How do you know if you need a doctor's appointment?

[Checkedtowel]

I am in pain following what should have been a minor routine medical procedure.

It was clear at the time that something had gone wrong, but there was just a quick apology and they did it again correctly. I assumed that the "problem" was something that happens from time to time and nothing to worry about. I was give no information or advice of what to expect subsequently.

Anyway, a week later I'm in quite a lot of pain. I've emailed GP surgery explaining the situation and asking if it's usual or if I need to see someone and got the response "obviously" I need an appointment, they can't advise me without an appointment.

I suspect it's something I have to live with until it passes, but I'd like to know it's normal and I'm not having a freak reaction.

Do I really need to waste an appointment just to find out if I need an appointment? They've got all my information, they know exactly what happened.

If the surgery think you need to be seen, then you do.

I always seem to get something go wrong after surgery. I had a bile leak after my gallbladder surgery. I had a massive infection after my appendix surgery and a big infection after skin cancer surgery. The doctor will see lots of post surgical patients.

Yes Ive just been to the GP today after an op on Monday where there has been a complication with fluid build up

Unfortunately when you email the doctors surgery it's the receptionists who read it, and they can't really offer medical advice about something like this, so you'd need to speak to a doctor. You could ask for a telephone appointment? I don't think being in pain after a procedure counts as wasting an appointment.

Yes you need to have GP appointment of the recovery is not as planned.

Yes I'd imagine you need to be seen as you're in a lot of pain after a procedure. I imagine any pain medication you were given isn't working?

If anything, at least to rule out any possible complications.

It wasn't an operation. Just some tests, they caught a nerve.

Ah okay. But it's been a week and you're in a lot of pain, so it sounds like something that needs looking at. Not a waste of time.

I generally ask a pharmacist first

What tests do you have?

It's probably easier if you specify as someone may have experienced it.

A pharmacist is not going to be able to advise on post-op complications, and shouldn’t try.