"Hospital dismissing my pain"

I have been to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital three times in the past six months. The first two times were for serotonin syndrome— a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action and at least 24 hours of observation to prevent coma or death. I knew what was happening to me. My psychiatrist had educated me on the warning signs, especially since I was taking a new ADHD medication alongside my antidepressants. He made it clear: if I experienced any symptoms, I needed to get to the emergency department immediately.

Both times, I did exactly that. Both times, I waited over two hours before seeing a doctor. Both times, I was sent home.

I believe that if I hadn’t stopped taking my medication on my own, there’s a real possibility I wouldn’t be here today. That thought haunts me. What I believe to be negligence is terrifying.

Recently, I found myself back in the emergency department yet again—this time with symptoms that have been worsening for weeks:

•Persistent, daily headaches for the last 3-4 weeks

•A burning, tingling sensation in my feet and lower legs

•Tremors

•Nausea

•A stiff neck

•Chest tightness, like something was crushing me

•Shooting pain down my left arm

•Lower back and stomach pain

•Tingling in the left side of my face

•Difficulty forming words, stuttering, brain fog, and confusion

•My left arm tingling and my feet turning dark blue

Despite these symptoms, I sat in the waiting room for hours before seeing a doctor. I was visibly distressed, and yet, I was seemingly ignored. It felt like my symptoms were dismissed the moment I walked in—assumed to be “just mental health” and therefore not urgent.

It’s hard not to believe that my age and gender played a role in this. I am a young adult, and time and time again, I see young women treated as if our pain is imaginary, exaggerated, or just anxiety. Last night, I watched men who came in with stomach pain be seen within an hour. Meanwhile, despite experiencing chest pain, no X-ray was done. Despite nearly a month of persistent headaches, no scan was done. Despite severe stomach pain and bloating, no abdominal imaging was done.

Instead, they ran a quick ECG, took some blood, and sent me home. No answers. No concern. I am still experiencing every single one of these symptoms, and I am terrified of how much worse this will get.

I have seen four different GPs, all of whom I felt have brushed me off. I feel invisible. I feel unheard. I feel like I am screaming for help, and no one is listening. I am in constant pain, and I don’t know what to do.

Since last night, I have felt utterly defeated. I am struggling with suicidal thoughts because, honestly, I don’t know what else to do to be taken seriously. It feels like the only way I will get help is if I become unresponsive.

I don’t know where to turn. I don’t know who will listen. And I still don’t know what’s wrong with me.