"My lumbar puncture and the neurology team"

I was scheduled an LP under the neurology team, three months after it has been decided that I need one. The neurology secretary did liaise with ward 23A and said they would book me on a day there is a staff to do it for me. I have taken leave for the date I’m scheduled and the three days before as I need a COVID test. A lot of preparations I made to have that week off.

On the Monday afternoon before the date of the procedure on Thursday I got a random phone call from ward assistant to say there will be no doctor on Thursday to do it, they could not explain reasons behind the sudden change and that It has to be Friday instead but they wanted me to still do COVID test on Tuesday. On the day of the LP I was seen by who I think was an inexperienced doctor who attempted the Lp numerous times to get it. Although they injected local anaesthetic, they did not give it time to work and was stabbing by back repeatedly I was shaky sweaty screaming with pain as they hit my nerve bundle as well when attempting that caused me a spasm in my groin and right leg. I am sure they should have re injected another dose of local anaesthetic and not let me continue screaming with pain.

After the procedure I had right sided back pain and spasms I asked for oral pain relief three times once I asked the student nurse on second occasion the nurse in charge and third time I asked the nurse looking after me all of them were reluctant to give me anything the nurse in charge told me it involves getting the doctor to write a kardex to administer medications. I was lucky found one paracetamol tablet in my bag but still did nothing for the amount of pain I had so I asked for ibuprofen but I was not given anything. The procedure and lying down after takes in total two hours but in My case I was told to leave after one hour and fifteen minutes because they need the bed. I had to get up and walk in a lot of pain and I had a vasovagal faint at reception but still had to get up and leave that place.

As a result I had severe post LP headache for more than two weeks nothing comfort me I was on the floor most of that time rolling in pain have taken packs of paracetamol and ibuprofen.  The GP got in contact with the hospital for a solution but who answered was the same doctor who did the in my opinion incompetent procedure and told the GP they do not know what else to offer other than drinking fluids. They promised to ask their consultant and get back to either me or the Gp but they never did.

I was taken by s as family member to AE department in another hospital in another trust as he could not believe how incompetent and awful my experience at Ninewells hospital was. In the other hospital I got examined and I received the care I deserve. I’m mentally and physically traumatised by this awful experience and I developed anxiety from hospitals and anything to do with the NHS.