Source – https://www.mirror.co.uk/
Reece Ciani had been complaining of the problem for a week, he went to the doctors several times and called six ambulances before he was diagnosed and placed in a coma.
Reece Ciani had been complaining of the problem for a week, he went to the doctors and called six ambulances before the severity of his condition was diagnosed and he was placed in a coma.
The father-of-two claims doctors and paramedics in Portsmouth, first treated his pain as an ear infection and a migraine.
Reece said: “I feel ignored – the doctors let me down. They should have seen the signs earlier. Maybe it’s because of Covid-19, but they didn’t help me until the last phone call.
“I’m speaking out now because I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’m going through. They should have helped with it sooner.”
“I’m still not very well. My memory is really disjointed and it’s hard to remember things. I woke up from the coma and didn’t know what was going on.
“I feel like I’m starting my whole life again. I’ve got a 14-month-old baby – I feel like he does! I can’t walk.”
Reece’s family say he first visited a doctor on October 20, where he was prescribed a nasal spray for an ear infection.
He deteriorated quickly the next day – to the point he was suffering extreme pain in his head and he was bleeding from his right ear.
It is claimed he then called 999 and paramedics attended, who advised him to visit his doctor again – which he did.
This time Reece was prescribed a course of antibiotics for a suspected infection and a burst ear drum.
But five days later still in pain he visited his local medical centre – for a third time.
His family say he was again given antibiotics but the agony became so severe later that day he called 999 again.
On this occasion paramedics treated him for a migraine.
Fearing for Reece, partner Tilly Mae-Wells, 20, dialled 999 again the next day and he was rushed to hospital.
He was then put induced into a coma and placed on life support while doctors worked to save his life after discovering he had potentially fatal meningitis.
Mum April Lawley, 48, said: “It’s been devastating. They couldn’t tell us if he was going to live or die [in the hospital].”
South Central Ambulance Service said Reece could contact the patient experience team to raise their concerns.
An ambulance spokesman said: “Paramedics do not diagnose illnesses, such as meningitis – this is done by GPs or hospital doctors.