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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Complain About my GP

35 replies

DazedandConcerned · 03/10/2019 21:41

I'm going to try and keep this as short and sweet as possible because I'm trying to decide if I'm being unreasonable in wanting to complain about a GP at my practice.

Last week I came down with a horrible upper back spasm. Pain easily an 8/10, couldn't straighten my head, paracetamol and ibuprofen plus gels and deep heat/cold doing nothing to help. Went to the walk-in and was examined and diagnosed with a severe back spasm. Sadly, they could not prescribe what I needed - diazepam. I have a small history of these type of spasms which I need to take diazepam for. Especially as I am allergic to all opiates and nothing can even take the edge off the pain. So walk in recommends I speak to my doctor's when they open the next day for a prescription, and that he'd send my notes over.

After a sleepless night I ring the surgery and ask for a note to be passed though to the GPs. I confirmed the notes regarding my physical examination and diagnosis had arrived.

The GP refused to prescribe anything and told me to live with it. I rang back and complained that it was unacceptable and I couldn't manage to live in this kind of pain. They passed another note through to the GP. In the meantime I rang 101 who contacted my surgery and the doctor finally prescribed but at a lower dosage than recommended. I am now on the mend after 4 days of the stuff.

Would I be unreasonable to complain about this GP? She has form for not prescribing medications which are then prescribed by other doctors and specialists. Other patients may not be as forceful and clued into their care as I am and I worry for them.

Thanks for any perspective, I'm obviously very close to this.

OP posts:
doublebarrellednurse · 03/10/2019 21:48

I'm sure you probably rang 111 rather than the police Wink

A lot of GPs are getting cagey about Diazepam it's a benzo and they are clamping down on Drugs Liable to Misuse. My clients have this prescribed via a consultant and still have to see the GP regularly.

I'd be pretty pissed off in your position and rather than complaining asking what their policy is on Benzo prescriptions and why they weren't happy to take the OOH service instruction.

Dm5678 · 03/10/2019 21:55

Benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression so I perhaps she wasn't comfortable prescribing them to you as an outpatient.

In your opinion - why do you think she was witholding them ?

Daffodil2018 · 03/10/2019 21:55

Plenty of people take diazepam for recreational/addiction reasons so I don't think your doctor was BU for being reluctant to prescribe it. I wouldn't bother making a complaint. Patients don't normally get to demand whatever medication they want and I'm not sure your complaint would be taken very seriously let alone upheld.

Original poster
DazedandConcerned · 03/10/2019 21:56

Haha yes was most definitely 111!

I was recommended them by a consultant initially, which I suppose adds to my confusion. Practice manager returns in 10 days from annual leave and will take your advice. Will start by asking about their policy on benzos. I understand there are opportunities for misuse but a small prescription every 18 months hardly makes me an addict. But that isn't a helpful attitude when there is so much misuse I suppose.

OP posts:
Original poster
DazedandConcerned · 03/10/2019 21:59

Daffodil - my main issue is that she said no without any discussion. No offer to come in for an examination which I would have been happy to do. I have a long standing clinical need for them, and one lower back spasm left me with no feeling between my legs and in hospital. It can be quite dangerous.

So my issue isn't about her refusal to prescribe as such but for her refusal to even see me after I had been examined at walk-in. My allergies are also on file - so it's not like she could prescribe pain medication anyway.

OP posts:
tttigress · 03/10/2019 22:02

If you didn't know there is a massive opioid crisis going on in the US.

Doctors / Drug companies being accused of encouraging the consumption of these things.

Maybe you should be happy your doctor doesn't just prescribe you anything just to get rid of you.

AlphaBravoCharlieDelta · 03/10/2019 22:04

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

PlonkyPlink · 03/10/2019 22:04

Sorry you’ve had a hard time.
The problem arises because whoever prescribes the medication is legally responsible no matter who has recommended it. I would be highly unlikely to prescribe benzodiazepines for a patient I had not met or examined, but would book them in for an appointment with me for a review.
I doubt most practices have a written policy, it’s really up to the discretion of each doctor what they wish to prescribe.

Original poster
DazedandConcerned · 03/10/2019 22:05

I know all about the opioid crisis - I'm originally from North America.

As stated - my issue is not an initial refusal my issue is the fact they refused to even see me. Even after a medical report sent to them recommending treatment. While yes, drug and antibiotic misuse need to be tackled, I think when there is a clinical need you shouldn't need to fight all day to get medication that is the only treatment option available after four days of attempting to treat it without pharmaceutical intervention.

But fair enough IBU. Just don't think physicians should tar everyone with the same brush.

OP posts:
Dm5678 · 03/10/2019 22:09

But the diazepam isn't going to "cure" your back spasm it's just treating the symptoms. You could still end up in hospital. Treatment in hospitals is different from in a hospital, GP's are supposed to treat conservatively because they are general practitioners they know a little but about everything. They can't know everything about everything - hence they may not be comfortable prescribing.
I'm not really sure what you are trying to achieve by complaining ? 18 months down the line when you have another episode they still won't just hand them out to you because another Dr did ?

Original poster
DazedandConcerned · 03/10/2019 22:18

My GP practice has treated me with diazepam for my back spasms in the past, so it was not the first time they have been prescribed by them. (Full disclosure - 4 times in 11 years - hardly a junkie) And, of course it has treated the symptoms. Isn't that the point of treatment? I can stand up straight, I'm not crying in pain, can sleep and complete everyday tasks. The spasm has released and I can go back to work. Success correct?

Yet again, as some people can't seem to understand, I don't have an issue with the refusal. I have an issue with the lack of care - no offer of an appointment. Nothing. Just live with the pain. As far as I'm concerned that is substandard care - the reason I asked if IBU was because I understand they are busy and things fall through the cracks. I also admitted I'm too close to it as it has upset me with how much trouble I had to get any treatment.

OP posts:
doublebarrellednurse · 03/10/2019 22:21

It's not so much that you'll consider you a "junkie" (vile word btw) but that there are many people who are addicted and misuse it and pressure others to get the medicine for them.

Blanket rules are in place for this reason not cases like yours and they are generally to protect people.

They should have seen you and they have a duty of care, I always find the equip yourself with knowledge technique far more effective than the complaint procedure though. Treat it as a learning point for the GP and yourself.

Hope your back eases soon

JasBBGG · 03/10/2019 22:23

Sadly, they could not prescribe what I needed - diazepam.

How do you know you needed that? It's a pretty strong leap and why wouldn't they prescribe it?

I have a history of severe upper back spasms and it would never cross my mind to demand diazepam - that is a pretty big line to cross.
The best thing you can do is see an effective physio and have it manipulated ASAP.

I know it's painful but I don't think you have the right to complain about not being given something you think you need when medical professionals may disagree

doublebarrellednurse · 03/10/2019 22:25

@JasBBGG it's not an unusual prescription for back spasms as it's a muscle relaxant and the OP said shed been px it before

cultkid · 03/10/2019 22:26

Get a private consultant for your back next time there's no point in suffering. I don't know why people seem proud at times of talking about how much they can put up with. If diazepam works for you just ask for some again and explain why. I would complain.
Also diazepam isn't an opiate ... not sure why people are talking about that being a problem..

JasBBGG · 03/10/2019 22:27

Well I've never been offered it in 20 years of spasms and quite honestly wouldn't want to take it unless I absolutely had to.

doublebarrellednurse · 03/10/2019 22:28

It is a DLM (Drug Liable for Misuse) though @cultkid so sits within guidance which was brought about in part because of that crisis.

Countrylifeornot · 03/10/2019 22:30

From your OP though you didn't ask for an appointment, you asked for benzos.
Why will OOH not prescribe them if the GP thought them necessary?

DialANumber · 03/10/2019 22:32

You've said that you're on the mend having used the lower dose? So the lower dose has been effective?

I don't think you can complain about asking a qualified prescriber to consider prescribing a drug and them not complying with your request. They have the skills, knowledge and experience to decide whtehr or not to prescribe a drug and aren't there to rubber stamp what patients demand.

It sounds like you need a better long term strategy to manage these back spasms and prevent them recurring. It may be worth reviewing what pain relief options are open to you in more depth. Diazepam is not a treatment as such so if you've previously experienced neurological deficits diazepam is not in any way a cure for that.

I'm sorry you've had such a rough time but no, a complaint is not the way forward.

DonKeyshot · 03/10/2019 22:36

I have a history of severe upper back spasms and it would never cross my mind to demand diazepam - that is a pretty big line to cross

It's not a big line at all, JASBGG. GPs used to dole it out like sweeties in the days when it was known as Valium and before it was found that coming off it proved problematic for some.

It would never be my drug of choice and it does absolutely nothing for me except relieve the very painful spasms that sometimes afflicts one of my legs.

I have to be very assertive to get a script out of my GP - but get it I do!
Smile

Doormat247 · 03/10/2019 22:42

I've had a similar issue. I was hospitalised with a slipped disc, they 'didn't have anyone to prescribe anything' apparently on the day I left, so said to go to GP. I couldn't even walk let alone get to a GP. I called them and they refused to prescribe anything - said paracetamol only.
Took repeated calls to get anything at all and only once they'd waited for the hospital report to be sent to them. I spent 4 days screaming in pain 24hrs a day.

My GP also has form for not prescribing. He also refused me folic acid for pregnancy as the 'nurses should write him a letter if I needed the higher dose'. I never did manage to get them.

savingshoes · 03/10/2019 22:42

I would make the complaint. It wasn't like you came to the idea of diazepam on your own; you already seemed medical attention and on their advice you went to the GP.
If your GP and the WIC disagree on what pain management you need, you shouldn't then suffer.
I would complain and then work together to come up with a plan for if this happens again and would also request a referral to the pain team to work so that you don't get a repeat performance.

YesQueen · 03/10/2019 22:42

I don't think diazepam for back spasms is a big line to cross Confused
I went to my GP with severe back pain and came out with diazepam, dihydrocodiene and naproxen on top of paracetamol. I took 60mg of the codeine 4 times a day and then ended up with oral morphine on top of that. It didn't control the pain but it helped a little
There's a point at which other drugs won't work (I can't convert cocodamol hence the dihydro)

AllFourOfThem · 03/10/2019 22:47

I think that anyone who specifically asks for diazepam raises an immediate warning in the doctor’s head and I know a few years ago now I was told doctors won’t prescribe certain things to people if they ask for them due to the potential for misuse.

It’s annoying when you know something works for you and you aren’t abusing it but yabu to complain about a doctor not prescribing diazepam to you.

DonKeyshot · 03/10/2019 22:49

Having tried umpteen painkillers including morphine which, go figure, my GP was happy to prescribe in ever increasing amounts, diazepam is the only drug that relieves my spasms.

5mg works for me but even 2mg can alleviate some of the pain and make it tolerable instead of unbearable.

Unless you suffer from these particular spasms you'll have no idea how painful they can be, and there's no relieving it by putting leg up/down/sideways/lying down/standing up/walking etc. I've found myself screaming with pain to the extent that it's a small miracle the police haven't been called to my home by a passer-by.