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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to expect healthy life advice from GP?

53 replies

abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:38

I finally got through to my GP surgery this morning after a record breaking 68 attempts (usually well over that) i explained i'd like a triage call from GP. Receptionist asked what issue was I said i just joined a gym and due to terrible breathlessness i just wanted a quick check and some advice on Healthy heart etc.

To my utter shock she was hesitant to give me the slot. She reminded me how busy docs are and did i think this warranted a call? I said given my father died of a Heart attack at 67 i thought it did. She reluctantly put me on the list.

Morning surgery is now over and I didn't get a call. Do I assume there will be no call now as the afternoon surgery is kept for appointments made by GP's? If so was I wrong to ask to speak to GP? Where else can I get this advice?
Thanks x

OP posts:
Dijoduo · 15/02/2023 12:42

YABU. You want an emergency appointment for something that not only is not in any way an emergency but is also something that is entirely accessible on the NHS website. Breathlessness when you first begin exercising is entirely normal (and kind of the point). You don’t need a GP appointment (let alone an urgent one) to check your heart rate, blood pressure or blood oxygen levels or your cardio recovery - and, frankly, they can’t do any of that over the phone no matter how medically trained they are. I genuinely don’t know what you were aiming to achieve from the appointment.

Sucessinthenewyear · 15/02/2023 12:43

I don’t think it warrants an emergency appointment.

Original poster
abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:44

It's not an emergency call. At my doctors the only way to see a doc it's to ring in the morning and get put on a
list for a call back. There is no other way to see or speak with a GP. What would you advise?

OP posts:
PuntasticUsername · 15/02/2023 12:45

You really don't need the gp for that.

Moraxella · 15/02/2023 12:45

British heart foundation has some info about lifestyle measures. Get a HR monitor and do some reading on improving fitness?

DuckityFuck · 15/02/2023 12:46

What is the medical issue you’re actually need the GP for? It’s not very clear

gelatogina · 15/02/2023 12:46

How old are you OP?

breathlessness at the gym is to be expected. If you were worried you could have a session with a PT who also might be able to check your heart rate and advise some suitable exercises so you are not overdoing it.

OffYouPopNow · 15/02/2023 12:47

Did the gym do a bp check before you were able to start working out? Most do and, if not, many pharmacies do BP checks.

You are unfit so likely to be short of breath so that on it’s own isn’t concerning. General info you are after is all on the internet.

The GP’s are so busy trying to deal with patients who are ill and in need of care so yes, I do think YABU to expect the GP to deal with this. It also wouldn’t be a ‘quick check’. You would ask questions and have a full on discussion they would then have to document this on your notes. It’s never quick.

pawz · 15/02/2023 12:47

Breathless when exercising?

That's fairly normal if you're doing strenuous exercise and new to the gym I'd think OP. Perhaps not needing a GP triage over the phone?

StopFeckingFaffing · 15/02/2023 12:47

If you are age 40+ you could probably request to see the practice nurse or HCA for a basis health check

It doesn't require a GP appointment

I'm sure there is also plenty of advice on British Heart Foundation website that you could read

Minikievs · 15/02/2023 12:47

You got breathless at the gym, having just joined, and want a GP appointment???
Words fail me
No wonder people can't get appointments for actual issues

WindscreenWipe · 15/02/2023 12:47

abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:44

It's not an emergency call. At my doctors the only way to see a doc it's to ring in the morning and get put on a
list for a call back. There is no other way to see or speak with a GP. What would you advise?

Advise for what? You’ve not actually said the problem. If you want information, it’s all on the NHS website (and a million other websites). Breathlessness when you exercise is exactly what should happen.

MeMyCatsAndMyBooks · 15/02/2023 12:47

You really don't need an appointment for that, it's all common sense and it's all on the nhs website.
A GP is there for medical reasons, not because you're out of breath going to the gym. You will be until your fit.

Floofydawg · 15/02/2023 12:48

There's nothing you're looking for that you can't google - waste of GP's time really.

Tippexy · 15/02/2023 12:49

Have you had health anxiety before?

tenbob · 15/02/2023 12:49

You want a doctor to advise you what to do when you get short of breath after recently starting exercise? For real?

HappyHolidai · 15/02/2023 12:50

The generic advice is to see your doctor before embarking on an exercise programme - but I think that's a bit of a back-covering exercise really.

If you haven't any particular medical issues then probably you can get sensible advice on where to start your exercising from the people at the gym. Start gently is the main thing.

It's not clear whether you were breathless in a "worrying there is a problem" way or just breathless because you piled on with great enthusiasm and did too much. If the second just dial it back a bit. If the first then yeah, GP appointment would seem sensible, but to check for a problem not just a nice general chat.

Original poster
abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:50

I'm 50. have Asthma and high BP. PT suggested proper check up with Doctor to ensure safety and get advice re healthy heart. my Breathlessness and long recovery time not so normal according to my PT.

OP posts:
Hbh17 · 15/02/2023 12:50

So unreasonable. You are not ill. If you really need this "advice" there are plenty of places to get it, without wasting a GP's time.

Oodlesofdoodlescockapoodles · 15/02/2023 12:50

If it helps I've just discovered the heart age calculator on the nhs website. That might be useful for you with your family history

APlaceOfGreaterSafety · 15/02/2023 12:50

If you can get an appointment for one of the practice nurses or nurse practitioners at your GP surgery, then they’d probably be able to do some checks - blood pressure etc - and offer advice.

They’d refer you onto the GP if they thought it was necessary.

ThreeLittleDots · 15/02/2023 12:51

a quick check and some advice on Healthy heart

This isn't what GPs are for.

If you don't own your own BP & sats machine (they are very, very cheap) there are plenty of places you can go that doesn't involve wasting a GP's time. There is more info online than ever on how to maintain a healthy heart.

Kentishbornknitter · 15/02/2023 12:51

I think you are being very sensible Op. You are obviously worried about the shortness of breath and in view of your father’s early death I think it is sensible to have your heart listened to. I put off going to the doctors due to SOB as I am overweight, but it turns out I have a heart murmur and now am on medication. My Mum died at 54 from a stroke so I understand your anxiety.

MeMyCatsAndMyBooks · 15/02/2023 12:51

abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:50

I'm 50. have Asthma and high BP. PT suggested proper check up with Doctor to ensure safety and get advice re healthy heart. my Breathlessness and long recovery time not so normal according to my PT.

You have asthma, asthma causes breathelessness.
YABU. Get a asthma review or take your inhaler.

HappyHolidai · 15/02/2023 12:51

abstractplantpot · 15/02/2023 12:50

I'm 50. have Asthma and high BP. PT suggested proper check up with Doctor to ensure safety and get advice re healthy heart. my Breathlessness and long recovery time not so normal according to my PT.

Okay... and did you explain any of that to the GP receptionist? Or did you miss it out like in your OP?

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