Did this doctor suspect I was being abused?

[russowl]

Was at the doctors today as I have issues with anemia being recurrent and felt like I was low again and needed a blood test. I was prescreened by the GP earlier in the week so they know why I was coming in.

I saw a young (early 30's) male doctor who was very nice. He asked me about what my health issues were and I told him. He checked my blood pressure which was fine and then he started asking me about my home life, who I was living with, about my husband and our relationship, was everything ok at home, was I safe? I replied that it was all fine and that I wasn't depressed or anything life that.

He said he was trying to cover all the bases. He then took my bloods and I was done.

I am wondering why he asked me about my home life and partner like that? Did he feel like I was coming across as depressed and vulnerable or that I was making excuses to see him? Is it something all GP's ask, I've never been asked that before?

I don't work due to a seperate health issue, I am early 40's, and the surgery is in a deprived area although my husband is actually a fairly high earner and we are not deprived ourselves.

Is it normal to be asked this stuff?

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. He's probably just being thorough. My teenage DD was recently diagnosed with CHD after being referred to a paediatric cardiologist by a young newly qualified GP. This was after five years of her symptoms being dismissed be other GPS in the same surgery.

OP healthcare professionals are taught in safeguarding training that good practice is to use any opportunity when alone with someone (particularly women) to enquire about domestic violence and abuse

We know that on average women will endure multiple (more than 30) episodes of violence and abuse before disclosing, so healthcare settings are a perfect opportunity to enquire about risk-it's confidential and often may be the only time a woman is alone from an abusive partner

Hope that reassures you

I wouldn't give this much thought. It could be he's just completed some CPD training on safeguarding so it's at the forefront of his mind. I'm impressed he was so thorough - he sounds like a good GP.

Ok thanks, I was a bit worried that I was somehow coming across is a particular way that had concerned him. I feel a bit bad now that he might have felt I was annoyed about him asking that I wasn't at the time I was concerned he was trying to dismiss my health concerns as nerves or something.

I do actually have some brusing on my arms he may have seen due to a medication I take and a tendency to literally walk into doors but its actually not to bad at the moment.

Anyway I think it was a good thing that he asked and as a young gp is probably just doing it all by the book which was good. As I say he was really nice.

When DS was a toddler he jumped heavily on my stomach and I was in agony the next day. The young DR questioned me heavily about my relationship at home. I think he though I had been attacked. I reckon it was the bruising, I’m actually glad they look for signs.

@Valkadin Okay, well I can see that is most likely why. I always have bruises so don't even think about it.

I agree it is good that they ask, I hope my response doesn't put him off checking in future.

It will have been in response to seeing the bruises I expect. Nothing to worry about. It is good practice.

Definitely because of the bruises. Last year I had a mole removed on my arm, I had lots of bruises No idea how I got them, and a small burn from the oven shelf on my arm, the male doctor very nicely said you have a lot of bruises on your arm how did you get those? I said I had no idea But could tell him about How I got the burn, he said this is a safe space if I needed to talk, I assured him I was absolutely fine and thanked him.
I was in an abusive relationship With a boyfriend as a teenager, so I came away thinking how lovely it was The doctor was being so good.

I think this is a really good thing, especially now, just after lockdown when domestic abuse levels are much higher than usual.

It will be your bruises. I was asked this before- and they were where my toddler had bitten me. They then asked if that was because my husband and I argued a lot!

I’m pleased they asked. But like you, I’m sure it was because of the bruises.

I would guess it's the bruises. I had a smear test once when my toddler niece had been climbing up my legs - I didn't even realise but I had bruises right up my upper thighs and the nurse very gently asked me all those questions. I only realised why when I got home and looked in the mirror!

Maybe due to lockdown. People have been stuck with abusive partners literally trapped at home with no escape. They have probably been told to cover all bases as we slowly move out ( and soon back in) to lockdown.