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I got PTSD from this hospital and trying to deal with it but been pumped full of six different meds last couple of days, on top of gas and air and morphine and paracetamol and naproxen and codeine due to severe spasms and then saying we can’t do anything with your backache!!! The ambulance paramedics said it was but it’s AS
Waited there 26 hours to be seen and then they said be another four hours so we made the decision to leave as my husband crying I am screaming and no one helping me
I am… read more

2 days ago (edited)
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MySpondylitisTeam

What you went through sounds absolutely exhausting, frightening, and deeply unfair. Being dismissed as "backache" when you're in severe AS spasm — after 26+ hours of waiting — is not okay. You deserved proper care and you didn't get it.

Sadly, many MySpondylitisTeam members share similar stories of being dismissed or not Show Full Answer

What you went through sounds absolutely exhausting, frightening, and deeply unfair. Being dismissed as "backache" when you're in severe AS spasm — after 26+ hours of waiting — is not okay. You deserved proper care and you didn't get it.

Sadly, many MySpondylitisTeam members share similar stories of being dismissed or not taken seriously, especially in emergency settings where staff may not fully understand AS. Here are some steps that may help you going forward:

- File a formal complaint with the hospital through their Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) — every NHS hospital has one. This creates an official record.
- Document everything — dates, times, medications given, what was said to you, and how long you waited.
- Talk to your GP as soon as possible about what happened, the medications you received, and your current pain levels. Do not stop any medications suddenly without guidance.
- Ask your GP for a rheumatologist referral if you don't already have one — a specialist who understands AS is essential for your care.
- Be honest about your pain scale with every clinician — don't minimise it.

Given your PTSD history with this hospital, it may also be worth asking your GP about mental health support, as the trauma of this experience on top of chronic AS pain is very real and deserves attention too.

You absolutely have the right to advocate for yourself, and there are doctors out there who truly understand AS. You deserve to find them. 💙

2 days ago
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Hi Drew I don’t think it would matter at that place, just wasn’t interested just so many drugs/ gas and air/ morphine/ codeine/ naproxen on an empty stomach two hours later more codeine and morphine, it wasn’t that busy either just had me down as backache load of crap and annoying them by saying this is not working!
No i understand that and yes so many patients but I can’t been an advocate when they should learn and help not all left to me, that place caused me PTSD in 2022. Attitude of staff disgusting/ and a doctor I didn’t see one but he said worse people than you here!!! They were sitting though I was standing for hours i nearly passed out, I know NHS busy but they were laughing joking,I know they work hard but how I was treated and looked at the reviews some patients worse than me.

21 hours ago
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member: I wonder if in the same way, a person may have a medical condition that needs to be brought to the attention of emergency responders, perhaps having AS should be treated the same way, so that there is a medical card you put in your wallet that identifies the AS so that Drs and Emergency personnel know.
I am sorry that you weren’t treated for your condition. I know it can be very frustrating. You have to be your own patient advocate. Drs are too busy. My primary care Dr has 2000 patients. Theres no way he can do any of his patients any justice.
I hope you are able to get the help you need!!- Drew

21 hours ago
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I am with a rheumatologist but he doesn’t listen, yes i have and social services and this is the local A&E hospital, the staff nurse said will get you a comfy chair/ pillow/ blanket but nothing

2 days ago

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