Things are looking more hopeful. The surgery is actually a branch one from the main hospital in our nearest town. The branch surgery receptionist told me that the only way I could be seen at the main surgery was to turn up in person and wait in case there was a free space. She said there might not be and I might have to turn up several days running before I could be seen. I have caring responsibilities and there is no way I can spend days sitting around at a hospital in the hope I can be seen, so I had given up that idea.
This morning, I rang the main surgery direct and that receptionist was really helpful. She said they take same day appointments at 8am every morning, so I have to ring (NOT visit in person) then to see if I can get one. She said I should be able to be seen tomorrow, Friday or Tuesday and if that doesn't work, I can ask for an 'urgent' appointment if I am really worried and should be able to be seen by the end of next week at the latest. And it will be a set appointment time, so I can just turn up for that time, not wait all day.
So I am going to be poised by the phone for 8am tomorrow! Very relieved. I know it's 'probably' nothing, but I'd rather find out sooner than later. Plus it's so uncomfortable, it's driving me mad!
Not very impressed by my first experience of my new surgery though. (I've just moved and registered) Hope the actual GPs are more helpful than the admin staff!