To complain about this doctor

[DumpedByText]

I'm on HRT patches following a total hysterectomy 4 years ago. I have no ovaries so need HRT.

There is a shortage of the patches I have and the chemist has struggled to get them for me. I haven't changed my patch for 10 days as they can't get any in but the chemist kept saying they were coming in and finally said they'd get them by Tuesday just gone so I said I'd wait.

No patches came in, so they found another brand and asked the doctor to change the prescription to this brand (they deal with my repeat). He said no and I need a HRT check, fair enough but there are no appointments with the nurse for over a week, so I'll be 2 weeks with no patches.

So I spoke to the lovely receptionist and said I was suffering with hot flushes and insomnia and could I not have some patches until I get an appointment.

She went to see him, explained its not my fault and I've not had any for 10 days and his words were 'if I wanted her to have a prescription I'd have given her one the first time', so no. I'm going away for the weekend, feel dreadful and still have no HRT.

There are no appointments to see the GP or nurse, so I've got to suffer and it's not my fault. I'm not asking for a controlled drug, just enough patches to tide me over. He clearly doesn't think its important or that I'm feeling unwell, but AIBU to complain about him.

I do know of people who have done the following with success:
Got the patches via an online pharmacy.
Cut patches in half and/ or left them on for a couple of extra days.
It is awful, but it has been a problem for ages.

I can't afford to buy them online, I'm a single parent. I also live in Wales so we get free prescriptions.

I've been leaving them on for longer but they are not working at all now.

Sorry you are having to deal with this

Definitely complain, could you ask for a second opinion from another GP in the practice?

I know it's not right but could you try and out of hours gp? When I lived in wales there was typically a late night gp based in the local hospital.

Failing that - is there a well women drop clinic? For many years I used family planning rather than a gp that again you can go to without an appointment that is staffed with gps?

Finally - I think I would look into changing your gp

I think the doctor is worried about the consequences of giving you a patch which may be dangerous for you.
It's not his fault there are no appointments. It would be his fault if you died as a result of a complication because he inappropriately prescribed.
I'm sorry there are no appointments but that's what I would be focusing the anger on.

Can you ask to see a female gp for a second opinion? There’s a chance she may be more understanding of the situation. The male gp is being very matter of fact and while he may be perfectly correct to be so, you’re entitled to a second opinion and entitled to ask for a woman.