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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to A and E because I can't get a doctors appointment?

157 replies

SheThinksShesPeople · 02/02/2015 19:08

I have the contraceptive implant, had it put in in September. Since then I have put on two stone, got spot all over my face and back, feel like killing myself and bled constantly.

I decided to give it a few months to see if it would settle down but it hasn't. Beginning of Jan phoned gp surgery for app to have it removed. Surgery works on a system whereby the doctor, rather than receptionist calls you back to make appointment. The doc that can remove implants only works Mondays. Three mondays in a row now I have booked with reception for doc to call me to make appointment, they haven't. I went into surgery at 5.30 today to try and speak to said doctor to make appointment as they hadnt called me but she'd already left. So arranged another phone call for next monday.

How the fuckity fuck do I get this out of my arm? Sexual health clinic only open to under 25's, walk in centre shut down, 101 tells me to see gp. Can i go to a and e? Perform surgery on myself? Any other ideas?

OP posts:
DoJo · 02/02/2015 19:22

Sorry OP - I took your comments about suicidal thoughts to be in the past tense, not a current symptom. If you are feeling suicidal at the moment, then there may be better places to go than A and E, but if you cannot access them then A and E might be able to help. I apologise for my earlier response - I took your comments to be hyperbole and that was an unhelpful assumption on my part.

Trapper · 02/02/2015 19:22

If you are feeling suicidal then this is an emergency and you should treat it as such. Mental health is not taken seriously enough in this country - as demonstrated by some of the responses on this thread.

Parkend · 02/02/2015 19:22

So three times in a row the surgery has failed to ring you, you then went in and were still not able to get an appt. If this is what happened what was their explanation?

What did they offer to do to sort it out?

Sallystyle · 02/02/2015 19:24

Read her post properly people.

She said she feels suicidal.

As someone who was suicidal with the implant myself you are giving her dangerous advice.

If it turns out that she isn't suicidal then sure, she shouldn't go to A&E.

OP, if you are suicidal , go now.

Phoenixfrights · 02/02/2015 19:24

I think the best thing to do is to go to the GP tomorrow and sit there until you are seen. It's unacceptable to not be able to see anyone about it for 3 weeks.

If you are actually suicidal then yes, a and e now.

SardineQueen · 02/02/2015 19:26

She said she was suicidal and mentioned performing surgery on herself.

I don't know whether she meant those things or not - whether the suicidal feelings are now or in the past, whether she was serious about cutting it out herself. But I wish people would post with a bit more restraint given that OP could be quite unwell indeed.

Threesoundslikealot · 02/02/2015 19:26

I don't think the OP was being serious - just trying to express her frustration.

I'd also (a) check they have the right contact details and (b) make an appointment with any GP just to explain the situation. They will be better able or willing to explain what's happening to their colleague. Or see what other local FPC/sexual health provision there is. None of our local ones have an age restriction.

AnnieLobeseder · 02/02/2015 19:27

Do you not have a local community hospital with an out-of-hours and/or a sexual health clinic? Either of those should be able to sort you out. I don't blame you for being tempted to go to A&E, your situation sounds awful and I'm not surprised you're desperate. But it's still not an emergency so you shouldn't go to A&E. Googling your nearest out-of-hours would be your best bet IMO. Good luck!

Lj8893 · 02/02/2015 19:27

If your suicidal, then yes you need to see someone asap!

Original poster
SheThinksShesPeople · 02/02/2015 19:30

When the receptionist told me the doctor had gone home I collapsed on the floor in tears. I was actually sobbing so much they phoned my friend to pick me up as they didn't want me to drive home. I don't know what to do. I know I'm being unreasonable but I need this bastard thing out of my arm and no one will do it. Can I go to a walk in centre in another town? Is that allowed?

OP posts:
5YearsTime · 02/02/2015 19:30

I had this problem and I sympathise as I was getting towards the end of my tether. I think doctors tend to try to get you to keep them in because of cost. I ended up going to a walk in clinic, it was really busy and you had to turn up early, stand in a queue outside before opening at 9am type early and then wait a good few hours but I had it taken out later that day.

expatinscotland · 02/02/2015 19:33

I would find a family planning clinic.

Don't be fobbed off!

ethelb · 02/02/2015 19:33

How old are you? Can you claim you are under 25 to use the clinic.

expatinscotland · 02/02/2015 19:34

I would complain in writing, formally, about this practice and their procedures for removing the implant.

Momzilla82 · 02/02/2015 19:36

Yes OP any walk in centre will take you, but whether they have someone on duty with the expertise to remove it or not- a gamble.

You can also use any other GP surgery as a temporary visitor (eg I have used this when I've had a sick child whilst at my mums), you just need to fill in a form.

Can you find a GP surgery near you with a doctor listed who deals with contraceptive issues, and make calling them in the morning a priority?

SardineQueen · 02/02/2015 19:36

I would have thought you can go to a walk in centre anywhere but don't know anything about them, whether they would be able to take it out or not.

Have you got someone with you OP?

Idontseeanysontarans · 02/02/2015 19:36

How inserting suicidal NOT an emergency?
OP if you don't go to A&E then yes you can go to another walk in centre afaik, just go in and tell them everything. Insist on being seen tonight.

Idontseeanysontarans · 02/02/2015 19:36

How is feeling. Not inserting.
Sorry Blush

Idontseeanysontarans · 02/02/2015 19:37

And definitely complain to the surgery when you feel stronger. Get PALS involved.

misskatamari · 02/02/2015 19:37

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way OP. I was on crease type a few years ago which I think is similar hormone wise and I totally understand the suicidal feeling so. It's very scary how much contraception can affect your mental health. If you can get to a walk in centre I would, and if not, given your state of mind, and A&E trip is not unreasonable. I really hope you have some luck and get it removed soon. Your gps surgery have been appalling and I would definitely be complaining in your situation too.

DoJo · 02/02/2015 19:37

Is there an out of hours service in your area? I'm amazed that they didn't offer you some kind of solution when you collapsed - it sounds like you need to switch GPs pronto.

Tinks42 · 02/02/2015 19:38

Oh sweetheart, yes of course you can go to a walk in centre in the next town OP. Failing that, if this is how you are feeling, sod it, yes you have a right to get yourself off to A&E with my wholehearted blessing. You will have to wait of course but it will take them 2 mins to get it out.

catsofa · 02/02/2015 19:39

Can I go to a walk in centre in another town? Is that allowed?

Yes it is absolutely allowed. Also a place where they have the ability to remove it but which is supposed to be for under 25s only might well remove it for you if you make clear how urgent it is. They will also be able to tell you where the nearest clinic for over 25s is, there should be one.

Also could you make an appointment to see one of the other GPs at your practice as an emergency because you are feeling suicidal? Then they will ask you about why you're feeling that way and should be able to arrange for you to get it removed ASAP.

And yes, definitely complain about the surgery - keep a note of exactly when you've called and what has happened so you can be very specific in your complaint, this is not good enough.

misskatamari · 02/02/2015 19:39

Crease type = cerazette. Thanks autocorrect!

FannyFifer · 02/02/2015 19:40

I'm pretty sure any family planning clinic will help you.
Phone any local ones first thing in the morning, get the bastard out your arm and then when you're feeling stronger make an official complaint to your surgery.
Hope you get sorted out soon.