Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to contact the consultant on his mobile number?

23 replies

BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 11:17

I posted about wondering whether I wanted some medical tests last week. I was convinced that I did both by MN and by scaring the shit out of myself on Medline... realising that, unless I have the tests done, I can't rule out the possibility of, er, dying, rather soon... and realising that, I can't live with that anxiety.

I've found a private hospital that will, if I remortgage the cat, do the tests this week. I've been trying to phone the consultant to arrange a referral since Thursday, and he hasn't called me back. And I know she's going away on holiday for a month on Thursday...

The thing is, I have his personal mobile number as he called me on it once when he had to rearrange an appointment.

WIBU to text him and beg him to ring me to arrange this referral?

OP posts:
AccioPinotGrigio · 02/08/2010 11:26

I have read your original thread and given your situation I would say text him now.

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 11:29

Thanks. I'm aware that, given that he's based in a hospital, he probably has his mobile off most of the time... so probably no point unless he hasn't rung by 5...

OP posts:
Loshad · 02/08/2010 11:29

I'd just ring him on his mobile - my DH is a consultant for the NHS and would happy to take such a call. Good luck with the results

Loshad · 02/08/2010 11:31

and no - the consulatants leave their mobiles switched on (apparently their signal doesn't interfere with medical equipment like the patients)

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 11:32

Thanks. I'm just aware that I shouldn't really have his number, or that he rang me with an implicit understanding that I would respect the privacy of his number.

OP posts:
AccioPinotGrigio · 02/08/2010 11:33

Text him or leave a message that he can pick up if he does have his phone off. Good luck.

AccioPinotGrigio · 02/08/2010 11:39

I am inclined to say that your state of mind/state of health is more important here and if he his a compassionate person then he will find your call entirely understandable

Have you left messages with his PA and done all that?

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 11:53

His regular secretary is on holiday. The temp does not fill me with confidence... she kept insisting I leave a message, but then seemed unable to comprehend the message I was leaving...

OP posts:
SweetGrapes · 02/08/2010 11:54

Agree with Accio - text him.

PixieOnaLeaf · 02/08/2010 12:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

PixieOnaLeaf · 02/08/2010 12:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

odisco · 02/08/2010 12:12

I am going to say don't phone his number. You did say that you would respect it and that relationship is important. Also having read a bit of the thread what you need is to TALK about the implications of the tests for you as a person and not just to have them done. The results might not make you feel better - good news or bad.

Apologies if you have already done this. I counsel people in this situation and others like it and although it might feel like you need to get it done now it is unlikely that anything is going to happen you in the next month if it hasn't already. The temp will have got the message that it is urgent if you have phoned more than once.

And do not do it alone. Please. That does noone any good and you need another pair of ears if nothing else.

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 13:47

odisco, I think you're right.

I've just rung the temp again, and have been promised he will call me ASAP.

I'm just so stressed...

OP posts:
Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 14:34

He still hasn't called.

Deep breath.

OP posts:
Eightbunnies · 02/08/2010 14:38

Your are a private patient? You are paying him? Text him now, that is what you are paying for!!

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 14:45

No, NHS. Paying him only through my tax return...

OP posts:
lucky1979 · 02/08/2010 17:15

I'm another vote for not to text him. I do know how frustrating it is having spent a lot of time arguing about getting myself on a waiting list, but if you upset his secretary then she is the gatekeeper to him in the future and you need to maintain that relationship. Even if she is just a temp you don't know her relationship with the permanent secretary and it might all get passed along.

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 17:18

But he still hasn't called back

OP posts:
PixieOnaLeaf · 02/08/2010 17:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Loie159 · 02/08/2010 17:27

i would text rather than call

trashingthecamp · 02/08/2010 17:48

I would do neither to be honest, my husband is an NHS consultant,many a time he has got home from work at unholy hours with the pile of messages from his secretary in his hands and sits eating his ruined tea whilst reading them. The secretaries wont necessarily have passed your message on immediately. It is important to you that you speak to your consultant (and from what I understand you need to speak properly) but they have times when this is appropriate and times when it is NOT (speaking with other patients, relatives, in theatre, on an arrest, when reviewing results). You deserve your consultants individual attention and so do his other patients. Wait for him / her to phone you when they have the time to speak to you, know who you are,have reviewed your notes - then it will be a constructive conversation not one that leaves both of you dissatisfied....

mumblechum · 02/08/2010 17:54

I agree with trashing the camp. I didn't see your first thread, but hope you're ok.

Original poster
BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 02/08/2010 19:42

Trashingthecamp yes, I accept that. It's why I'm reluctant (and yes, my DH is also an NHS consultant so IKWYM)

Just not coping, not coping with the anxiety...

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page