Would you try for a GP appointment in these circumstances?

[SarahAndQuack]

I had a GP appointment cancelled a couple of weeks ago. They said I could do a phone consultation, but urged me to leave it if it wasn't crucial. I have a sore throat/a feeling like a lump in my throat. I've had it on and off for a few weeks. A year ago I made an appointment for the same thing and the GP had a quick look, said there was nothing wrong, and gave me the impression I was time-wasting. He said if you have toddlers you will find that any bug goes to your throat.

However, it is really bothering me. It is not painful, but definitely feels as if there's something 'there'. Naturally, because they said not to come in I have been googling and am worrying about everything from tonsillitis to throat cancer.

Am I being daft to try to book an appointment? It is not painful.

I’d book an appointment, you need reassurance as much as anything. Good luck. 💐

Thank you, very much. I am worrying about wasting time, but I would like the reassurance, yes.

Global sensation. What I affectionately call my 'stress lump', possibly.

Globus

He said if you have toddlers you will find that any bug goes to your throat.

That would worry me, cos I'm thinking what a load of bollocks. I've had toddlers, didn't catch anything in my throat lol. But I'm not a doctor so,

I felt like this the other day, I have a pain in my back/lung when I breathe deeply.
They saw me right away (wearing masks and as far away from me as possible) and sent me for a chest X-ray and a blood test.
I feel much less worried now (even though I haven't had my X-ray results yet) but just knowing it's being dealt with is a great relief!

I've heard some gps say they're worried that people won't come when they need to. It's probably nothing to worry about but it needs to be checked out by a doctor.

@kilisibird - say more? What's that like?

@booksandhearts

@42 - I never thought of that possibility. That definitely makes me feel better.

I get this when I'm stressed. Mine is anxiety

I get this from grunding my teeth when anxious.

say more? What's that like?

It's the feeling of a lump in your throat. Google will give you more than I can explain properly, and I mean that nicely.

The fact that you have had it checked previously suggests it may be globus.

Thank you! I do get you mean it nicely. I am only being neurotic here because I really am agonising about the GP.

Oh don't get me wrong I'm not saying that you shouldn't speak to a doctor, it was just a suggestion of what it could be since you were thinking all sorts.

I had this once, kept feeling as if something was there and swallowing to try and make it go down, was referred to ent who put a camera down for a look. It was essentially scar tissue. They said if you cut inside your throat it's the body's defence mechanism to try and keep you away from it. Pretty much the minute I was assured I didn't have anything serious and what it was, the sensation just went. It was as if all I'd needed was the explanation and I no longer needed to focus on it. Go to your gap

It comes to something when we are filled to the brim with anxiety about contacting our gp. A public service, which we pay for.

Yy I get it in the current climate, of course. But GPs can be a bit precious.

It's your right op. Push for this xx

I work in dentistry and you can always visit a dentist to check this out if you don't feel comfortable with the GP. They might send you to the GP but dentist can refer you for a 2 week wait for head and neck checks as well as the doctors.
It must be scary and for you.

Does it hurt? It could be a quinsy which can lead to sepsis if left untreated but they’re often incredibly painful.

No, @kilisibird, this is hugely helpful! I am about 70% not wanting to see the GP, especially as they told me I was ok before, but you know how it is when you google. I really hoped someone would tell me something innocuous could be causing it.

@SpillTheTeaa - thank you, but I'm in the UK, so we're on lockdown. That's why I didn't see my GP a few weeks ago. I'm not otherwise nervous about seeing the GP.

I've had it, and when one of my friends had it she actually lost the ability to swallow. DP has had it too a couple of years, we went to A&E because it was the weekend and panicking. All cases put down to anxiety.

@post - no, it does not hurt. It's sore rather than painful.

It could be acid reflux causing it. DP got referred to ENT and they could see the excess acid so he got omeprezole.

I get that in times of extreme stress. I can't even swallow without discomfort. You do need to have this confirmed by a GP though.

Globus sensation. I have it when I'm stressed. Started 12 years ago and comes and goes. Feels like a lump stuck in my throat, which disappears when I swallow, then appears again.

Actually OP, I've been prescribed omeprazole for this before and it did away.