Published on 12, July, 2020
I am posting again as my last one was hijacked my someone wanting to push their political beliefs of the NHS.
I rolled my ankle 2 weeks ago and it swelled immensely and bruised all colours of the rainbow. I had it x-rayed the morning after whilst the swelling was the size of a grapefruit and was told it's sprained.
Whilst the swelling has gone down, the pain remains the same so my GP has said go for another x-ray.
I cannot convince myself to go. They were so dismissive and disinterested last time. I wasn't even checked by the triage nurse all she did was take a couple of notes. Then the nurse who sent me for an x-ray just glanced at my x-ray and told me to use RICE and get my heel to the floor. That was literally it. I was sent on my way unable to walk and with no pain killers.
How can I make A&E more positive for me?
I'd appreciate that, thank you. The A&E department has signs everywhere and on every door advertising themselves as 'Autism friendly'. They really weren't.
My GP told me to go to A&E. If he sent me for an appointment for an x-ray it can take weeks for a result to come through and by then it would be too late.
I contacted my GP and all I got was a message saying to go and get it x-rayed at A&E again. All I wanted was something for the pain.
Funnily enough, given my own massive barriers to accessing health care, I've just asked a friend who is a charge nurse working with A&E what their policies are locally for how to help autistic people in A&E.
If he comes up with anything useful, I'll let you know
Could you see if the GP can get you directly in to the department you need to go through?
It would be much simpler and less hassle for you.
My own GP did this for me three years ago, at first I had to go to A&E but she kindly referred me to the surgical assessment unit in the end and it was a lot easier for me.
Is there a minor injury unit nearby? A few years ago I had a xr-ay and said got a bone bruise. Unfortunately hasn't healed very well. Did the same thing to my wrist last year. You could take a friend or a teddy bear.
Can you ask the GP to actually refer you to a specialist rather than having to go through A&E? Or would the wait times be impossible... It does seem pointless to have to go through triage when they know exactly what is needed. If you try and find out the least busy times for A&E that might help a tiny bit, like not Friday evening.