Wonder of wonders - I got an appointment with a GP tomorrow - a cancellation freed up a 10 minute slot. I hadn't realised I was being such a pain and I apologise to everyone on the forum who've waded through my comments, stories and moans. Shan't do it again. Actually, I don't think I'm either adding or gaining anything from posting so I shall stop. Best wishes to you all and hopefully good health in the future.
Ann, we all vent our highs and lows on the forum, in one place of another. If, on looking back, you note you have had a few things going in the wrong direction, then surely it has already served a valuable purpose?
Our surgery isn't perfect, although we do have a sit and wait clinic every day for "urgent" issues, so that's is always a great fall-back. For the more routine things, the wait can be longer, but if faced with that, even though I could be grumpy about it at the time, I usually would accept the offered appointment and set myself a reminder nearer the time to gauge whether I still need it or not. If I do, I go. If I feel not, I cancel it.
I know that isn't the way it should be, but it is the way it is, in my world.
The private sector is not necessarily any better. I see an Endo. He is the Grand Fromage in our CCG for the Endo matters I see him about. He works in the NHS, lectures at the University, and does sessions in the Private Sector. He does one session at the local Spire Hospital, and one in the local BUPA. They get very booked, plus, of course, he has the same requirements for holidays and time away from work as the rest of us.
When I last needed a referral to him, my GP offered both routes, but to go privately, I could only, literally, see him days before the NHS offering. Same guy. Same issue, but a difference of £210 consultation fee, plus £500, per month, for medication, versus no cost at the point of delivery. Thus far I have been on that medication 3 months, but have another 6 months supply dispensed. Needless to say, I made myself be patient.
Will he continue with the medication, when I see him, post-trial, in May? I hope so, but I have no idea. However, he will get a decent run for his money if he argues otherwise.
Sometimes our NHS drives each of us barking, but sadly it has become a service we each have to manage, to our own best ends.
I really hope you get some decent outcomes from your appointment today. If you are unhappy with the outcome, ask for a referral. If referrals are not forthcoming, escalate it up. You have too much going on to ignore, in my view.
None of us get more that one run at this life.
