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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you class this as an emergency?GP appointment

32 replies

afferal · 16/07/2019 12:38

Hi,
Last night whilst showering I found a lump in my breast, I'm now worried sick.
I phoned GP this morning and can't get an appointment for 2 and a half weeks.
I was told to call back after 1.30 today if I thought it was an emergency but no guarantee that they would have an appointment. My head is all over the place.
Would you class this as an emergency?

OP posts:
eosmum · 16/07/2019 12:39

Definitely yes. If only for your own MH.

BlueBuilding · 16/07/2019 12:39

Yes because time could be vital, it's also worth thinking about the impact waiting would have on your mental health.

Have you told them why you need the appointment?

Good luck OP X

tadpole39 · 16/07/2019 12:41

Yes, you need to be seen urgently. Your surgery should have a protocol for breasr lumps, ring them tell them and ask to be seen today. Nine out of ten breast lumps are not malignant, but earlier the better!

happyhillock · 16/07/2019 12:42

Yes i would, the receptionists should have fitted you in sometime today, did you tell her what the appointment was for? When you phone back and there's no appointments ask to speak to a doctor.

Rachelover40 · 16/07/2019 12:45

You do need to be seen soon. Keep ringing the surgery, people often cancel appointments and you may be lucky.

Original poster
afferal · 16/07/2019 12:46

Thanks for quick replies.
I didn't really get chance to explain what I wanted app for, receptionist was quite abrupt and basically barked at me to phone back later.
My doctors surgery is well known for being abrupt and sometimes quite rude.
I will definitely call back at 1.30 and explain why I need appointment

OP posts:
Girlofgold · 16/07/2019 12:47

Yes!

Zebraaa · 16/07/2019 12:48

I was in the same situation, lump in breast and receptionist said it’s not an emergency & 2 week appointment. I put an online doctor consultation in (not sure if your practice does them) and a doctor phoned me back same day and told me to come in the next day.

Mishappening · 16/07/2019 12:49

Sigh. What are they playing at? A breast lump needs seeing.

Teddybear45 · 16/07/2019 12:51

No suspected Cancer is not an emergency unless it’s some types of suspected blood cancer in which case even hours can often make a difference. Even if you went privately you would probably only be able to get an initial appointment 48-72 hours later (but then the NHS referral could still take up to 2 weeks).

Original poster
afferal · 16/07/2019 12:53

Unfortunately our surgery is currently in the process of setting up online appointments ect.. so its not available as yet.

OP posts:
Allbetternow29 · 16/07/2019 12:56

I know the chances are slim, but are you in Devon? Only because in the sexual health centre in South Devon there is a gp that works there who you don’t have to register with and can refer you on and they can normally give you an appointment the next day- and the letter and follow up will all get sent into your normal gp.

Original poster
afferal · 16/07/2019 12:57

Allbetternow2 sadly no, I'm in Wales

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 16/07/2019 12:57

Yes, suspected cancer is an 'emergency' in the sense that 's urgent and you should be seen by hospital consultant no longer than 14 days from referral.

It is vital that you see your GP asap, and get that referral made.

I managed to choke words 'I've found a lump" before bursting into tears on the phone to the surgery, and the receptionist made arrangements for me to be seen as an extra patient at the end of morning surgery. It's not trivial, nor something that can wait, and you should definitely ring back and ask to be fitted in

REllenR · 16/07/2019 12:58

I'd say yes, I've had two lumps and GP has seen me same day both times and been at breast clinic within two weeks.

Thismummyruns · 16/07/2019 13:09

100%! Do not feel bad for taking an 'emergency appointment', it's worried you so is an emergency let alone an unusual change in your body.

I hope this thread also helps other women in the future!

Sootyandsweep2019 · 16/07/2019 13:09

Can't believe there are people here saying it's not an emergency, of course OP should be seen ASAP and not in 14 days.

Ring back at 1.30pm OP, ( I wonder what would be more of an emergency than suspected cancer !)

Likethebattle · 16/07/2019 13:10

Yes it’s an emergency. I found a lump and asked for an emergency appointment, my old surgery gave all emergency requests to the nurse to triage and decide if an emergency appointment was suitable. She agreed and gave me an appointment the same day.

justasking111 · 16/07/2019 13:12

Yes today.

RockyRolly · 16/07/2019 13:12

Do not take no for an answer OP. These receptionists get such a bad name because of battle axes like this. You must immediately say when you phone at 1.30 "hi I have found a significant lump in my breast I must see a doctor today" as soon as she picks up the phone.

Original poster
afferal · 16/07/2019 13:38

I have an appointment 4.30pm today 😬😬
Thank you for all your replies xx

OP posts:
RockyRolly · 16/07/2019 13:39

Good girl well done. Fingers crossed for good news for you Flowers

Original poster
afferal · 16/07/2019 13:53

Thank you @RockyRolly

OP posts:
lmusic87 · 16/07/2019 14:10

Good Luck, well done for being persistent xx

Grandmi · 16/07/2019 14:45

I hope you have got an appointment now .All breast lumps in our area have to be investigated and referred if necessary within two weeks.Good luck .X