Want to see the gp with multiple issues

[Worriedmum4]

Hi everyone. I promise I am not a hypochondriac! Basically I have a few health issues going on and I have put off going to the gp, then because of covid aswell.
Aibu to speak to the gp about multiple things and how do i do it when they say only one issue per appointment?

My issues :
I have developed tinnitus very badly over the past 12 months. I would like this to be checked out.
I have a bladder problem that is getting quite severe (I think it is Interstitial cystitis). I need further investigation of this but I've been scared to go.
Im having problems with my periods, becoming irregular. (I'm only 35)
I think I may have sleep apnea and need to be seen in a sleep clinic.

So a few different things that may or may not be linked. Firstly I don't want to appear like an absolute hypochondriac going with a list of different things!!
Secondly due to covid, I've been putting it off but how do i actually get seen about these things when you can't see your gp face to face / routine hospital appointments aren't happening?
Any advice as I don't want to waste the GPS time but I don't know how long covid is going to go on for

I don't know how it works at the moment due to covid, but our surgery usually does a double appointment if you feel that you require longer.
It would be worth phoning them and asking for a longer appointment.

Call them, and tell the receptionist you have a few issues and would like a double appointment. Then tell the GP you have 4 symptoms that are bothering you and you are not sure if they are linked. S/he should ask for them all.
My GP surgery are seeing people face to face, as long as you don't have covid symptoms, but I think this varies.

I think just tell them all the issues and let them decide whether to book you a double appointment or etc.

As you’ll be having a phone call appointment, rather than a face to face one at a set time, it won’t be an issue.

Right now, receptionists can’t give out in person appointments, just telephone ones.

Lydia I'm not sure that's right. I've had two GP appointments face to face in the last week.

But surely you spoke to a GP first, and they booked you the appointments, as opposed to the receptionist?

All surgeries switched to a full GP triage system during the peak, to ensure that only patients who couldn’t be dealt with over the phone cane into the surgery. I wasn’t aware that any had yet returned to normal appointment allocation.

Ah yes I see what you mean. Sorry. Yes you have to have a consultation with the GP over the phone first.

I meant more the issue of tests going forward. Are those type of things still happening? Ultrasounds, blood tests, cystocopys etc?

All thos things are happening of there is an urgent need for them OP or they are required, although there will likely be a long wait for any surgical day procedure such as a cystoscopy or US at a hospital at the moment if they are deemed not an emergency. Your GP surgery can run blood tests themselves.

Interstitial cystitis is only diagnosed when all other avenues have been explored, and ruled out. I would manage your expectations regarding timescales and accessing treatment for various issues at once but equally wouldn't let that put you off, as it is just the way it is and covid has created quite a backlog for routine procedures. You will (if referred) be needing to see various consultants - urology, an audiologist, gynaecology etc.

Start with asking the surgery what to do best, write to your doctor, or ask them what to do regarding 1 issue per appt .

If you've not had an up to date smear test re: change in periods, arrange one yourself with your doctors surgery asap as you will only be asked to have it anyway if it isn't up to date. You can also book yourself an audiology appointment (same as going to the opticians).Your GP can check your ears, test your urine and bloods and breathing, weight etc re:potential sleep apnoea.

Hope you get somewhere.

During the peak they were only happening for suspected cancer cases, but regular referral/testing services have been resuming over the last month.

Oh dear OP, you sound like me in 2019! The GP was really helpful and gave me a double appointment for those issues. In my case they were sort of linked.... tinnitus was/is mostly stress and wellbeing related, and the cystitis was a prolapse - I was so glad I went to the GP and asked for an longer appointment. Don’t delay, do speak to someone soon.

Right now, receptionists can’t give out in person appointments, just telephone ones

Mine can. I called them a few days ago. They are only asking if you have a cough/fever etc or have been in contact with anyone with a cough or fever.

After waiting 13 months I was getting close to appt for an ulrasound on 18 August. Last week received letter to say this was cancelled and they could not say when it would be. I felt pretty down. Yesterday received appt for 31st July so they are finally doing non vivid things. About time too.

At my doctors, you can get an in-person appointment if you need one, but they have a strict one condition per appointment rule, even before Covid. They wouldn't allow you to run through all four. You could potentially get away with two if you had a double appointment, but the doctors have been trained well to politely tell you that you need another appointment for any other issues!

Definitely talk to Reception and see how your doctors does things, so you're not disappointed. Most tests seem to be going ahead as normal here, although a lot of things have moved - rather than everything being at our local hospital, some routine things like ultrasounds are taking place at a nearby hospital instead.