During my recent stay (last week) in ER I was begging doctors and nurses to allow me to stay in more quiet part but they had no mercy.
I was in unbearable pain but I was in more distress from my brain and ears being on fire from all the noises there, I was in tears pacing up and down corridors.
Nurses were true blue bitches who kept pushing me back into some noisy room while there were 3-4 empty cubicles that were much quieter and would make my stay more "enjoyable".
One asked if I suffer from anxiety then called someone to say I'm having a panic attack.
Far out! I said to her she has no idea what she's taking about! I said my ears are hurting and if I can be transferred to a cubicle.
Nope.....
And while I understand that ER is a busy place and they have no time to waste I don't think such an ignorant attitude is granted considering there were options available to make me less miserable.
So I'm writing a letter to ER director, I'm not expecting a change but it can't hurt just to bring to his attention that tinnitus and hyperacusis are very serious and patient in distress should be listened to and not made look crazy.
My experience with medical professionals here in Australia has been nothing but horror movie, from the very first ENT who told me that people with tinnitus commit suicide to not even been seen in ER when I presented suicidal TWICE earlier this year.
Not to mention bunch of idiots in between!
I don't think any other condition is more misunderstood and marginalised than tinnitus!
Please God give me something "sexy" to suffer from!
I'm so sorry to hear this, Val. Not only are you suffering with this condition but you have to put up with people's lack of awareness and incompetence. It's unacceptable.
I'm glad to hear you're going to write to the director about this.