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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have wanted a better answer?

80 replies

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 25/04/2017 10:44

Ds 15 is studying hard for exams and doing really well.

He had a sore throat yesterday but put it down to a concert at the week end tbh (singing /shouting!)
Rang Dr at app line opening time(830)as sat at school gates so could have rushed him over and not been too late for school. . Got through and no appointments left - for the rest of the week!!
Explained about exams etc can't have a week off school at this time.
She suggested she could give me an app at the new extended hours clinic - on Friday night at 7.30!!
Our OOH closed last month and sitting all day in the A&E with him and a toddler isn't appealing. (her suggestion)
So I asked her nicely - "I am not being funny but how do I get an appointment with my own /his own Dr"?
" I don't know "was her answer!!!
Speechless.
Just been to pick ds up as he had a coughing fit and school weren't happy to keep him!!
Will ring 111 when he has had a sleep. .
Pre booked appointments are sometimes available so maybe will book 3 a week for the foreseeable just in case!!

OP posts:
Heratnumber7 · 25/04/2017 10:47

Does a sore throat really warrant a GP appointment? Hmm

MarcelineTheVampire · 25/04/2017 10:53

How bad is his throat? Speak to a pharmacist they will be able to recommend something decent to clear it up.

user1493022461 · 25/04/2017 10:53

Why are you trying to get appts you don't need? you realise that is why no-one can see their dr easily, people like you wasting appts?

Original poster
Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 25/04/2017 10:53

When I looked in this morning it has a huge lump inflamed and bulging, all red and he is choking when coughing so more than sore throat. . He usually has 100%,attendance and isn't a complainer at all. Don't want his exams in jeopardy!!

OP posts:
Heratnumber7 · 25/04/2017 10:55

If you really feel a sore throat is that important, what is the problem with the Friday eve appt? Other than that DS will probably be better by then anyway.

MrsFarm · 25/04/2017 10:55

He doesn't need a Dr for a sore throat!

Sallygoroundthemoon · 25/04/2017 10:56

He has a sore throat and a cough and you are talking about OOH and GPs. Why don't you just get some stuff from the pharmacist? Seriously, think about whether an appointment is needed...

PeaFaceMcgee · 25/04/2017 10:56

Wtf. Take him to the pharmacist.

PeaFaceMcgee · 25/04/2017 10:57

She was probably bemused by your complete overreaction.

MrsPacMan · 25/04/2017 10:58

Sore throats = tell him to have a hot drink and honey, or gargle salt water. What would a doctor do for it?

Viviene · 25/04/2017 10:58

People book GP appointments for a sore throat?!?!?!

ChilledChampagne · 25/04/2017 10:59

Absolutely no need for him to see a doctor

Pinkheart5915 · 25/04/2017 11:00

Did this sore throat only start yesterday? So his had it 1 day? Does he need a doctor for that?

Most sore throats clear up on there own within a few days, take him and buy him some throats sweets and plenty of water sparkling water feels nice on a sore throat

Spam88 · 25/04/2017 11:03

I don't understand the issue with the Friday appointment, id love it if my doctors offered me appointments that late in the evening.

Unless you've seen pus, there's no reason to assume it's bacterial, which is the only thing the doctor could do anything about (and I think the guidance these days is not to give antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis in otherwise healthy people anyway as it only speeds up healing by a day). Agree with popping to a pharmacy, there are plenty of things you can do for him. I'd suggest Anti inflammatories for the swelling, with some paracetamol as well if he needs more pain relief, and either anaesthetic spray or lozenges depending on preference.

FanaticalFox · 25/04/2017 11:04

Throat spray and gargling salt water and hot honey and lemon. He has not had it long enough for GP to prescribe anti biotics and unless it is pussy etc and obviously infected than its probably viral or just over straining throat at the concert so home remedies only.

SleepFreeZone · 25/04/2017 11:04

If it's a sore throats it's most likely viral and the doctor will send you away. I'm wondering if you are thinking he might need antibiotics? If so the doctor won't prescribe them at this early stage.

I understand your worries re. his exams but I agree you need to start with the pharmacist and hope it doesn't lead to something that requires bedrest.

Pigface1 · 25/04/2017 11:04

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EdmundCleverClogs · 25/04/2017 11:05

Unless he's struggling to eat/breath, had white spots/bad taste in his mouth or it's been a few days, he doesn't need a doctor. A chat with the pharmacist at most. Both my partner and I had a virus a couple of weeks ago that caused similar, irritating but not doctor-worthy.

PlaymobilPirate · 25/04/2017 11:06

Shock horror - appointments are limited in number. I hate the "I'm not being funny... "line

EdmundCleverClogs · 25/04/2017 11:06

In comparison, my child recently had tonsillitis (strep throat?), they could barely open their mouths when at it's worst, proper fever, just obviously more than a virus.

WorraLiberty · 25/04/2017 11:07

Even from your second post, it still sounds like it's just a sore throat Confused

Go to the Pharmacy and get a throat spray/gargle.

Chloraseptic (SP) is brilliant.

user1492528619 · 25/04/2017 11:15

It's may not 'just be a sore throat'

It could be the start of tonsillitis/laryngitis/glandular fever/strep throat.

OP you know your own son and if you feel it warrants an appt it warrants and appt.

Call you GP again and say it's an emergency, what can they do?

If they can't do anything then take him to Primary care tonight.

stonecircle · 25/04/2017 11:15

Sounds like it might be tonsillitis which may be caused by a bacterial infection and therefore respond to antibiotics. In your shoes I would probably ask the pharmacist (our local one has a consultation room).

Does your gp surgery not allow you to turn up and wait if you don't have an appointment? You could also keep ringing to see if they've had any cancellations.

My exam dcs are both suffering badly with hay fever at the moment so I sympathise- you want them to be firing on all cylinders in the run up to exams don't you.

user1492528619 · 25/04/2017 11:16

In the meantime, take him to a chemist and see if there's a pharmacist who can see him. Stock up on Benalyn and throat spray and other medication in the meantime.

stonecircle · 25/04/2017 11:16

Call you GP again and say it's an emergency, what can they do?

FGS don't do this.