Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Katejo on January 27, 2016, 05:20:10 PM
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Does anyone else have this problem? I had simply prepared myself for the limited time in the appointment. I had read up using NHS websites on the relationship between menopause & thyroid conditions. It is not as though I had googled unreliable sources. However I still got ticked off for doing any of my own research at all. He claimed I would get high blood pressure through stress by doing so. He did agree on a blood test to check my thyroxine levels but that was it.
I am not going to complain as he did answer my other question ok but it does infuriate me when they behave like that. If it were easier to get an appointment, we wouldn't perhaps need to do it as much.
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I hate being patronised - I had a similar experience from one of the practise nurses a couple of years ago - she implied I was on HRT to stay looking younger and proceeded to give me a lecture on weight loss - I am relatively slim and she was at least 3 stone overweight!!!! . It's a sign of their insecurity - when a patient comes in all clued up it puts them on the back foot - still unforgivable though. I write everything down these days so they have to read my concerns and questions - I print off relevant info to show them as well.
To say that researching on the net will raise your blood pressure is so silly - I would simply have said "I actually find it rather reassuring to find out there is appropriate treatment available!!" Try and see a different GP at the practise next time. Dg x
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Mine are just so quick to attribute everything to my anxiety that I sometimes think if I went in with a great white shark attached to my leg, they'd say "it's just stress."
Recently I got told off for knowing my BP had gone up on some medication - why are you taking your BP? Because you told me to for my diabetic review. Then I got the lecture about it stressing me out, which was true but they'd started it off!!!
Then my diabetic review was carried out by someone fatter me!
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I once had to see a neurosurgeon about my neck condition and had been warned he reduced some patients to tears he was so abrupt and outspoken.
I decided that I would not take offense or let him get to me but I remember one visit he sat there on his side of the desk - huge stomach hanging over his trousers, bald head and only a face a mother could love and he said " do you know if you were thinner you would be quite good looking". I was gobsmacked and kept thinking did he really say that. I found it funny as it was def pot calling the kettle black but could see how others might have been really upset by it.
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Oh Coldethyl, I did laugh at the shark comment, but how frustrating for you and Katejo. You'd think theyd be pleased that unlike a lot of people, we actually take an interest in our health issues and knowing how little time they have to discuss any concerns in great detail, surely by preparing for the appointment it must save a lot of back and forth trying to get to the cause. And don't get me started on all the time wasters that fail to attend their appointments which means that we all have to wait weeks for the appointment in the first place!
S x
I was amazed to get today's appointment. I had made so many attempts to get one that I wrote to the GP and handed the letter in at reception yesterday. Within an hour I got a call offering me today's appointment. My practice normally does same day only appointments due to other patients not turning up. Today I felt that I was well prepared with relevant questions rather than being vague. This GP is an older Asian male. He may be less patronising towards male patients!
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I once had to see a neurosurgeon about my neck condition and had been warned he reduced some patients to tears he was so abrupt and outspoken.
I decided that I would not take offense or let him get to me but I remember one visit he sat there on his side of the desk - huge stomach hanging over his trousers, bald head and only a face a mother could love and he said " do you know if you were thinner you would be quite good looking". I was gobsmacked and kept thinking did he really say that. I found it funny as it was def pot calling the kettle black but could see how others might have been really upset by it.
Ha Ha!
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A friend has changed from 1 Practice to another due to GPs not referring her to a diabetic clinic after diagnosis 5 months ago, she's had no advice other than to keep taking the diabetic 'pills' and when she wanted a blood test in case it is the start of a serious condition, the Nurse said "So you think you've got cancer now then? Too much looking at the inter-net". :bang: It would take 1 blood test to put my friend's mind at rest, regardless of whether it shows the very rare cancer …….. at least then she could move on if treatment were required/not. >sigh<
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This GP is an older Asian male. He may be less patronising towards male patients!
Doesn't always follow. When I had to have a gynae op a few years back I was really hoping for a female gynae - I got one for the initial consultation and she was totally horrible and extremely patronising. The actual op and aftercare was done by an older Asian male who couldn't have been better.
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A friend has changed from 1 Practice to another due to GPs not referring her to a diabetic clinic after diagnosis 5 months ago, she's had no advice other than to keep taking the diabetic 'pills' and when she wanted a blood test in case it is the start of a serious condition, the Nurse said "So you think you've got cancer now then? Too much looking at the inter-net". :bang: It would take 1 blood test to put my friend's mind at rest, regardless of whether it shows the very rare cancer …….. at least then she could move on if treatment were required/not. >sigh<
In 1992 my Mum developed multiple myeloma. She had been to the GP more than once and was fobbed off with painkillers and a recommendation to see an osteopath. Somehow another GP in the practice eventually heard about her case and arranged a Bentz Jones (calcium deposits in urine ) test which helped to give a delayed diagnosis. By then she couldn't walk any more due to the pain. She died 2 months later.
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Bugga ………. That is so sad ………. :bighug: ………. surely it's called 'listening' and 'considering' why a person is suffering consistent symptoms. At a time when we should be pro-active, feeling ill and not being listened to takes the wind of our sales :'(.
In these days of internet where it's all 'out' there, not necessarily all of it correct; I would expect the medical profession to at least take on board what a patient might be suggesting. If only to alleviate mental health issues :-\
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That is very sad Katejo, so sorry for the loss of your Mum.
Most of you here know I changed GP twice before finding a 'decent' one. The last two practices I went to could not give a monkey's. My husband is still with the first practice, he has been treated for folic defiiciency which was just 1 point below ::) been back twice since with exhaustion, constant itching and boils and was finally told a few weeks back there is nothing wrong with him, but we get up too early? I get up at the same time, and I am often tired but not exhausted. I am trying to persuade him to change GP, but as he was told to go back in 2 months if he still feels the same that is what he is going to do.. I find it very worrying.
When I first went to the GP nearly 4 years back with insomnia I was told to go back in 6 months. I went back in 6 months and he still refused to help... I could go on. (and on).
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Could constant itchiness and boils = lack of iron/zinc? Maybe go into a Pharmacist and ask?
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When I went back to the gp last time as my chest infection wouldn't clear up and a pharmacist friend if mine told me to go back, the doctor- not my own and hopefully not one i'll see again, started with telling me it was my asthma and to go to clinic. I explained it never got that bad and it was due to my infection, I was breathless etc.he sent me down fie ECG and when I came back said he had lots of other patients waiting as I'd been there forty minutes..well I thought it would be a quick prescription, how am I supposed to know! He then said well you should have made an appointment for earlier in the day as surgery was closing soon.I pointed out I rang at 8 in the morning and that was the only timethey could get me in! >:(he dismissed that by going yes yes yes.then asked me what the rash was I had on my chest and tummy.I said it wasn't it was just a hot flush when I get stressed..wonder why I was stressed? :)- I said it hadn't been there all day and he said "it must have been". Uh no, it was gone by the time I got home.four times he asked me if I was on blood pressure tabs as it was up.when I said yes he asked if I took them.er no, I spend eight quid on the prescription and then flush them down the loo of course! When I later went to hospital I complained to the doctor there how stressed it made ne.
The GP who saw me yesterday told me that I would get high blood pressure if I searched for symptoms online.
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Bugga ………. That is so sad ………. :bighug: ………. surely it's called 'listening' and 'considering' why a person is suffering consistent symptoms. At a time when we should be pro-active, feeling ill and not being listened to takes the wind of our sales :'(.
In these days of internet where it's all 'out' there, not necessarily all of it correct; I would expect the medical profession to at least take on board what a patient might be suggesting. If only to alleviate mental health issues :-\
The GP could see that I had consulted an NHS web page. What is the point of having them if we aren't supposed to read them? ???
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Because some GPs think they have the font of knowledge? and if they 'allow' patients to interact with up-2-date knowledge, the Surgery might have to pay out for Consultants, tests etc.?
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Re: Patronising GP's
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2016, 06:36:03 PM »
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I once had to see a neurosurgeon about my neck condition and had been warned he reduced some patients to tears he was so abrupt and outspoken.
I decided that I would not take offense or let him get to me but I remember one visit he sat there on his side of the desk - huge stomach hanging over his trousers, bald head and only a face a mother could love and he said " do you know if you were thinner you would be quite good looking". I was gobsmacked and kept thinking did he really say that. I found it funny as it was def pot calling the kettle black but could see how others might have been really upset by it.
As someone who used to work for the gmc that kind of behaviour should be reported that isnt acceptable at all.
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That reminds me of my boss at work many years ago. I was on fertility treatment and put on weight so one day while queuing at the drinks machine be asked me if I was pregnant. When I explained the situation be said that if my husband couldn't manage it, he was more than willing to give it a go.
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So sorry to read all your sad stories :(.
There are good GPS and I have one. My consultant is also excellent. They make me a partner in my own treatment and always talk to me on a level, one to one. They are patient with me when it is clear I have looked something up and acknowledge that I know my own body and discuss why I am concerned. I can contact them by phone (through the secretary in the case of my consultant) and they always get back to me, albeit not immediately as they have other patients.
When I have an appointment with my consultant he has a way of making you feel like you are the only patient he is seeing that day.
I know this thread is about poor and patronising GPs but I wanted to redress the balance and say that there are good ones, I wish you could all find one :hug:
Coldethyl I would have had him for sexual harrassment, that comment was totally inappropriate >:(
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Lancshirelass - I have to admit I was rather speechless but he was a professor of neurosurgery and the top man in his field and compared to what others had had said to them at least mine was a backhanded compliment!
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That reminds me of my boss at work many years ago. I was on fertility treatment and put on weight so one day while queuing at the drinks machine be asked me if I was pregnant. When I explained the situation be said that if my husband couldn't manage it, he was more than willing to give it a go.
I'd lose all respect for a boss who said something like that :o
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My last appointment at the Meno Clinic was so disastrous and upsetting due to the patronising Spanish consultant, that I cried all the way home, then rang Annie Evans to book an appointment.
The Spanish consultant had mis read my notes, thought I was post menopausal, and was basing a new HRT regime based on this incorrect information. Thank God I knew a little about HRT, and corrected her. I think that pissed her off, and she didn't apologise, just mocked me gently 'for readin too much' about HRT on the Internet.
I pointed out that all my knowledge came from this site, which is officially recognised as the 'go to' site in the Meno clinic's literature. I also pointed out having worked as an academic researcher in the past, it was second nature for me to do my research. She didn't like that either.
She ended up saying sarcastically 'well why don't you tell me what you think I should do?'
Well, correctly reading my medical notes would be a start... (I didn't say this).
Doctors are only very human. I know because I was at university with lots of them and have worked in a clinical environment. Some of them ARE on an ego trip and do not like a patient who is informed, educated and articulate. Their actively want to bring them down a peg or two.
I certainly didn't go into my meno appointment being bolshie and opinionated. I was very quiet and feeling low, and it took everything I had to voice an opinion. But I'm glad I did.
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Could constant itchiness and boils = lack of iron/zinc? Maybe go into a Pharmacist and ask?
last blood test showed iron/folic level all good, hence the 'nothing wrong with you' retort. He is currently suffering from yet another bad cold before he had got over the last one. will tell him to ask about zinc thanks :thankyou:
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My DH has had several colds since November - might have to think about him having low zinc levels ::) ???. The 1st 2 he kindly blew in my direction; the 1st wasn't too bad in that I had the sniffles for 2 days, followed by a cough for 10 days; we then had a break between of 9 days before the 2nd Germ manifested itself. I felt worse with that one and coughed for weeks - now he's getting over another (Note to Self!!!)
I never feel rushed when I visit my GP because I take a list and he works down it with me. Other patients haven't been so lucky with him though :-\ ……… and I've worked with some horrors too :-X
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Crikey! nowt changes, it's engrained!
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CLKD - you are so lucky to have a GP who will take time to go through a list with you. At my surgery, as well as posters and a TV screen displaying things you must or must not do, you are advised that only one problem can be discussed at your appointment.
Ariadne xx
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That's up to the patients to a certain degree, if necessary I make a double appt.. Joining the Patient Forum can make a difference but I haven't yet felt it necessary.
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CLKD - you are so lucky to have a GP who will take time to go through a list with you. At my surgery, as well as posters and a TV screen displaying things you must or must not do, you are advised that only one problem can be discussed at your appointment.
Ariadne xx
My practice also has a single problem policy and there is no such thing as a double appointment.
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For the last few months at ours you can't book a face to face appointment, you have to book a telephone appointment and then the doctor will say if he needs to see you or not. To get the telephone consultation appointment it can be a 2 week late and then if they feel they need to see you, add another week on!
It is a strictly one ailment per appointment as well.
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no wonder people go to A & E departments when there are GP practices that are so inaccessible :(
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For the last few months at ours you can't book a face to face appointment, you have to book a telephone appointment and then the doctor will say if he needs to see you or not. To get the telephone consultation appointment it can be a 2 week late and then if they feel they need to see you, add another week on!
It is a strictly one ailment per appointment as well.
Telephone appointments are an absolute pain, simply because they won't tell you the approx time of the call. You have to be on the alert all day at work. Once you miss it, it's hard luck and you start all over again. At least my practice does do the call on the same day.
Patients waiting to see the GP see a video which plays again and again about not bothering the GP with colds and flu.
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Why would anyone go to see their GP with a cold? when there are Pharamices with treatments on their shelving :-\. A cough will go eventually - if one has a chest infection that is different. Or ear-ache that doesn't go within 24 hours. By attending the Waiting Room the Germ is likely to be spread around = more people ill …… so many GPs are asking for sufferers not to go with simple colds/coughs, tummy upsets or other illnesses that can be dealt with at home.
If we remember our Grannies who had to pay for every GP visit - no surgeries for them, house calls if absolutely necessary.
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Why would anyone go to see their GP with a cold? when there are Pharamices with treatments on their shelving :-\. A cough will go eventually - if one has a chest infection that is different. Or ear-ache that doesn't go within 24 hours. By attending the Waiting Room the Germ is likely to be spread around = more people ill …… so many GPs are asking for sufferers not to go with simple colds/coughs, tummy upsets or other illnesses that can be dealt with at home.
If we remember our Grannies who had to pay for every GP visit - no surgeries for them, house calls if absolutely necessary.
True but I have had incorrect info from a pharmacist before as to whether I had a chest infection or not. Suspect that they refer patients to cover their own backs
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I had that years ago when I was on lots of prescribed drugs - I don't think the Pharmacist wanted to take the 'risk' of making suggestions, now I tend to stand my ground ;D …….
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Long may my surgery continue as it is. They have some appt bookable online, some in advance and always lots available on the day if you ring first thing plus they will always see someone if they say they think its an emergency. I booked a double appt online for my preferred Dr just last week because I had a few things to discuss with him and I apologised for the double booking and he said " you can have as long as you like whenever you need it".
A friend of mine has lupus and she is on immune suppressant drug methatrexate so is at high risk of infections. She developed a cough and temp and was seen within hours and given strong antibtioics and a chest x ray arranged which showed she had pneumonia. Goo ness knows that would have happened if she had been left for 2 weeks.
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We are lucky here. More GPs are being employed part-time and locums are always welcomed.
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we have a really good surgery too, there are some out there :)
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we have a really good surgery too, there are some out there :)
Where? When considering a move, I browsed the feedback on the only ones close to me (practices here have a strict catchment area). They all had poor ratings. The only good one in E17 is not close enough.
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I wonder if it depends on how long the Surgeries have been operational and how old the GPs are? :-\
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Probably the area as well. The best surgery I've ever been registered at was one in a very rural part of Devon. It covered a huge but sparsely populated area and most of the patients were hard up farmers or gardeners who were fairly tough and would only take time off work to come in if there was no other option. The GPs had the attitude that if you had bothered to make an appointment then it must be important, so you were never ever brushed off. Then I moved to another rural area, but this time with a lot of wealthy couples with young children. We had huge waiting lists as the mums would bring their kids in for every sniffle or rash. Consultations were much more rushed there and unless you went in with something really obviously wrong, the GPs were inclined to dismiss you.