Appointment at hospital and the insensitivity of staff.

Lululucifer24

Hey hope ok to post again! I went to get the tens machine today it was sunny and I did feel quite positive until I see the nurse to get it and learn how to use it. I had never seen her before- intact in all treatments I have only seen one person more than once. She welcomed me and I sat
Down and then she went though my notes I told her that the nortriptyline made me sick and it wasn't good and then my boyfriend asked her would they just operate- she said what on? To which he replied obviously her hip and then she just turned.
She said there is nothin they can find wrong with it and no one would operate on nothing and I said to her that I get different answers from people and I was told my cartalage was bad and tendons by another doctor. So I explained I'm confused. I just calmly told her I was frustrated I felt hopeless and her response was I suspect your cross with me- why?

I was annoyed at the miscommunication not with her.
She fitted the machine told me how much I have to pay if I keep it and sent me on my way. It's so fustrating when you don't know whats wrong with your body.

Anyway on the positive have had the machine on and if I'm honest I'm not sure I like the sensation, however I think the pain feels abit easier can anyone recommend one that's not too bulky as the one I have been given is huge x thanks

dreamdaisy

Ah, I see you have collided with the reality of the NHS. It's not unusual to see complete strangers when it's an important (well, to us anyway) appointment and I reckon you will soon become accustomed to telling your story from scratch to yet another new face. She was there to fit the machine and tell you how to use it - I suspect she would not be able to respond to your complaints about the norytryp as she was not the one who prescribed it.

It takes time to learn who to tell what, and in how much detail, and also how not to learn to place to much hope upon the outcome of appointments. It's not easy to do but I reckon it is important. HOWEVER you now have the machine, I hope it helps - yes it is a weird sensation! - and try not to get your hopes up too high as that way you may be pleasantly surprised rather than let down. I wish you well. DD

stickywicket

Of course it’s Ok to post again, LuluLucifer.

Well, that was a bit of a mixed appointment, wasn’t it but at least you got the TENS machine and the early signs are promising. I think there probably was some ‘miscommunication’. It looks like she felt she was there simply to show you how the machine worked and you were maybe hoping for a little more insight into what’s wrong. She is right though that no surgeon is going to go in when he/she doesn’t know what they’re looking for. They need to see something clearly on an X-ray or scan first.

Let’s hope the machine does its job. At least that will make you feel more comfortable while they reach a diagnosis.

Lululucifer24

Thanks for replies she had asked me about my medication she was from the pain clinic, that's why I answered her, as I see the dr there but thanks I will bear that in mind

resusjan

Hi lulu,
A friend of mine has a TENS machine for a longstanding (pardon the pun) back problem. Hers is quite small and compact - I think she got it from Boots, they also sell them on Amazon and they look quite small.

Take care,
Jan xx

barbara12

Hi lulu
Sorry you had such a bad appointment, I have come across quite a few people on the NHS that either dont like there job or are having a bad day
It just should be like this, why should we have to worry about how we are going to be treated at every appointment.
Honestly this is a bugbear of mine,
You do have the right to find out what is going on, there is nothing worse than having to worry about what you may or might not have.
I would go and see your GP and tell them how you feel, and dont forget you have access to your notes.
Hope the machine helps
You take care xx

YORKYSUE

Hi Lulu, the doctor at the pain clinic recomended i get mine from Action on Pain its small but more powerful than the ones you can buy in the chemist it cost £30 so its not too bad you can also buy extra sticky pads they last for ages take care Sue

Lululucifer24

Thanks so much for your help I'll certainly look on that website and thanks for all the support

ruby2

You can buy one fairly cheap from Ll*yds pharmacy.
I do like mine.

With their version small and cost around £12 you can select the sensation you prefer tingling to pulsing etc. and then select the strength too. It can take a little getting used to but if you get benefits from it well worth it.

I would select a mild strength and then adjust the sensation to one you like, then turn up the strength to your preference.

Hope it continues to work.

hileena111

Hi
That sounds a bad appointment.....although saying that....the one I saw about a TENS was a physiotherapist {or in that dept anyway} and was trained to talk to people about them, explain them, and show you how to use them. She knew nothing about me personally. There were about 6 of us there in a "class" to find out about them. She asked about meds but that was only because some meds are contraindicated.
There are certain problems that you might have and you cant use a TENS.
I would check things out with your GP as well.
I think the advice about a smaller one has already been given.
Good Luck with it
Love
Hileena