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AIBU?

To expect a GP to be more sympathetic?

18 replies

mishmash1979 · 27/04/2016 11:15

Went back to see GP today (not usual one) about breast pain I am still concerned about and has got no better. She was horrible. She looked at my notes, asked about my history (be brief as I am very busy today!) and then went "hmmmmmm". WTF does that mean? She then examined me (very painful) continuing to ask probing questions about "my anxiety" and family history of cancer. As soon as I mentioned my mum had BC and close family friends have recently died suddenly of cancer (2 in last 12m) she stopped examining and told me to come sit down. She then wrote me a prescription for anxiety meds. I refused them as have taken many years ago for migraines and was very unwell on them. I then started to cry as I am really worried about breast and felt that she thought it was all in my head. So she angrily says "Fibe I will refer to breast clinic as I am very busy and behind today but they won't find anything!"
AIBU to expect a Doctor to a) be more sensitive and caring, and b) take my symptoms ( breast pain with no pattern, rash, stabbing pain, red nipple, lumpy breast) more seriously and not make me feel about 5. Surely if I am anxious her behaviour has just made it worse!!!

OP posts:

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NattyNatural · 27/04/2016 11:39

Yes she shouldn't have treated you in that way. I'd be upset to.

I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience

Buzzardbird · 27/04/2016 11:42

That is awful.

I'm sorry you were treated that way. Have you had any breast screening yet?

scarednoob · 27/04/2016 11:42

That sounds awful and I think you need to try and see a different GP - or would a one off private appointment be possible for you?

FWIW I think most forms of breast cancer are painless so if you are having pain it is more likely to be benign. You should still get it checked by a more caring doctor, but that might help the anxiety in the meantime.

Lweji · 27/04/2016 11:42

I think I'd write to the clinic manager and, depending on the response, to the NHS (or whatever body regulates GPs).

I'd expect an apology from this GP at least.

steppemum · 27/04/2016 11:52

wow , you list 5 physical symptoms that are all red flags and she told you it was all in you head.

I am shocked.
Please complain to practice manager, list your symptoms and tell them she offered anxiety meds and was stroppy about referral.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 27/04/2016 11:54

I don't know about more sympathetic, but I'd have certainly expected her to be a bit more fucking professional about your symptoms!!

Glad you got your referral, but I would complain about her attitude, it's shocking!

Really hope that you are ok and they find nothing nasty, but I agree with those symptoms you absolutely needed to be checked out.

NotMeNotYouNotAnyone · 27/04/2016 11:57

Yanbu

Even if she thinks your symptoms are anxiety based she should be reassuring you and explaining why it's not anything more serious, eg no other symptoms. Although with your family history I would (not a medical professional) hope she would still consider a scan. I don't think GPs should pander to our every whim and health worry, but pain and family history shouldn't be ignored.

I had a GP fob me off about a "viral" cough and put off going back for months even though it got no better. My usual GP recognised that my asthma was not being controlled and changed my inhaler, monitored it, changed again, monitored it. I'm now fine.

My point is that even if it's nothing "major" you should go back and see a different doctor if you're not happy.

badg3r · 27/04/2016 12:03

I would make a complaint in writing to the practice if I were you, her behaviour was very unprofessional.

Lweji · 27/04/2016 12:06

Just for context, I once went to my gp with a skin complaint (which was just probably eczema), but mentioned it was near a mole. She immediately referred me to the hospital to have it checked out properly. I had an appointment within 2 weeks.

This gp behaved appallingly.

carabos · 27/04/2016 12:10

It's a horrible attitude, but just to reassure you, a hospital breast clinic in our region had NO cases of breast cancer in all of the referrals to them over a particular period recently. None. You need the reassurance, but it's very very unlikely to be anything to worry about.

mishmash1979 · 27/04/2016 12:14

Sorry to dripfeed but 11m ago I was referred to breast clinic after mums diagnosis by a lovely locum doctor. I had already been suffering breast pain before mums diagnosis and had been sent for physio but called up as soon as mum was diagnosed and they referred. Nothing was found on mammo but was given lots of advice (EPO, no caffeine or alcohol, change bras etc) all of which I have done. The rash today was described as a classic anxiety rash even though it's the same place as pain.
I know anxiety makes breast pain worse but one of the family friends who died had only been diagnosed for 3m after going to GP for over a year with symptoms

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mishmash1979 · 27/04/2016 12:17

It was her attitude and dismissal of me that was so upsetting. I was actually goi g to see GP as my normal one had requested I return in 6 weeks to see if lumpy areas were cycle related. So they told me to come back!

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gymbummy · 27/04/2016 12:38

Ignoring your arse of a GP for minute.... This may be totally unrelated to your situation but I had the most horrific breast pain almost constantly that seemed to come out of nowhere and was worried as I have had a couple of scares previously.

It turned out that I had swapped dairy for soya and this was causing the problem. I cut out soya and the pain stopped. I had a look on some vegan forums (I'm not a vegan) and it's not that unusual apparently (something in soya mimics the effect of oestrogen).

Stormtreader · 27/04/2016 12:42

Its not your problem that she was "busy and behind today", in fact I think it was unprofessional of her to even say that to you, it has nothing whatsoever to do with your right to receive thorough medical care!

mishmash1979 · 27/04/2016 12:55

Gymbunny; weird that u mention it but I have switched to soya as milk was making me sick and bloated. I feel much better on it but may switch to pay milk and see what happens.

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fieldfare · 27/04/2016 12:56

She sounds terrible and I'd be lodging a complaint with the practise manager.
Please ring up and check that the referral has been made.

Good luck at the clinic, regardless of what has been going on with those around you, this needs to be checked thoroughly.

I've recently had a biopsy on a lump that was causing me pain. Non cancerous thank goodness but the consultants advice to take a strong dose of borage oil (higher concentrate than EPO) seems to have helped.

JocastaFarquhar · 27/04/2016 13:47

Try almond milk OP and do consider that Borage oil recommendation. Unpleasant GP though.

gymbummy · 27/04/2016 14:02

I would second almond milk if you can't do cow's milk. It was like a miracle cure for me - within a week the pain was gone.

Please don't think I'm suggesting that you do this instead of following up with the GP (preferably not THAT GP) as given your history you're right to be checked and rule out anything more sinister, but it's worth a try

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