For feeling guilty about taking up Doctors time?

[NotHereToMakeFriends]

I'm someone who doesn't go to the doctors unless I absolutely have to as I know there is usually someone much worse off than me. The last time I went I had a breakdown and needed a referral to a counsellor.

This being said I've been 4 times in 3 weeks recently with a first diagnosed slightly overactive thyroid (my heart rate felt like it was going a 100 miles an hour), second time because the world was spinning, my heart was racing and I felt sick and like I was going to pass out (this was diagnosed as Vertigo), had to go back a week later because the nauseous was getting worse and the dizziness had eased but not completely gone. I assumed from vertigo I developed the worse headache I've ever had at the side of my head above my ear and my eye hurt but I went back for more anti-nauseous meds so I could function without feeling sick. I had to go back yesterday because the headache became unbearable and I couldn't sleep or focus and was (still am) in constant agony so I knew I needed to go. Turns out I've got neuro-nerve damage which will heal eventually but she wants me to go back in two weeks and prescribed stronger pain meds.

Am I being unreasonable for feeling guilty about using precious NHS time?

Absolutely not unreasonable. You had medical concerns, so sought advice from your GP. That's what they're there for.

Hope you feeling better very soon.

Yes you are unreasonable to feel guilty. This is what your GP is for. Make the appointments as directed, take the medication as prescribed.

It is far more expensive to the NHS in terms of time and resources when people wait to get treated until they have bits hanging off and it's an emergency.

I hope you feel better soon

Why would you even feel guilty?

of course you are being unreasonable.

I've had way more than my fair share of the NHS having a lifelong, chronic condition and various autoimmune diseases. I have recently been taking part in a survey from one of the consultants I see as to why people leave it so late to go to the Dr's, therefore creating more issues not less.

The NHS apparently spend thousands of pounds and man hours treating people who could have been treated much earlier and cheaper had they gone to their Dr in the first place.

If you are sick you need to see a Dr. and waiting till its really bad does no-one any favours at all.

I don't really understand. Why would you feel guilty for being ill?

But you were genuinely unwell with what sounds like serious health issues, you needed a prescription and the doctor wants back for a follow up visit so obviously you didn’t waste their time. I’m baffled as to why you’d feel guilty

Do you just want everyone to commend you for not going usually?

I feel guilty because I don't want to waste their time as I know that appointments in our area are precious and hard to get. I don't like wasting peoples time and I feel like I'm overusing their services.

You're right that it turns out that I am sicker than I thought but still feel guilty about going three times in the past few weeks.

Sometimes you get periods like this. I’m in one too at the moment. It’s what it’s there for: to help you when you’re sick. Then you’ll be well again and not see the doctor again for ages. Please don’t worry about going to see your doctor when you’re ill and don’t try to wait it out till you get to a crisis point.
I hope you feel better soon.

When you are sick you feel more vulnerable and are more likely to feel the way you do.

I don't like wasting peoples time and I feel like I'm overusing their services.

But surely you understand that a patient who is ill is not wasting time? Treating ill patients is the entire purpose of the role of doctor.

Hi OP,

Every instance you have listed is completely understandable and more than worthy of a Doctor's time. That is what they are there for. You are not wasting their time at all. I'm sure they would say the same thing to you.

Examples of real time wasters are people who make appointments but don't turn up repeatedly without a valid reason just because they can't be bothered to cancel. I'm sure they wouldn't even give this a second thought.

I hope things get better for you soon and please stop feeling guilty. You are adding unnecessary stress onto yourself which will only make you feel worse.
Be kind to yourself and take care