Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: vickypk on December 13, 2017, 10:58:18 PM
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I moved to the coast a few months ago and saw my new GP today.
I've not been feeling great with the moving but he said I should stop HRt evorel conti because of my age 60 and take venlafaxine.
I said to him I feel so much better than I did 2 years ago with terrible anxiety and burning bladder problems. He said he had never heard of the menopause affecting them so badly it must be something else.
That didn't go well
Hope to hear from you for advice as what to do next
Thank you
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Oh dear... Not an encouraging start I agree ::)
Looks like it might be an idea to go armed with a print out of information you have sourced to help bring your new GP up to date., next time you see him. Failing that, is there another GP in the practice that is more interested in Women's Health?
Have you researched 'menopause symptom diaries' the one I use has a long list of symptoms- a very long list :)
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Get a second opinion.
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What a blow vickypk - and you have to either tackle him as Salad says - with up to date information - or find another GP in the practice. He knows nothing about menopause. You do not need to take ADs instead of HRT - how very dare he?!
If you need any links then ask away - but NICE Guidelines are a good start, also the B Menopause Soc statement and recommendations on HRT. I have them somewhere but I'm sure you can find them too let us know if not!
Hurdity x
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He's an idiot.
I have never heard someone physically speaking Norwegian, but I do know the language exists.
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He's talking rubbish and didn't your GP send your details to the new Surgery?
See if there is another GP Surgery in your area? Or ring your previous GP and speak to him/her?
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Yet another useless doctor who doesn't know what they are talking about. I know it should not be necessary but that is the reason so many of us have been forced to seek help privately. Most of us haven't got the time or the inclination to faff (I was tempted to use another word there) about with a doctor like that and just want to fast track to something that works.
You were obviously happy with your regime and don't need a new consultation so why not go to a private doctor on a one-off basis and get hold of a private prescription and buy yourself some time? Some doctors do private telephone consultations if that helps.
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Thank you all so much for your replies.
They are all very helpful.
Mary G - I was looking for a private menopause consultant in Bournemouth or nearby, but I couldn't find anyone. I'll go to Harley St if I need to. I just couldn't believe the way he spoke to me, he said you are not in London now, as if he had never heard of anyone have symptoms with the menopause and I felt as if I was mad. I think why did I ever leave London!
CLKD - I did say to my GP in London before I left would I be able to get the patches at my new surgery, she said I would.
GypsyRoseLee - yep he is an idiot!
Hurdity - I will take some print outs next time I visit him, that will be soon as he only gave me a prescription for a month. I am not very confident with doctors. He went through every risk possible regarding HRT and said it was very dangerous at my age, to offer me venlafaxine instead, I said to him why you offering me an anti depressant.
Salad - Thanks I will take printouts next time I visit.
Not knowing now if I will get HRT from that GP has made me feel really down and fed up. I came out of the consultation with him saying I need to get some counselling, because he said reacting the way I did when he might not continue HRT wasn't normal. The thought of not being able to get the patches and the symptoms I had before, I just feel like giving up with everything. I'm sorry I ever moved here.
Thank you xx
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vickypk, not only is this bloke an idiot, he is an idiot with an enormous chip on his shoulder by the sound of it.
Dare I suggest you ring Professor Studd's office in London? He does telephone consultations and will write you a prescription. Alternatively, there must be some private GPs around who will give you a telephone consultation and prescription for a fee? Have you tried contacting the online pharmacies, they offer private prescriptions I believe. How much HRT have you got left?
Despite the new NICE guidelines, this problem comes up on here time and time again.
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Thank you Mary G
The Dr was male and in his 40s, not sure how he would know what it is like to have menopause symptoms.
I went in feeling great I came out feeling like a mad woman who needed help! I had to look at the screen with him for about 10 minutes with him going through every single risk of HRT and then he said your family would't be too happy with me if I hadn't told you the risks. I just couldn't believe it. Then he said I am surprised the GP in London was still prescribing this at your age. I know anti depressants help a lot of people but why take me off the patches and put me on an AD.
I have looked at those on-line pharmacies before but have never used them, I will have a look at those thanks. I've got about 6 weeks worth now, that will give me time to sort something out.
xx
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What an absolute disgrace vickypk. He really does need a dressing down from an army of meno ladies. He might not be so smug then. Does he not have a mother or maybe they are a family that just do not discuss stuff. Shame on him to discount your present regime with no background on you at all. Most surgeries have more than one go in the practice and you can go to any of them within the oractice so take a look at their website and see what they specialise in and maybe you will have someone less feckless than a smug youngster. Good luck
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Thank you Herdwick.
I'll have to look for a lady GP in that practice, don't know if I can face him again. Like a lot of ladies on this site we have been through a lot just to feel a bit better and when you encounter someone like that it is unbelievable.
xx
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He is absolutely old school! Sounds a bit like my GP ( whom I now refuse to see). She told me I shouldn't be on HRT as I was over 60 and "it can only lead to cancer and let's hope it hasn't already" ( I went to her with pelvic pain). She made several of my neighbours come off it (in their 60's) and now they are suffering.
There is no need to go privately - (although I can't blame you if you do - given your treatment) - I do feel that we women need to do our bit in educating doctors and GP practices from the bottom up - to complement the work of Dr Currie, other specialist gyanes and the British Menopause Society. If you live in Dorset or Hampshire or Bournemouth - there is an NHS menopause clinic in Poole led by Mr Tim Hillard (I presume it still runs) - so if your practice is not playing nor providing you with what you need then I would ask to be referred there (as long as you are given HRT in the meantime while waiting for your appt).
Do not despair and as for his comments about counselling - HE IS NOT NORMAL!!!!
I hope you manage to get sorted without having to go through private channels and buying meds online. Don't forget this is your right - to have the correct treatment free - apart from the prescrption cost if you're under 60 or on benefits.
You could always do an e-mail consultation with Dr Currie (costs £25 - go to Home Page) citing your doc's reason for taking you off HRT ( risks etc) and ask her if you should stop - and then at least you can take her reply to your ( hopefully different) doc!
Do let us know how you get on ....
Hurdity x
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Ring your other GP and tell her that you have been refused treatment. Ask if she can send you the prescription to se you through for a few months until you source another Surgery!
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Thanks for your reply Hurdity.
It has upset me a lot with this GP, I didn't expect that. He just tried to scare me into stopping telling me all the risks. My GP in London was lovely she was so understanding. It is a shame we have to go through this sort of thing, I hope in the future GPs get better educated about the menopause. I am speaking to the GP next week again as I want to make sure he is going to give me the prescriptions for the patches in the future.
I had a look at the consultant you suggested Dr Tim Hillard, he is quite close to me thanks.
I don't really want to buy meds on line as I would never be sure if they are okay.
I will let you know how I get on
Vicky x
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Thanks CLKD. I did think of getting in touch with my old GP. See how I get on next week I've got a phone consultation with this GP as I want to find out if he will continue with the prescriptions.
Vicky x
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Good luck vickypk. Keep us updated on your progress
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Speak with your GP first! so that you are armed. She should know that the new one isn't willing to prescribe HRT. This is also something that Dr Currie should be made aware of ............ :-\ obviously the message isn't getting through!!
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Thanks CKLD. I know I hope women in the future don't have to go through this sort of thing one day. I went in to that consultation feeling great came out feeling so down. He emphasised every risk with HRT. None of us want to take any medication but it's quality of life and it's been proven the risks outweigh the benefits.
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Oops meant to say benefits outweigh the risks
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I wonder how much apparent ignorance with GPs is money driven? Why don't GPs listen to their patients (this is common across many health worries). We know our bodies/children better than they do!
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As you get older the risks for everything seem to increase. There are risks in stopping taking things too.
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What an idiot. Unfortunately there r a lot of them about. I have seen my fair share including so called specialist consultants. All the advice here is great. Oh amd gos get £160 for every diagnosis of depressipn and issuing antidepressants..just putting that put there!! Hope u get sorted xxx
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Thanks Tinkberbellj
That's not surprising to hear. I never even said to the GP I was depressed. He said the AD would help with hot flushes, never said that either. Just said I wanted to stay on the patches.
You sound like you have been through a lot with doctors too. I hope the menopause doctors who lecture GP's about the menopause get the message out there soon.
We are lucky to get a good GP as I had in london. Hope you are doing fine. Xx
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I have just been told that I will have to be weaned off when I get to 5 years because the risks outweigh the benefits.
What does it take to get through to GP's surgeries these days! It is supposed to be the communication age. I think everyone sticks their fingers in their ears. ???
I am hoping (probably against hope) that something will have changed in the next couple of years as I don't want to have to start a battle or pay for a consultation. :(
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Hi. I don't know what' going on. I've just gone downhill this week. I don't want to leave the house now. I went back to that same GP and he said my BP is 150/83 when he took I and I can have a stroke anytime with the HRT. He wanted m to take venlafaxine, clonodene and blood pressure medication. So I tried BP medication, took a tablet 2.30am that night I woke gasping for breath. Terrified me! GP said to stop tablet. My BP at home is 125/78. I'm just in a bad state thinking I'm going to die soon from stroke and he kept saying it to me. Just cry all day now.
Xx
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Hello vickypk.
Your GP has managed to terrify you with his out dated ideas, what happened to ‘ do no harm '. Fortunately the ladies on this site have your back!
I'm sure an email from Dr Currie would reassure you about your HRT and you could then print out her reply and take it with you to future GP appointments. Also perhaps ring round other surgeries and see if you can find a menopause friendly doctor.
It's unfortunate that so many of us have to fight this battle when we are feeling vulnerable but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.
Take care and keep posting.
K.
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Hi vickypk,
If your BP at home is only 125/78 then you don't need medication for it. Lots of people get a higher reading in the surgery, it's known as white coat syndrome. It is customary for them to do more than one reading if the first one is a bit high, but I suppose sometimes there are time constraints.
Of course you are not going to have a stroke. Why would you? Your GP is a sadist.
I agree with everything Kathleen says, and hope that after Christmas you will be able to find a better GP.
Take care, and if you need support you know you can always find it on MM.
:bighug:
JP x
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You are in my thoughts vickypk. You definitely need to see someone else. We have your back here on MM. Here's hoping you can relax a little over Christmas knowing your reading is okay at home. Big hugs
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Thank you Kathleen, Herdwick and Joaniepat
Thanks so much for your replies, they are very much appreciated.
I had to have an ecg today because the GP said my heart may now be affected because of the BP, the nurse said the ecg looked fine.
I didn't hear anything from the GP today, so hopefully that is okay.
I seemed to have slipped into a depression with all this with the GP and how afraid I feel with everything now. I just can't get myself out of it. Even when I go running I think something is going to happen to me.
xx
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Oh dear vickypk. Try very hard when you get the dark thoughts to let them go. You are feeding the GP and he doesn't give a fig so when it pops in to your head try to shut it out and hopefully you will begin to feel better in the coming days. Just keep saying to yourself that you were okay before you saw the ignorant man and because you are still able to take what you were taking before your move you really will be okay again
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Vickypk - Write down everything you are feeling. List the reasons why you are feeling so low in a clear, concise way that makes sense - get somebody to read this to make sure it comes across in the right way. Your high blood pressure could well be associated with the anxiety resulting from poor treatment. If you are fit, active, slim and have a good diet, then why is your blood pressure high???!!!! At your appointment you could actually show this to the GP to highlight how the way that GP treated you has triggered a sense of despondency, as you feel he didn't understand, or even care, how his attitude effected you. To fob you off with ADs that can also give nasty side effects is not a positive way forward - you didn't feel this low before that dreadful appointment with him!!! When offering the ADs, did he explain the risks and side effects - many feel a lot worse for a few weeks before feeling better???
His lack of understanding and support is awful - ‘white coat' high blood pressure is common and you are naturally now so tense when you go to the surgery your pressure will be up. To simply tell you all the risks of HRT and to state you will get a stroke if you continue on HRT, totally ignores all the benefits. If your blood pressure is continuously high, then with appropriate medication, you should be able to continue with HRT.
DG x
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Yep DG - my husband is the most calmest person you will ever meet and he has white coat syndrome. Risk of stroke indeed, if your GP is really worried about that he should have referred you to the appropriate Hospital Consultant ::).
Heart affected by one BP Tablet! how ridiculous - my neighbour reacts in totally the opposite way to how BP meds are designed to work, he gets really hyper so it's quite common! I think that you can put that worry to one side now that you've seen the Nurse ;-).
You are in a state of flux - your GP seems to have no bedside manner and little or no knowledge ab out menopause! Is there a Practice Nurse you could talk to? Could you show your results to a Pharmacist in your local town for advice? By-passing this particular GP will give you breathing space.
You sound peri-menopausal! .......... so breath. Trouble is, everything is shutting for C.mas >:( which may well raise your anxiety about how you are feeling, certainly when my support net-work disappeared I went into panic mode.
Someone will be here however - I'm out of wifi range .........
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Thank you all for your replies.
I don't know why I let that GP make me feel so low, maybe because of the move I wasn't feeling !00% and then he said about the HRT and a stroke it just caused me to feel very anxious and then he took the bp and started about that. I did see the practice nurse and explained it to her regarding I was feeling anxious, she said the ecg looked fine.
I've just got to move on. I have lost three stone in the past 4 years as I put all that weight on at the menopause and I'm now 8 stone 9. Run every day and eat healthy.
I don't want to see that doctor again.
Hope you are all doing fine. I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply to me and you have made me feel better.
xx
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You are welcome. Sounds like you are feeling better today. Try and stay positive
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vickypk, definitely give this bloke the elbow, there are far better doctors than him out there! I would write to the surgery and explain why you have decided to bin him.
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Don't waste energy on writing to the Practice. If possible change Surgeries, your local Pharmacist will know other GPs. Or see a Practice Nurse in the meantime and make a list to take along to discuss.
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Thanks for your messages.
It has taken me a couple of weeks to feel better after that consultation with the GP. I surprised myself letting someone make me feel so down, I'm getting my confidence back. I did message a menopause doctor who lectures GPs about the menopause, explaining everything to her. She gave me the same, advice as you, all to change doctors. I wanted to tell her because there seems to be GPs around who still don't have a clue about the menopause!! That was a good one he wanted to take me off HRT and put me on anti depressants, you couldn't make it up could you.
My husband said we have got the money to go to London to see a menopause expert if necessary, but it shouldn't be like that.
xx
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It shouldn't be of course but we all choose to pay for expertise. We have ability to make choices, i.e. buying from a hi-end Shop or in the village store. Where we go on holiday or whether we spend the money on health care. Going Privately can ease the length of waiting time too so eases anxieties. The sooner we get advice we can begin treatment if necessary ;)