From J. Camilleri

It all started a month ago, when I could not even lift a glass of water because of immense pain in my arms, so much so that when I finally decided to tell a friend of mine who works in hospital, she advised me to have it seen to. I got to Casualty at 4am, but since I had not been called by 8am, I had to leave and obviously I was angry.

That same evening, as I was still in such pain, I went to the polyclinic. The service was very quick and I was out in a matter of minutes after having been prescribed some painkillers. The doctor said I had nothing to worry about as it was not life threatening. However, as the days went by, the pain worsened and I was persuaded to visit the hospital once again.

On 16 October, I was back in Casualty, where I underwent a battery of tests, blood samples, X-rays, and physicals. They recommended that I be admitted for more tests, which I refused. They diagnosed probable fibromyalgia and I was prescribed medication.

The pain increased and spread, so on 19 October I went once again to casualty, and had to undergo the same battery of tests I had three days earlier. However, they did not increase or amend the medication and I left none the wiser.

On 22 October, I went to Casualty for the third time, feeling feverish and weak, apart from the unbearable pain. This time I accepted admittance to avoid having to undergo all the tests a third time. I was given a heavy painkiller, which did not work, and my doctor, Dr Lyn Grech was very worried and concerned, coming to see to me, at various intervals. Once I was in my ward, I realised that I had not been given my medication and when my friend went to enquire, the ward staff realised that they were not aware that I had to have further painkillers.

My consultant came to see me next day at 11.30am. When he asked how I was feeling, I answered that I was very much in pain, very weak and could hardly move. Once again I had to undergo a painful physical examination, after which I was advised that I was fine and I could go home. As soon as he left my bedside, the nurse came up to me requesting that I move to the waiting room, as they needed my bed. I was given an outpatient appointment in six months’ time! The questions arise… who is this doctor? How can he assume that I am fine when I was feeling so much pain and was so weak? I resisted being admitted, and it seems that I must have had an insight as to what was about to happen. To this day, I am still very much in pain and none the wiser as to what my condition entails, its progression and how to combat it.

Jean Camilleri