Our Great Cause of 2019 is...

@JosephineO‍ ... Thank you for the results of the poll! 

It would be such a great help if getting the right diagnosis was made in so many countries, so many hospitals and from so many Doctors, Specialists etc. after the relative testing. 

I am sure it is very frustrating for the Doctor/Specialist/Nurses also who are pressurised by the patient. Many people persist and force the Doctor for a diagnosis, which can be incorrectly made, meanwhile he/she is still trying to find out the cause of a condition. There are so many symptoms which can be the root of so many other health problems, that only by more detailed investigation can they find out the ailment deep down. I admire all our Nurses/Doctors/Specialists etc. for going into the medical field; we owe so much to them! 

Coming from Africa and after spending 61 years in two countries that have a shortage of medication, few Doctors/Specialists/Nurses,  no information/knowledge on medical conditions, and broken down equipment that is never repaired, I am grateful to wait a little longer for a proper diagnosis knowing in more detail what part of the brain is affected etc. 

Initially, living in Zimbabwe at the age of 16, no one there knew what epilepsy was; I was sent to South Africa and only after three years was the correct diagnosis made. Due to lack of knowledge, many anti-epileptic medications were given, whether they helped or not didn't matter. The memory of an EEG, lumbar punctures, hypnosis and many more unnecessary tests is still so clear in my mind; together with the drastic shortage of medication when needed. The knowledge of an MRI wasn't even known! We had no choice; take it or leave it! 

Since re-locating to the UK, I am grateful for the medical service received so far, and know that with even being on a waiting list for further review and testing, a final outcome and proper detailed diagnosis will be reached. People are very quick to complain about the health system but I must admit, I am happy to wait! 

@lesmal Hi Les,

Thank you for this interesting post. When you compare the NHS to other countries, we are indeed very lucky to have a lot of the services and facilities that we have. It must have been such a difficult (and scary!) time spending three years looking for a diagnosis.

I wonder have any other members experienced similar waits for their diagnosis?