At 3.30 am, On May 14, I sought treatment at a clinic complaining of painful urination and abdominal discomfort of increasing severity. Fearing an infection, I requested for a urine analysis. This was the beginning of my traumatic experience under the care of the attending doctor and clinic nurse.

Firstly, I was instructed to produce a urine sample in an old and dirty bottle. Only after repeated insistence for a new and unused urine sample bottle was I handed one. When I returned with the urine sample, the doctor was seemingly unable to interpret the results of the strip. It was clear to me and my husband that this doctor was lacking very basic clinical skills to the extent that he was struggling with something as simple as a urine dipstick investigation.

A diagnosis of urinary tract infection was confirmed based on the presence of blood, protein and nitrites. I was then directed to consume a clear fluid poured onto a dirty, disposable plastic spoon and two white tablets, none of which I was given any information on. Only on my husband's insistence did I learn that the two tablets were frusemide. Trusting this doctor, I consumed the tablets as instructed not knowing then that frusemide was a potent diuretic used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney failure and edema (generalised swelling because of excessive fluids in the body).

I was then instructed to lie on the bed for an intramuscular injection of antibiotic. Once again, I was not informed of the name of the medication nor was I asked if I was allergic to any drugs. What transpired next was most unbelievable. The doctor exposed me in full view, while the clinic door was still wide open. He even administered the injection without gloves.

I was sent home with some antibiotics, painkillers, liquid potassium citrate solution and frusemide. However, my ordeal did not end here.Three hours later at home, I awoke from sleep to head for the washroom for the sixth time, undoubtedly because of the effect of frusemide that increases urine volume and frequency.

In the washroom, I developed a sudden, severe dizziness following which I collapsed, hitting my head in the process. I recall my husband breaking down the door and carrying me out. In retrospect, I have learnt that my blood pressure was low and my body dehydrated as a result of the frusemide..

Still, the worst is yet to come. When I finally came to, I was on the bed with severe spasms of my hands, feet and jaw, with painful pins and needles. I later learnt these were the result of a low calcium level in the blood, a known side effect of the drug frusemide.

Alarmed, my husband tried to contact the clinic using the number provided in the medical certificate but to no avail despite repeated attempts. The number was apparently not in service .

At 8am, my brother, re-visited the clinic demanding a full explanation of what had happened. The same doctor denied any impropriety in the management of my urinary tract infection, proclaiming that he has always been employing the same cocktail of drugs for urinary infection and with much patient satisfaction. I wonder how many unsuspecting patients like myself have suffered under this incompetent doctor.

I have written a formal complaint letter to the Malaysian Medical Council regarding the mismanagement of what should have been an otherwise simple urinary tract infection. In the mean time, I plead with my fellow Malaysians to be more discerning when seeking medical treatment. Consult only the truly qualified physicians, even if it only for a small ailment. I also advise patients to be more vigilant about their rights. Those who have suffered questionable consequences should report it to the Council for the sake of public health and safety.

I could have died as a result of wrongly prescribed medication. Others may not have been as lucky as me.