Pelham Medical Group
JF
Joe F. one year ago • From Google
Bad
When joining a surgery with multiple long-standing health conditions, I found myself in a difficult situation. My medication had been carefully managed over many years to reach a level where I could function reasonably well, but upon registration, the dosage was reduced significantly. I was told this would be reassessed once my previous medical records arrived, which the surgery indicated could take up to six weeks to transfer electronically. However, obtaining those records proved far more problematic. Despite being aware that my former healthcare providers had sent them within four weeks, it took nearly three years for this surgery to receive them. It ultimately required a serious incident and legal involvement before the surgery confirmed receipt of my notes via text message. Throughout this period, I struggled with multiple serious conditions and disabilities requiring specialist care. When I requested referral to a particular specialist I had worked with for many years regarding spinal issues and previous surgeries, I was told this wasn't appropriate given my other diagnoses. I have always been mindful about seeking help, typically allowing myself six months to adapt to new symptoms before requesting assistance. During the four years waiting for my records, I experienced considerable pain. Following a serious incident, I was eventually referred privately to a specialist, who identified a spinal curvature that had apparently developed during my time with the surgery. Notably, imaging scans performed both before joining and twice after joining the surgery had not detected this. The prolonged pain and my unconscious adaptations to manage it—altering how I sat, lay, and stood—appear to have contributed to this development. This situation has significantly affected my mental health. Despite contacting the surgery multiple times, I have not received the support I feel I need and have been left feeling unheard. Over a year ago, I noticed visible changes to my posture and sent photographs requesting help, but received no response. The physical changes are now visibly apparent to me. I am deeply distressed about what lies ahead. I had previously declined a major surgical intervention, with the understanding that I would only consider it if my mobility became severely compromised. However, given the spinal changes that have occurred since joining this surgery, combined with other unresolved health issues, I am now uncertain about the appropriate course of action and what the realistic outcomes might be. The lack of support and empathy throughout this process has left me feeling hopeless about my future.
Sara M.