To think I SHOULD be able to book a blooming Dr’s apt!

[iamallastonishment92]

Really cheesed off atm
DH and I are TTC (started several months ago) and although my periods have always been a little irregular (21-36 days) they’ve chosen this past 6 months to go TOTALLY mental.

I’m talking weekly periods for 8 weeks (resulting in me being VERY poorly fainting and cracking my head) and then 3 months with NOTHING (again feeling very unwell for most of it). Have had hormone tablets, vitamins, an ultrasound ...etc but no explanation.

Getting routine apt’s has been a NIGHTMARE they never have them EVER! Despite having 9 large surgeries on the go they currently have NOTHING at all! Not even into August- just NOTHING! The very rare ones I have gotten result in a ‘let’s try this and then if it doesn’t work come back and we’ll do X,Y and Z’ the Dr I last saw agreed that there obviously is a problem and they just need the pin point what.

I did point out to the Dr last time that coming back is incredibly hard as they never have apt’s 🤔 and he just looked very awkward and said ‘I know’.

I’m a very conscientious NHS user, always turn up on time...etc and understand not everyone is (DP is a hospital Dr) but I know there’s something wrong and can’t get help!

I’m currently sat here, on my 8th week without a period, not pregnant (although you’d think I was at least 4 months to look at me) crazy bloated, horrible cramps and ‘period’ feeling but not coming on! This went on for 14 weeks last time and SERIOUSLY affected my mental health/work!

How can Dr’s surgeries just have nothing to offer? It’s a basic service - surely THIS is why A&E is over run with silly minor stuff because people can’t see a GP?

I get that GP’s are ‘over stretched’ but their contracts (currently) are significantly more reasonable than their hospital based equivalents so I find it hard to believe that their services couldn’t be extended (hours, clinics...etc).

Just find it totally ridiculous and slightly wonder why I’m paying into the NHS system when I can’t seem to access it when needed 🤔

I know this doesn’t help you, but we have a fab surgery. I’ve even phoned for an ‘emergency’ and been given one for 10 minutes later. Although people do complain that they have to wait ‘7 days!!’ for an appointment around here, but that’s a routine, if you phoned with something that wasn’t urgent, but could not wait 7 days, they will book you in for the next day. The doctors will book you in for your next appointment, will also send you straight to the nurse if you need bloods etc, and they will book a next appointment too. It is annoying though when you go up and see a sign that says ‘178 missed last month’, I wonder how many of your surgeries that you can’t get appointments in, have stats like that or higher?

Our GPS keep switching their online provider so it's causing admin problems. When it works you should be able to book appointments online and repeat prescriptions. I think maybe alot of surgeries are trying go sort the booking systems out and it's not easy.

I have in the past resorted to push dr as j can at least get an appointment when suits and prescriptions sent straight to boots. Plus they are open all weekend. Costs 20 though plus prescription charges but they're sometimes cheaper.

Sorry youre having a difficult time, I agree with previous posts, take an urgent slot.

But regarding the pay and the shifts you mention, GPs basic salary is less than a hospital consultant (give or take, depending on where and what you do) consultants in the hospital will generally work 8-4 and have a non-resident on-call shift every 15 to 30 weeks depending on the hospital and specialty.

The capacity and demand issue is rife through the NHS and its not the drs fault. Its funding and abuse of the services. Not helpful to you but may broaden your perspectives. I really would request a gynae referral or failing that escalate the issue youre facing to the practise manager.

Best of luck

• disclaimer: not a doctor, but a manager in a big hospital