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How many times have you seen your GP/doctor in the last year?

149 replies

Bookridden · 30/03/2019 20:51

Four times for me, which feels like quite a lot. Twice to report bleeding in between periods, once to check prescription medication and once because I was worrying that leg pain might be caused by a dvt (it wasn't, and I was embarrassed to waste their time). So really, I take up a lot of NHS resources in spite of being a basically healthy middle aged woman. All I can say in my favour is that I don't bother them with colds or sore throats or the joint pain I get that I assume is OA. Just wondered if this is typical of how others use their GP. Do you think 4 visits a year makes you one of those nuisance patients that they dread seeing?

OP posts:
JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 30/03/2019 20:54

Haven't seen a dr since 6 week check which is almost exactly a year ago. I would go most years without seeing one, I think.

But sounds like you had legit reasons so I wouldn't worry about it. I imagine nuisance patients are far more of a nuisance than you!

ABC1234DEF · 30/03/2019 20:55

I feel like my surgery has been my second home over the last year, but in reality I've been pregnant with a complicating chronic health condition and the majority of my visits have been midwife/prescription checks/baby vaccines etc.

Orangeday · 30/03/2019 20:56

Well my three visits since summer for bronchitis feel like a holiday from going monthly for mental health check ins. I didn’t feel like a nuisance patient before that until I read your post. Wtf is a nuisance patient anyway? Someone who’s sick a lot?

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TroysMammy · 30/03/2019 20:57

4 times a year? Not at all. We have patients who have already seen a GP at least 10 times this year. We can always tell it's a Friday with one. When the GP asks what her list looks like when she comes into work I joke, "the same one as 3 weeks ago". It's a novelty for them to have some randoms.

Youmadorwhat · 30/03/2019 20:57

For me...probably 2 or 3. If I need anything minor I go to the pharmacy. Ireland works differently, it’s 50euro each gp visit.

YouBoggleMyMind · 30/03/2019 20:57

Twice this year and several times last year. Before that, only for GP appointments in pregnancy.

AlunWynsKnee · 30/03/2019 20:59

I think I have been twice in the last twelve months but it might only be once. I have a couple of chronic illnesses so that's pretty good for me.

AtleastitsnotMonday · 30/03/2019 21:02

No, it sounds like all your visits were for genuine reasons. Nuisance patients go for airy fairy reasons, moan about the service they receive and don’t take their doctors advice.
In answer to your question, I’d estimate i’ve Been about 14 times in the last year. A lot more than I’d like but I have an acute chronic condition and I see my dr monthly at her request, more frequently if needed. And this is a lot less than previously. For what it’s worth I’m eternally grateful for her care and support and I make sure she knows this.

SuffolkGimmer · 30/03/2019 21:02

Definelty over 10. I've got some serious on going mystery pain! And some other issues, they've called me back in regulary for bloods and pee tests and to check up basically while I'm waiting on referrals which has ramped up the visits.
Previously was like once or twice a year, every time I've apologised for coming back in they've told me not to be silly, that's what they are there for, but I still feel awful

fearofthesmear · 30/03/2019 21:03

About 10? I’ve taken a nervous breakdown though and needing a lot of help .

Been seeing GP 4 weekly since I was 16 (11 years) though due to severe and ongoing MH issues , and gynae stuff .

Can’t think of a period in that time where I wouldn’t have seen a doctor regularly unfortunately . I’m aware I’m immensely lucky to have had that level of support .

MrsKCastle · 30/03/2019 21:05

Loads. I couldn't say how many, but in our family of 4 we have had since January:
I think 6 or 7 sets of blood tests,
at least 5 doctors appointments
4 consultants appointments
And I might have forgotten some.

We have a lot going on right now, though, as you can see!
DH had a major health event last summer, I have long-term depression and some vitamin deficiencies and both DDs are being investigated for chronic conditions.

So, my point is don't worry. 4 times in a year is nothing!

fearofthesmear · 30/03/2019 21:05

I did buy my last surgery £70 ish worth of goodies (chocolates and sweets - on leaving though, and got my GP a gift of her own . They were an absolutely wonderful practice in every way .

hugoagogo · 30/03/2019 21:07

I saw the ooh once and they were beyond useless. It's pretty damn impossible to get a regular gp appointment, it has to be urgent and you have to ring on the day.

AhhhHereItGoes · 30/03/2019 21:07

I have gone a fair few.

October I had a breakdown so had to up meds/get diazepam.

I got

A nasty ear infection that needed antibiotics.

I had coil removed.

Other than that seenDoctor with my DCs 2/3 times each.

Sounds a lot but they were all legitimate reasons as most times changed medication or got medication for an infection.

Previous year only went once though to review meds so I guess it depends how the illnesses fall.

KitKat1985 · 30/03/2019 21:09

I don't think I've seen my GP in the past year. I have been to seen to nurse for my standard period check though.

Shadow01 · 30/03/2019 21:09

Once a month for a depression/ptsd check. When I hit rock bottom over Xmas and was suicidal I saw her every few days. I have no doubts she saved my life.

meowcatmeow · 30/03/2019 21:09

Last doctor visit for me was 4+ years ago.

Mustbetimeforachange · 30/03/2019 21:10

None although my dentist did have to give me antibiotics before Christmas

Freshprincess · 30/03/2019 21:11

4 times, which for me is loads. And I need to go again shortly.

Peri menopause is not treating me well.

DramaAlpaca · 30/03/2019 21:14

I tend to see my GP once or twice a year. When you pay at least €50 per visit as we do in Ireland, you do tend to think carefully about whether you really need to go. On the plus side, we'd rarely wait more than a day or two for an appointment.

Generationrenter · 30/03/2019 21:14

It’s been a horrible 12 months between me and the DC. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve been to the doctors.
Pre DC I hadn’t been in atleast 7 years!

Redglitter · 30/03/2019 21:14

19 😳

countdowntonap · 30/03/2019 21:15

I’ve seen my Gp once in six years, and an emergency GP (weekend) twice in 14 years. Would agree to paying a fee of £10-£20 to see Dr per condition.

BitchQueen90 · 30/03/2019 21:16
  1. Saw a nurse twice, once for a blood pressure check as I'm on the mini pill long term and another time for my smear test.

I'm generally in good health though, no MH problems and rarely get any type of illness that I can't self medicate at home.

Fudgenugget · 30/03/2019 21:18

Loads. Usually MH, but sometimes women’s health and I had some problems with my ears. My GP knows me, dh and dd well!

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