted here also.

With Best Wishes,

Martin

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