30/08/2026
31.08.2026 8 HOURS IN EMERGENCY… AND 1 HOUR TO BE SEEN 😔💔 | WHEN YOU’RE IN PAIN, YOU LEARN TO SPEAK UP
Sometimes you go to hospital because you’re genuinely worried that something serious is happening, only to spend hours sitting there wondering whether anyone is listening.
Why I Went to Emergency
I went to see my GP because my symptoms had been getting worse.
I’ve been living with cervical spine degeneration since around 40 and lumbar degeneration since around 50 but since last Monday the pain and symptoms have felt different.
I’ve had EXCRUCIATING pain starting on the left side of my neck, moving across my left clavicle and scapula and radiating down my left arm into my fingers. The numbness has been getting worse and I’ve noticed weakness and loss of grip in my fingers.
I also have a painful lump-like area on my head which was another concern.
Because of the worsening numbness and weakness in my fingers, my GP was particularly concerned and referred me to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department for a neurological assessment. He also suggested that a brain MRI might be needed because of the symptoms involving my head.
The MRI I’m currently waiting for was requested by my physiotherapist and I’m hoping the results will finally provide some answers.
What Happened When I Arrived
When I arrived at Emergency, my referral was seen and I entered the waiting process.
However, during the first 5 hours, my vital signs weren’t checked.
Because I was in agony, I eventually approached a nurse myself and asked whether I could have pain relief and have my blood pressure checked. My blood pressure has always been on the high side, so I was concerned about that as well.
After that, the waiting continued.
The Timeline
8 HOURS passed before I was finally called in at around 12am.
I saw the registrar at approximately 12:15 am and was discharged at around 1:05 am.
My Discharge Plan
The plan was to follow up with my GP regarding pain relief, including neuropathic analgesia. I was told that Emergency could not prescribe strong pain relief, so for now I have to manage with Panadol and Nurofen as advised.
I’m also trying to manage the pain with the things I have available, including a TENS machine, HEAT packs, SAUNA and SPA treatments.
I was advised to return to my physiotherapist to discuss the MRI results and further treatment.
For the lump on my head, I was advised that it was not considered an urgent Emergency issue at this stage and the plan was to follow this up with my GP and have the head/brain MRI scan arranged as an outpatient investigation.
I was also advised to return to Emergency if I develop symptoms of cauda equina syndrome or any other serious or worsening symptoms.
After all those hours, I was advised to continue following up with my GP and physiotherapist, as the main issue appeared to be related to my spine.
How It Felt as a Patient
I completely understand that Emergency is extremely busy and that there are patients who are much more critically unwell. I am not blaming the nurses or doctors who are working under enormous pressure.
However, as a patient, the experience was still incredibly frustrating.
When your GP sends you to Emergency because of worsening numbness, weakness, loss of grip and a painful lump on your head, you naturally expect those symptoms to be assessed and monitored while you wait.
Instead, I waited 5 hours without having my vital signs checked and eventually had to speak up for myself because I was in unbearable pain.
At one point, I honestly thought:
“Did I just waste 8 hours of my life?” 😔
My Husband’s Reaction
My husband was not happy seeing me go through all of this. He even suggested that I should be added to his private hospital cover.
I’ve only been paying for extras cover with my private health insurance, so this experience has definitely made us think about whether we should change that.
Looking Back
Maybe going to Emergency was still the right decision. Maybe they ruled out something immediately life-threatening, and now I simply need to wait for my MRI results.
But when you’re the person experiencing the pain, numbness and weakness, waiting is not easy.
This experience has reminded me of one thing:
Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself when you know something isn’t right with your body.
I’m now praying that my MRI results will finally give me some answers and that I can receive the right treatment for whatever is causing this pain and weakness. 🙏❤️
Have you ever spent hours in Emergency while in severe pain? What was your experience?
👇 Share your experience — I’d love to know I’m not the only one.
