I've been diagnosed with advanced cancer just recently. Due to my pain, I've been prescribed Tramadol. The night before, I already couldn't sleep, but last night my pain was so strong even though I took double the dose, I called an ambulance. That all went smooth, I showed them my documents and they brought me to the hospital that has been treating me.
In the ER the doctor did a CT and explained to me how the cancer is causing the pain (showing me how it has progressed since last CT) and… said they couldn't give me anything else. In begged them for an hour and I asked them if I could stay in the hospital tonight but they rejected it and said they didn't have any free beds after apparently consulting with their senior.
My very first oncology appointment after the diagnosis is only at the end of the week even though I pushed them to get me one as early as possible. I'll go to the hospital tomorrow and ask to see the doctor even earlier, but I'm scared of the night that's about to come (in daytime it is bearable with meds, in the night (or generally when lying down) it is horrifying, no idea why), and I'm afraid they will just tell me that I can't see the oncologist earlier.
I knew that Japan was not great with painkillers, but I'm shocked with that experience and I have lost a part of my faith into Japanese healthcare system.
Sorry for that, but I needed to get it off my chest.
by nainballs