AIBU to be upset about this text from my doctor?

Could you see a pharmacist instead? Some of them are amazingly knowledgeable and kind. My GP is a waste of time so I try and get advice from other HCP. Or perhaps go to urgent care ?

I've been back and forth to drs and hospital repeatedly the last month or so and they've been nothing but lovely. I'm even getting calls from the wellbeing team, I'd be upset receiving a message like that, totally uncalled for and they don't prescribe antibiotics unless you really need them. Sorry you're going through such a tough time and the loss of your dad 💐

Don't know why people are assuming it's automated - if it is that's even worse. What if someone had cancer or a degenerative disease, is it acceptable for them to get an automatic telling off because they need more medical appointments than average?!

Contact the surgery and ask that you don't see that doctor again and tell them why. I'm down at my surgery only to see a female GP because of issues I've had with two patronising male GPs who made me feel as if I was exaggerating/outright didn't believe me when it came to female health.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jessica-bradys-legacy-inspires-new-life-saving-gp-safety-rule

Jess’ rule means 3 appointments and they should be escalating now not trying to put you off.

Yanbu. The only way they should have included that in their message is to follow it with “is it possible there is something wider going on, let us know if you’d like to discuss for mental health support” or something.

If you are feeling strong enough I’d absolutely complain to the practice manager.

I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad 💔

Might just be the system- Hope you feel better soon

It may just be a standard response, but I agree, it’s not fair or appropriate in your case. I’d contact the surgery and tell them so.

I’m really sorry for the loss of your dad, and I hope you feel better soon.

I've had one contact with my practice since 2019 so you can have all of mine.

Oh God, I would go apeshit if I got that from my doctor.

I'd have to sit on my hands to stop myself typing a reply along the lines of: 'Thank God you've finally twigged that I'm ill more than I should be. Does this mean you will FINALLY start doing some basic investigations to see what might be driving this? Tbh, I'm not sure what's kept you so long, but if you're actually going to now be pulling your finger out, I guess it's good news.'

But if you want to stay with the practice, a polite enquiry to the practice manager might be better, along the lines of: 'I was somewhat surprised to receive this message. Would you be so good as to explain what it means please?' and let them explain themselves in excruciating detail.

Yeah, I can see why you are annoyed.
I've had a tough year, too, stress wise, including a bereavement, and have just finished my 5th course of antibiotics since last August ☹️
Skin issue x 2, sinusitis x 2, chest infection..
I'm so fed up.
Some of it is due to peri (skin issues).
Do drs really think we want to be on horrible meds!?

OP, do make a complaint but to make sure they don’t label you as a problem patient, I’d not name anyone. The Practice Manager should pick up on performance issues for individuals within that.

I’d also request a full blood test screening as low iron, ferritin, Vit D etc can lead to poor immune response to infection and viruses. I’d (politely) request further investigations and support?

I was going to ask the same. I’m sorry you seem to be going through a lot OP but don’t focus on this text, focus on getting well

I would send them an email asking why a fully qualified doctor hasn’t found a more long term solution to your problem and if he had, you wouldn’t have needed so many appointments!

feel better op ❤️

Sorry , forgot to add, I think that message from gp surgery is , at best,very insensitive. I would complain. Its just adding stress and guilt when you are feeling bad enough.

My GPs once wrote an article saying that 4 across the year is average and that more than that means either very unwell or hypochondriac!

Google CENTOR criteria to assess whether you need the antibiotics. Its a guideline developed to assess how likely the sore throat is bacterial and not viral , therefore responsive to antibiotics. Highest possible score is 5. The higher the score the more likely the infection is bacterial.
Op-id score you at 3( sudden onset, pus on tonsils, temperature) possibly a 4 if your lymph nodes enlarged and you have no other cold/ cough symptoms. As such, the chances are your infection is bacterial.
Since today is Friday, I can see why you got a prescription but it seems that some more information about why would have helped.
Unfortunately repeated doses of antibiotics can wipe out your immune system which might be why you're catching every bug that's about. There are homeopathic meds which can kick-start your immune system- our GP surgery had a dr experienced in homeopathic meds which helped me hugely when I had post viral symptoms and seemed to catch every infection going. So if you have any access to homeopathic medicine, I'd recommend trying hat out to help improve your immune system.

Its a fucking shit policy. My mate went to the doctor 12 times before they finally took her pain seriously.
She died of cancer 2 years ago.

Of course, but that doesn't mean it's okay? There are patients who need that level of contact with a GP and patients who no doubt don't. It's offensive and potentially dangerous to send this message to the former group (if they are put off seeking medical attention that they actually require) and I'm sure totally ineffective to send it to the latter group. A complete waste of time all round.

Perhaps because it's not a one off but another in a long line of recurring illnesses. She is perfectly reasonable to be worried and not leave it .

That's clearly automatically generated. A lot of people do see the GP for social problems or trivial symptoms. It would pointless and unpleasant to direct a sarcastic response to that specific doctor - there are a whole load of management initiatives at my work (NHS) that I disagree with - there's no point hassling me about it, I already told management it was stupid and they didn't listen. Complain to the practice but don't blame the individual doctor.

Perhaps if the doctor had investigated thoroughly and put an appropriate treatment plan in place earlier you might not have needed so many contacts? You’re not growing pus on your tonsils just for shits and giggles are you?

I’m sorry that you’ve been so unwell. To non-medical me, it sounds like you may need to have your tonsils removed. I had recurring tonsillitis as a child and had them taken out, no ENT problems since. Of course you’re run down after losing your Dad, it’s an awful time and I agree that the doctor’s “note” was very unsympathetic-it likely was automated but there’s been valid reasons for your frequent visits. Hope you feel better soon. 💐

Ridiculous of them to say that last part. And it sounds like they didn't even read it. Though I guess the photo made it look obviously infected.

It's as if they are saying you're in contact for no reason! I'd say you should say something.

I'd be ranting to all and sundry about that comment! Inspain suggestion is good, you're having multiple severe infections, it's not right.

I don't go to the GP 8 times a year but my son did more than that for a few years for recurrent strep and tonsillitis. I'd have been absolutely raging if I'd gotten that comment for him.

I got a text from my local Hospital yesterday - after my querying an ‘abnormal’ blood test result - telling me to call the MacMillan Cancer Navigation team. And no, I don’t have cancer. But I only found that out over an hour later. They deal with general Haematology clinical enquiries too. Minor nervous breakdown averted. Eventually.