To complain over this at doctors surgery.

[ADJ1151]

Had an appointment at the doctors surgery. It was 40 minutes late, annoying but to be expected at times..

It was a follow up appointment after another appointment a week or so ago. The doctor I was meant to see called in sick today so I had to see another..

Called in the doctor was clearly rushed off her feet and flustered. Again I understand how stretched these services are but aibu to think you should still treat a patient with care and respect even when running late??

The lady that was in before me was in there for 20 minutes. When I went in she rushed me through. After five minutes she told me it was time to go as she was running behind.

My appointment was regarding my blood pressure. Last week the doctor wanted me to come back to discuss medication. The doctor I said today said I didn’t need medication despite my average bp reading to be 150/90 something. So I’ve been told conflicting things and I’m so confused.

Aibu to think it was firstly terrible of the doctor to rush me through and only allocate 5 minutes?

Secondly to be told different things!!

Aibu just to book another app with the original doctor to discuss... most likely won’t get an app for a few weeks which is fine but I can’t help but feel like they aren’t taking me seriously!!

Just to be clear, I'm not blaming the GP - 5-minute appointments are terrible for both doctor and patient

It is a little on the high side, but BP meds have shitty side effects. Have you tried getting it down through other means?

I suspect she didn't think anything more would be achieved by keeping you in for longer as she disagreed with the opinion of the previous GP you had seen . An ambulatory reading over 8-24 hours is more useful than a single one off reading and yours on that occasion wasn't that high. I wouldn't expect to be started on meds for that bp unless I was pregnant. As you are on bp meds for years if not life whilst on them I think caution before starting them is sensible. Seeing your usual GP is sensible who can discuss your ambulatory results with you although I'd want to know why she wanted tabs started. The doctor who wants to prescribe isn't necessarily the doctor with the correct opinion which seems to be your starting point for complaining about this doctor.

YANBU. That's awful that she was flustered and rushed you. It's not your fault she is running behind. The services are stretched because of the increase in population, so not much we can do about it. But I do think you should complain about her lack of attentiveness. It's not her job to rush.

It's horrible to feel rushed.
150/90 is top of normal and if that is your average with the monitor then I can see why the doctor wanted to discuss medication, as you are spending half the time with BP higher than this.
Make a new appointment to see the original doctor, and when you get there make sure that is who you'll see and get your consulation.

Thanks all. I’ve already had blood tests a few months ago to check my thyroid, sugar levels which all came back fine.

This has been a long process. I first went to the gp feeling unwell in October. Bp was high so doctor ordered me to have the ambulatory monitor which my surgery only do for 8 hours, not 24. Had a monitor in early November, the thing died and lost my results, then another monitor in late November, chased up my results all December but either couldn’t get through or no record of my results. Finally get a letter in January to ask to book an app to discuss results (first app) discussed my lifestyle etc and told to come back in a week (yesterday) for a follow up.. just feel like I’ve achieved nothing out of this.

First doctor I seen was sympathetic. I have anxiety and under a lot of stress right now. Second one yesterday preached about lifestyle changes losing weight etc.

I’m only 28 btw. Have a family history of blood pressure and heart problems.

Did have a heart scan about 4 years ago which was fine.

I’ve made another app with the first doctor for a months time.

Second one yesterday preached about lifestyle changes losing weight etc.

To defend the doctor though blood pressure is something that lifestyle changes can make a big difference to and ideally mean you can avoid medication which is surely preferable?

I don’t want to be on meds but I am concerned as like I say heart problems are genetic in my family and it worries me. I could lose weight and exercise but the stress will still be there.

Can’t see my stress levels going down anytime soon.

I have two dc with additional needs. They are hard work.

I’m caring for a sick relative.

I’m exhausted 😩

At 28the doctor is definitely looking after your best interests to recommend lifestyle changes. Long term blood pressure medication has nasty side effects and can interact badly with other medicines.

But lifestyle changes can also help with stress too. As someone who suffers with both anxiety and depression and his issues of high BP in the past (currently controlled by lifestyle) then please don’t underestimate the difference life style can make

You do NOT have to do that 20 mile return journey to pick up a sample pot and then go back again!
Ask at a pharmacy for a sample pot or use any small clean plastic or glass container. Failing that, get one from the surgery, use the toilet there to provide your sample, hand it over.

My nearest pharmacy is also a trek further than the doctors. I live very rural! The doctors have always been a bit odd about not doing samples in the surgery (unless urgent). Also I have the two dc home (half term). My son won’t go in the toilet at the doctors because he’s scared of the hand dryer there and I can’t leave them alone outside the door 😭😭

Is it any wonder my blood pressure is high? 🤣

I always have urine sample pots that I buy from the chemist. When I am in agony and need an emergency appt I can’t go to the surgery and pick one up. I would agree get your own monitor and keep an eye on it. Try different times of the day to begin with. Your bp sounds high, especially the bottom figure.

I would order some sample pots from amazon, at least that means just one trip to drop it off

You do know you can use any container for a sample? I’ve even resorted to weeing into clean jug then decanting it into a small baby food pot 🤣. Don’t worry, the GP won’t judge you!

Lots of doctors now only accept urine samples in proper sample pots.