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Original poster

I have lost all faith in our GP

18 replies

bloodywhitecat · 06/04/2021 16:42

I have lost faith in my GP, this time last year DP began to get sick and by June he was bright yellow, very itchy, sleeping far more than normal and losing weight hand over fist. DP was so yellow the whites of his eyes were orange, he honestly could've given the Simpsons a run for their money. DP called the GP (and was 'triaged' by a receptionist who told him painless sudden onset jaundice was not an emergency but that's a whole other story), he finally managed to speak to the GP who organised blood tests, the results came back the next day as DP's bilirubin was sky high but nothing was done other than more blood tests which came back hugely abnormal too. The GP then referred him for a non urgent scan and all the while DP was getting sicker and sicker. Turned out DP has cancer.

Today DP has asked the GP for a second opinion as guided by the charity who deal with his cancer, DP's cancer is rare and it is suggested that everyone diagnosed with it sees a specialist in it and DP is just seeing a regular oncologist. The GP has refused to do this, he says DP doesn't need a second opinion. Isn't it his right to have one?

OP posts:

rizzo23 · 06/04/2021 16:50

I'd ask the oncologist that he's seeing already to refer you to a specialist. We did this when my dp was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer and it wasn't a problem. Good luck with your dp treatment, I hope it goes well.

Wavypurple · 06/04/2021 16:51

I’m so, so sorry to hear about your husband. Sending my love and well wishes to you both.

I’m not sure whether you’re immediately entitled to a specialist, but I would talk to the current oncologist if you can and ask whether that would be a possibility and is necessary.

I disagree with the GP saying that a second opinion isn’t needed. Medicine isn’t a textbook job and a second opinion can sometimes be useful.

sunshinewinetime · 06/04/2021 17:00

I'm a GP, in this situation as he is already under an oncologist I'd be asking the oncologist to refer him on.
Do you have an idea or who or where you'd like him to be seen?

I do appreciate it must be horrendous for both of you and hope you manage to get that second opinion

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OctupusObsidian · 06/04/2021 17:02

Yes, it's absolutely within his rights to request a second opinion - does he have the refusal in writing. Has he seen a radiologist, they too can offer an opinion and referral on who to see for a second opinion.

I think you posted about the jaundice at the time, on here?

Is it easy to change GPs?

FrancesFlute · 06/04/2021 17:11

Your poor DP. Sorry it has been so tough and stressful.

Surely it's the oncologist who would need to refer on though? Your GP isn't a cancer specialist so can't do much more currently? Has your DP seen the oncologist yet?

hitsvilleuk · 06/04/2021 17:13

Radiologists don't usually see or refer patients - they offer an opinion but generally only within an MDT meeting.

Definitely ask the oncologist - most Drs don't mind this and it means everyone feels happier the treatment is appropriate. They will also know the right specialist to refer to.

Good luck

FrancesFlute · 06/04/2021 17:28

Just to add, my DP GP agrees that a second opinion would normally be done in the hospital - usually within the same trust he says.

skeggycaggy · 06/04/2021 17:31

I used to work in an oncology department as a medical secretary - it was 10 years ago so maybe things have changed - but it would be your oncologist who makes a referral to another specialist oncologist, not the GP.

OctupusObsidian · 06/04/2021 17:31

@hitsvilleuk like I said "if he has seen", but as someone who has seen radiologists regularly I wanted to offer it as a potential suggestion, particularly as in my experience, radiology teams are easier to get through to than other specialities.

DishingOutDone · 06/04/2021 17:33

Is there a specific reason why you have asked the GP and not the oncologist OP? In any case, you've had your answer, I wouldnt want to stay registered with this person - is there anywhere else you'd like to move to, have you heard good things about any particularly GP surgery locally? Regardless of that, first thing is to speak to the oncologist and request a referral.

Original poster

bloodywhitecat · 06/04/2021 17:41

Either a GP or his oncologist can make the referral and seeing as we never hear back from his oncologist or his CNS it was easier to ask the GP.

OP posts:

FrancesFlute · 06/04/2021 18:33

@bloodywhitecat

Either a GP or his oncologist can make the referral and seeing as we never hear back from his oncologist or his CNS it was easier to ask the GP.

That sounds frustrating.

Sorry I'm really not trying to be facetious but several people here have helpfully shared that usually an oncologist would make the referral, so im just wondering whether you've been given wrong info about a GP being able to do it? Who told you this?

NewbieGardener123 · 06/04/2021 18:50

Would it be worth speaking to PALS at the hospital the oncologist is at? It’s the patient advice service and yes, handles a lot of complaints but is also there to stop issues before it gets to a complaint level. You could speak to them about the issues you are having getting hold of the oncologist or the specialist nurse and they may be able to chase it for you?

DontBiteTheBoobThatFeedsYou · 06/04/2021 18:54

You never hear back from the oncologist?

What's the oncologists plan if you stick with them?

Can you get a private opinion? Even if it's just one appointment?

Sometimes you can get a private opinion and they often agree with the way the oncologist is choosing to treat the cancer.

hitsvilleuk · 06/04/2021 20:11

@OctupusObsidian
Thats most bizarre. I have never heard of radiologists seeing patients directly - they don't usually have admitting rights and are very much a 'service speciality'.
Are you thinking of radiotherapists?

OctupusObsidian · 06/04/2021 20:15

@hitsvilleuk Nope, like I said, radiologists... I am talking about radiologists as stated.

And weirdly, it's not the first time I've seen one. Strange you haven't heard of it.

OctupusObsidian · 06/04/2021 20:16

@hitsvilleuk Nope, like I said, radiologists... I am talking about radiologists as stated.

And weirdly, it's not the first time I've seen one. Strange you haven't heard of it. Stranger that when someone shares their experience you state it couldn't happen and continue to cast doubts...

hitsvilleuk · 06/04/2021 20:26

@OctupusObsidian I wasn't trying to cast doubts I just said I had never heard of it before. I've worked with radiologists for years across several teaching hospitals and never met one who saw patients directly or prescribed ( beyond contrast etc needed for scanning)
So interesting - might be the answer to some of the waiting times in out patients !

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