Herpes reoccurrence- AIBU To not want to tell every receptionist I have it

[theshameofstds]

Contracted genital herpes in 2009
This will be my 3rd reoccurrence.
For anyone who's never had it - it's painful
And I always feel ill with it (think flu like)

All I want is a prescription for acyclovir. I can't have one until I've spoken to a doctors. The surgery don't have any appointments to allow me to speak to a doctor today. The receptionist also doesn't have any slots available to see a doctor tomorrow- but insists I call back at 8am again. Because they might have a slot then.
In the meanwhile I've called the pharmacy- multiple sexual health clinics - and 111 on advice of the doctors receptionist.
I could either not get through to speak to someone - or the call was cut off due to 'extreme busy periods'.
I have spoken to at least 5 people and HAD to inform all these strangers I have genital herpes. Yes I known these people are all professional-BUT it's awful having to keep saying you have it. And it's our local doctors and local Tesco pharmacy- I know these people
Why can't the pharmacy give me a prescription? Why can't the receptionist ask the doctor for one for me!
The longer I don't get the medication the worse all the sores will become. And the more ill I will feel.

Why can't I just get my meds 😢

Can you just say 'gyne' problems if you're embarrassed? No need to be btw, it's nothing to be ashamed of and they will have heard it all before. They're trying to see if it's something you need a GP or if a nurse can help. Can you use NHS online to order a prescription and explain your symptoms?

For future reference, you can buy Aciclovir tablets online. Superdrug sell it, as do a number of (legit!) online pharmacies. It will cost more than an NHS prescription but saves you the hassle, embarrassment and delay of seeing a GP.

You can get them through the online pharmacy which allows you to collect from a chemist of your choice.

Try online

@legalseagull no it's not seen as a regular prescription as I don't have it often enough

I need it now 😢
With the Royal Mail being on strike I'm not keen on ordering online - but I will do to have them in stock.
I can only get a repeat prescription online - not a new one which is what this is classed as

With my online ordering from gp website there is a box at the bottom under my regular medication that I can write a request in. If necessary I title it urgent and it gets sorted quickly. Do you have that option?

I feel you. Although I have moved past embarrassment and just say it now. I don't care. The momentary sting of embarrassment is minor compared to the very real sting of what I'm trying to get treated for.

Does your surgery do online appointment booking? (I know, idealistic or what. Mine stopped online bookings in spring 2020 and hasn't turned them back on yet 'because covid'.) Might be worth a try — saves having to yell at the receptionist down a bad line.

No online bookings I'm afraid. And super drug can't deliver before Saturday 🥹
I'm just glad I was WFH today ... only OH was around to hear me say Herpes reoccurrence 🙈 herpes reoccurrence etc

Just say gynaecology issues and they won't ask further

Anyone had good results using vagisil cream on the blisters?

Just posting this image to show where I can issue medication special requests other than regular monthly meds.
Do you have this under your regular online med requests?

@LadyLaLaa
You're so kind - I tried but it's not an option. Only repeat meds 😢

If Superdrug do it you can collect in store either same day or next day depending what time you order. I've ordered the pill, BV and cystitis antibiotic from them and done this. It's really simple

Please don’t use Vagisil on them, you can make your symptoms worse!

Have the GUM clinic got back to you yet? We tend to give people a box of 56 aciclovir to treat 3 outbreaks so you don’t run out unexpectedly. What area are you in OP and I can try and help you get in touch with someone who can assist

:(

I would second this advice, that's what i do.

None of the clinics have either been reachable or called me back.
I've spoken to the receptionist again and she's written a request for a prescription and at least then I stand a chance of getting a prescription by tomorrow- and if not it's the call at 8am method again.

I will definitely get some stock in. It's the fact that it's quite short dated that put me off.

@WetBandits
Stoke on Trent / macclesfield
Honestly I have called every where I can find on-line and no one is answering.

You can buy acyclovir cream from the shelf in tescos and other supermarkets. In the cold and flu section. And it can be used on genitals

Hi OP I have had herpes a few times now so I know how awful it is. I had a reoccurrence recently and had similar problems to you in getting treated by gp and sexual health clinic. In the end somebody recommended I used the LIVI app which luckily for me is free in my area. I had a video call with a gp and he sent a prescription to my nominated local pharmacy the same day.

Have a look and see if it'd be available in your area, even if you do end up having to pay it avoids waiting on royal mail delivering meds from an online chemist.
Really hope you get sorted, it's miserable 💐

Aciclovir cream aka
Lipsore, Virasorb, Zovirax

Your gp surgery sound a bit rubbish to be honest. My son needed a medication that hadn't been put on repeat I explained it to the receptionist who then relayed it all to a Dr and the pharmacy had it ready that evening. I would ring the receptionist again and tell her that you need the medication urgently and see what she can do. Don't be embarrassed op, especially about the pharmacy, they prescribed acyclovir when I had shingles so the pharmacy won't be assuming it' for genital herpes.

@Hankunamatata
The packaging on Zovirax says not to use on genitals.. ?