How on earth do I get to see a GP?

[bloodywhitecat]

I have terrible sinusitis but I have previously had a benign tumour in my sinus I want to be sure it isn't that making a return (as this was how it presented in the first place) so I need to see a GP but I can't leave DH alone. His carers come in but aren't here for long enough for me to get to the surgery. My head is killing me every time I bend forward making caring for DH really hard.

Life for carers is shit sometimes.

Can you pay for a carer to stay for an extra hour so you can get to the GP?

I agree life for carers is shit.
Im going to ask the obvious but why cant you leave him for a short time?

Start by phoning up and asking for an appointment - you may find they can start by a telephone or video call assessment.

Don't panic about face to face just yet as you are unlikely to be offered face to face as a first option!

If they do want to see you face to face THEN you can talk through how difficult it is and work with the practice for solutions.

I remember you from previous threads OP, I’m so sorry it is all so shit. I’m glad you managed to get your DH home.
Are you registered at the same surgery? Could you phone reception and explain and ask what to do? Maybe a telephone consultant with the GP first would help.
Is there any scope to extend the carers time or get a friend to come in? Do you need someone to be physically there or do actual care?

Also, (why do I always think of this just after I have posted) the GP may have a social prescribing service attached with resources for extra support for you as a carer.

Phone appointment, if you need a nasal endoscopy then the GP would need to refer to ENT,

@Ilikewinter

I agree life for carers is shit. Im going to ask the obvious but why cant you leave him for a short time?

Sorry, I should've said. He has terminal cancer, has had a stroke which has left him without speech so he can't call for help if he needs it and has broken his leg in a fall off the bed so I really can't leave him without someone here.

Have you contacted Macmillan to see if they can help?

The GP may be happy to refer based on a phone call or video assessment. As others have said, your GP may well just refer straight to ENT, or may suggest empirical antibiotics then a review. Contact the surgery and take it from there.

Would a telephone or video appointment with the GP work for you in the first instance?

Do you need a qualified carer to be with your DH at all times, or is a simple presence enough?

I would phone social services and explain - they should provide respite care (I know) for you to attend the appointment.

Otherwise ask them what you should be doing?

A presence is enough but all my local friends work and family are 90 - 120 minutes away.

I will call and get a phone consult in the first instance.

Contact Age Concern, they may be able to help with someone to sit with your DH.

Call the surgery, explain your situation and ask what they can do. If they need to see you home visits are taking place so they might come out if your happy with this