"Communication breakdowns"

Presented to ED with what I was told unequivocally was appendicitis (by ED doctor). Over the course of the next 2 days it turns out I didn’t have appendicitis but during that time I continued to be in pain (which was treated). However, I felt that the communications between doctors and nurses and the way I was spoken to on multiple occasions was unacceptable, and has honestly left me fearing ever returning to a hospital setting.

I was given a blood thinner injection in preparation for surgery, then a nurse tried to give me the same blood thinners again shortly after as they had apparently forgotten or not noted down that I’d already had it. This was when internal bleeding had not been ruled out. 

Surgical team eventually decided no appendicitis, but the delivery was ‘there’s nothing wrong’. Not ‘we can’t find anything surgical’, but telling me I’m fine while confusing to administer strong and addictive painkillers. I believe that’s just irresponsible, insensitive and dismissive. 

Another consultant doctor who visited after hours came to tell me I could not leave because my bloods were concerning. The next morning I recall the surgical doctor told me those same bloods were ‘perfectly fine’ and seemingly looked at me like I was insane when I said that another doctor had told me otherwise. I felt they argued with me about it, acted like that never happened. The doctor went outside and I believe obviously checked something they hadn’t previously bothered to check and then told me that I shouldn’t listen to what that doctor had said because they're ’just a consult’. I understand consultants are generally the most experienced doctors and it was highly inappropriate to tell me that what that doctor said didn’t matter. 

These are just a couple of examples of the contradictory information and breakdown of communication that I noticed occurred with staff, which was often reacted to as if it were me making things up or not understanding something. The apparent gaslighting and condescension in general from the surgical doctor was awful. They did apologise before I discharged, but basically said the issues were systemic and ‘we can’t work 24/7’. I believe no one expects that. I just expect consistent medical information to be passed on via thorough notes, and for staff to actually bother reading the notes. 

I’m also autistic and not a single staff member seemed to have concept of what that means and how it impacts a patient. Constant slamming doors right next to a patient’s room all day and night, leaving patient’s door open constantly and lights on, not understanding communication needs, treating me like autistic means I’m incapable of understanding anything, extreme condescension throughout. I think modern training on what autism means needs to be part of ongoing professional development for doctors and nurses. I held it together for 2 days and then when I couldn’t anymore and broke down crying over the overstimulation and constant contradictory information, was treated like I was intentionally being difficult. I never spoke rudely to anyone, I just cried, and it was treated like awful behaviour.

One positive is that there were a few very kind and compassionate nurses. I understand that staff cannot help that they are stretched so thin due to under staffing and under budgeting, but they absolutely can help their attitudes and the way they speak to patients. I believe doctors acting arrogantly, condescendingly and dismissively adds a layer of stress and confusion on top of an already awful experience.