Wasting Doctors time?

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Due to a couple of unrelated medical conditions I’m under the care of a consultant at my local hospital. Knowing how stretched the NHS is, I try not to bother my GP with trivial things but do you think I’d be laughed out of the building if I make an appointment to talk about hiccups.
Over the last year or so the frequency and severity of hiccups has grown to the point now that I’m almost through up. If I drink cold drinks it seems to trigger them. But if I have a hot drink then it burns at the very top of my chest. I also can’t bare to have even a t-shirt resting against my neck as it feels like I’m choking.

Up until now I’ve thought it’s all in my imagination but I’m struggling to eat or drink and give up after just a small amount because it’s such hard work. I’ve lost about 5kg since it started to really bother me about 6 weeks ago.
I really don’t want to bother the GP unnecessarily but it’s becoming a nuisance now. Would you go?

Definitely, yes - I'd say that you need to see a GP about that.

Yea, of course, you're suffering so do go see your GP

Yes definitely, especially as you've lost a significant amount of weight. Sounds like it could be reflux related.

It's affecting your eating/drinking therefore it's serious. Go book.

Yes go.

Absolutely I'd go. What you're describing isn't just mild occasional hiccups, and it's affecting your eating. Give them a call now OP.

Thank you, will stop off on my way home. Hopefully I will get an appointment in the next few weeks. Anti acids just don’t help.

You need an appointment quicker than that to be honest. Tell the receptionist your symptoms that you mention here, they should be able to fit you in somehow.

Emmeyba really? A little worried now....should I be?

Don't wait weeks, that's just silly, but no reason to panic either.

I wouldn't be massively worried but if it's affecting you eating and drinking you can't really continue on losing weight and getting dehydrated for weeks. That would be foolish.

Don't feel like you're wasting their time. I think any long term changes in what's normal for you should be looked at. Especially if you're losing weight without trying. Id definitely make an appointment soon.

Could you ring and speak with your GP first?

Clearly the receptionist isn’t too bothered. I have a appointment for mid-November.

Could you ask for a phone consultation? Our gp is keen on those.

With those symptoms and the weight loss you need to be physically examined.
Honestly, the guilt over needing to see a doctor is getting beyond a joke.
I know the NHS is under terrible strain. I worked in it for over 30 years.
I now have a serious, progressive illness myself.
I try very hard to manage my condition without bothering my GP, but sometimes, needs must.
A neglected, undiagnosed condition is going to end up costing more time and money in the long run.
My GP has actually asked me to come in this week to sort out my medication face to face because it is quicker and easier than trying to deal with letters and phone calls.
Please go and get seen, OP, and I hope you feel better soon.

Yes, I think you should. Something like hiccoughs sounds a bit silly on the face of it but it's clearly affecting your quality of life and you can't just go on losing weight.

Xposted.
Mid November is too long.
If all else fails write a letter to your GP and take it in to the surgery, or, ask for an appointment with the nurse practitioner. They usually have more/earlier appointments and will get the GP to see you if they are concerned.

I don't want to worry you but constant hiccups, trouble eating, and weight loss can point towards serious issues. I would try to get seen as soon as feasible.

November is too late. My uncle had oesophageal cancer and had some of the symptoms you've mentioned. You need to be seen.

The only other option is to turn up in the morning early and hope you can get one of the emergency appointments for that day. I feel a bit of a fraud doing that (and buggers my work around) but I guess that’s what I’ll have to do. I’ll try to move things around at work so I can go Wednesday or Thursday. Thank you for not telling me I’m daft to be going with hiccups...and a few other symptoms

I would turn up in the morning for an emergency appointment tbh. Mid November is ridiculous.

Please don't let the receptionist put you off.
You need to be seen this week.

I am so lucky the receptionists at my surgery are kind and helpful.

Made the mistake of googling the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and am having a minor freak out. Talk me down and tell me all the same symptoms can be for a reflux or hernia or something. Daren’t mention anything to my wife as she has health anxiety. A reflux can make your voice sound hoarse can’t it.

I thought reflux when you said it. I hope you get an appt soon to get an answer.