I'm fed up of being ignored at the doctors

I've always hated going to the doctors and after being so ill throughout my pregnancy and getting very little help I really lost all my faith in them. I know the NHS is amazing and this isn't a post bashing the NHS and their amazing staff at all, but I was really hurt and shocked at how I was treated while pregnant.

I suffered with severe morning sickness and went to the doctors a number of times seeking help and support and was given very little. The first time I went I was just told it was 'very normal' which I knew was untrue as everyone I talked to couldn't believe how badly I was suffering and urged me time and time again to get seen. After going back the fourth time I was finally given some tablets, that didn't help at all, but I couldn't face going back again to just be told there was nothing they could do.

All he wanted was cuddles and sleep.

You feel so helpless when your baby is ill.

Sleepy and grumpy, full of cold.

Bedtime stories to try and calm him before bed.

Lots of cuddles as that's the only way I know how to help him.

You always worry about your babies, no matter how old they are.

My faith was definitely not restored after having my son, as at only a few weeks old he got an awful cough which escalated really quickly. After a few days and several calls to my mum and health advisors (who were amazing) they recommended going to the doctors to get checked. I went and was made to feel like, well, an idiot! The doctor I saw was really patronising and gave me absolutely no advice on how I could help my son, who was clearly uncomfortable and struggling.

I went back about 4 times over the course of 4/5 weeks as I was told if it didn't improve after a week to come back. It seemed to just get worse rather than get better. He also developed small lumps at the back of his ears and head which I was really concerned about. Again, I was not reassured at all and was told the lumps could be lymph nodes but they weren't sure, which isn't really what you want to hear.

I feel like you go to the doctors for help, reassurance and comfort but I left each time feeling worse than before I went.

After 6 weeks of constant coughing and a nose that he could barely breathe out of, one night he was wheezing and struggling to breathe so we took our son to A&E. We received amazing care and answers to all our questions and concerns. We were told our son had Bronchiolitis and the lumps were swollen lymph nodes which were inflamed because he was fighting an infection. They gave me advice for a better night's sleep and arranged a follow up appointment to check his progress. Finally I felt like somebody cared and wanted to help.

I'm a new mum that worries so much and felt like my experience with doctors has really put me off. I worry for other mums in my position as going to the doctors is so important and I feel like we shouldn't be made to feel stupid and put off.

Doctors, nurses, or any clinician - if you're reading - listen to us mummies, sometimes we do know best when it comes to our babies and our gut instinct.

Love Hattie

x

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