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[Penguin]

Hi. Do you know if you can refuse info about visits / treatments via a private menopause GP / specialist to be shared with your NHS GP? I would like to see someone privately to discuss (and possibly have tests for) the more niggly things that my (very lovely) NHS GP keeps putting down to anxiety but which I know from here is more likely menopause. Basically I'm seeking a second opinion as to whether I'm doing/ being given all I could be for things but really don't want to upset my GP who is very supportive with regards my anxiety. Its not about sparing his feelings, more about not wanting to risk losing his support if he thinks I've gone over his head. Does anyone know if I can insist they don't pass info on please and keep the two separate?

[CLKD]

Ask him?   He can refer you for a private appt., we are entitled to a 2nd opinion either via the NHS or privately.  If you go via your GP and if the specialist makes suggestions for treatment through your Doctor, the GP is less likely to take the hump.  Seeing someone privately who discusses with your GP will in the long run save you money, as well as your GP being up to date.

Years ago a patient could not see a private practitioner without a GP referral, ethically it's not polite.  How any1 gets to see a private consultant without a referral I still can't understand.

After all, in general a family GP knows the whole history whereas a patient may forget or keep back symptoms that may be important to future treatment.

[CLKD]

I would think that any Consultant worth his salt would advocate sharing with a patient's GP.

[Penguin]

This isn't a consultant though, its one of the menopause specialist clinics (like Newson) that anyone can see. They are GPs who specialise in menopause and you just book an appointment with them direct. I get your point about ethics and agree, but my GP puts absolutely everything (aside from flushes and cycle changes) down to anxiety. I know I'm anxious, but I also now know that my mouth being dry and then burning is much more likely to be menopause than anxiety - in fact, its those niggly meno things that trigger my anxiety. I feel I can't question him once he has already given a diagnosis tho if that makes sense.

[Joaniepat]

You can easily tell the private practitioner that you do not want your GP informed. They would not inform your GP without your permission. You will receive some sort of report and recommendation from the private doctor after your consultation, so if you change your mind about telling the GP you will have something to show them in future.
JP x

[Penguin]

Thanks Joaniepat, that is reassuring to know they need permission. If I have anything different/ extra prescribed then I will decide how to approach that with GP, but at the moment I'm just hoping for a decent length chat with someone who has it as their area of expertise.

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on.  The Clinics are led by medical practitioners with extra knowledge about peri/menopause.

[Penguin]

Thanks, I will do. Appointment looking like being end of August as I'd like to enjoy rest of summer first without worrying about another medical appointment,  they always scare me. Even got scared going to dental hygienist yesterday as hadn't been for a few years and was worried she might see something amiss, silly I know,
but i have to really prepare myself for any type of medical appointment these days, ever since my mum  🙄

[CLKD]

Nowt is silly!  Although I love our dentist to bits and the hygienist is great, I'm never easy until out of That Chair.

I would make the appt well ahead and enjoy the Summer. 

[meno-mel]

You could get advice confidentially from any doctor by saying you want it kept quiet, but I doubt they would give you any medication without the involvement of your GP because as CLKD says the GP knows all your history (in theory).

I think that is where you'll meet a problem with following the advice of doctor number two unless you tell your GP "This specialist said to give me this medicine" which requires the GP knowing.

Tricky one and I know just what you mean about the support. Tell a man he's not doing as good a job as another and he'll often stop trying at all.

[meno-mel]

Have you tried Sea Buckthorn for the dry mouth?

I take it for dry eyes, but since taking it I've noticed I don't get a dry mouth any more, I used to get a dry mouth a lot.

[Penguin]

Thanks Meno-mel, yes you are right, I am just hoping that nothing extra is needed!

No I haven't taken sea buckthorn, are they capsules or liquid? I'd be interested in trying anything to help with the mouth, it is not all the time but when it flares up it drives me nuts! Are you able to recommend a brand please?

[CLKD]

I know where sea buckthorn grows in the wild - is it taken by oral capsules?

[meno-mel]

Thanks Meno-mel, yes you are right, I am just hoping that nothing extra is needed!

No I haven't taken sea buckthorn, are they capsules or liquid? I'd be interested in trying anything to help with the mouth, it is not all the time but when it flares up it drives me nuts! Are you able to recommend a brand please?

The one I'm taking is from Holland & Barrett, Super Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn oil, it comes in soft squishy capsules and I've just noticed it's to be taken two a day. Well I'll keep taking one a day because that works well for me!

[Penguin]

Thanks, I'm going to get some of these, worth a try eh! Even if it just helped my eyes I'd be pleased, nothing seems long lasting for them.