Help! Too embarrassed to go to GP?

[Derry30]

Really stupid I know but just looking for a bit of advice

I’ve got a really bad cough as a result of a recent flu. I’m otherwise recovered but cannot shift the cough, and it’s to the point I’m coughing so hard at night I’ve vomited a few times (not because I’m sick, but just because of how hard I’m coughing) and the coughing is keeping me awake now - if I cough hard I vomit, but if I don’t cough hard then the brown phlegm feels like it’s blocking my chest

I’m asthmatic and at my last plan they said if I get any lingering colds I should contact them for an appointment because I’ll probably need steroids.

but last time I was at the doctors surgery the nurse said ‘I’ve met you before haven’t i?’ I wasn’t actually sure so I just said probably yeah because I’ve had bad luck recently in terms of my health, and she joked ‘yeah I feel like you’ve probably met everyone in here by now you’ve had that many appointments!’ It sort of stung a bit and I’m now really, really self conscious and paranoid about going. For context- that was a few months ago and was because I had a new lump which had grown suddenly and quickly on my neck (and needed a 2 week referral so it wasn’t for nothing IYSWIM). previously to that I had several appointments over the last few years (maybe averaging 3-6 a year) for a few things but it’s all been legit (asthma, psoriasis, heart condition etc)

I know the comment wasn’t meant in a bad way but it’s really made me nervous about going back and being seen as difficult or a time waster because it’s obviously been flagged that I go a lot 😬 but at the same time I cannot take another sleepless night from coughing! How do i suck up the embarrassment and make an appointment tomorrow? Thanks

I think they can now (not 100 per cent sure if they do for chest infections) but our local chemist does for a few types of infections like uti but if they are concerned they refer you to gp.

If you are asthmatic, don't mess about with a productive cough, especially if your sputum is not clear. Brown would indicate blood probably as a result of small haemorrhages caused by excessive coughing. It could also indicate infection. How's your peak flow? Personally, if I have a cough that hasn't cleared after a week, I go and see the asthma nurse.

Sorry this hcp upset you op. As you have asthma and a heart condition you need to see a GP today. Pharmacists are fine for minor and occasional ailments but not management of asthma with an infection on top. Good luck .

Op get to your doctor asap! Your clearly unwell and im certain your gp will want to see you to check you're ok. Pls call them or contact them now and wishing you well.

Good grief. Stop being silly (yes, you know you are), make the appointment, go to the doc - and if the nurse is there put on a big smile and say - hi, it's me again!

Exactly this. It was a passing comment of zero significance.

That was really unprofessional of that nurse. I think you’d have grounds to complain, but I can see you might not want to make a fuss. You definitely need to see your GP OP, it sounds awful. And it’s in your asthma plan, so go!

Sit with your feelings for a few minutes.

Accept you feel embarrassed.

But then move on to saying to yourself "but there is no rational reason to feel that way and my health is important"

Say it ten times.

Book the appointment.

You need to see your gp, appointments are given for need, not rationed based on usage history. If any comments are made just ask for a loyalty card for frequent flyers.

As the old advert used to say "Don't die of embarrassment, see your GP."

(Which always used to suggest to me that they would kill you off instead...😆 I guess that's why they stopped running that one!)

You need to go to GP. When I had cough for 2+ weeks they sent me for chest Xray even though im young and healthy, they do take it seriously.

Your health is more important than embarrassment, just keep reminding yourself that. She may have also meant the comment about lots of appointments in sympathy? Again not your fault you're so poorly!

It's only the nurse op. That comment won't have flagged anything on your record. She probably doesn't even work there now if she's that unprofessional!

The nurse was indiscreet and inappropriate

3-6 appointments a year without an ongoing medical condition that requires regular management is an awful lot

Yes you do have to make an appointment now as it’s in your asthma plan

People's comments can only affect you if you let them. You cant control other people but you can control how you chose to react.

She may have been sympathising about your run of bad health luck, it may have been a misplaced joke.

Your being silly if you let one comment stop you seeking medical care when you need it. Specially when you have asthma and have been told to seek medical care after a cold.

Thanks everyone. The comments are absolutely correct- I need to stop being silly about this. I think I was just so miserable and tired (I’ve genuinely had about 45 minutes sleep in the last 2 days from coughing!) and the idea of going back to the gp seemed so frightening, but I called at 8.30 on the dot and I’m doing it- I’m position 20 in the queue and will hopefully will have an appointment soon. I feel so nervous and it’s actually ridiculous, it’s a simple doctors appointment but I feel like I’m going to a job interview or something! I think I’m just exhausted

Try to look at it as she was sympathising about the ill health you've been suffering, not that she was implying anything bad. You need to go to the Doctor your breathing is being seriously affected and with the asthma you could get long term consequences from ignoring this cough.

Maybe the nurse was being a bit socially awkward, maybe she was clumsily trying to show empathy, maybe she was being sarcastic and mean. You can never know the answer to that

What you objectively know, is that a gp told you to make an appointment if you experience the symptoms you currently have. You probably won’t even see the same nurse, but even if you do, the frequency or reason for your appointments isn’t hers - or anyone else’s - to pass judgement on

How long have you been coughing? Anything over 4 weeks (I think?) needs checking.

You’ve got every right to look out for your health and your GP was unprofessional to say that to you. Shaming people for asking for help is not ok!

Go to your GP if youre coughing up coloured stuff and vomiting. Please!

You’re asthmatic. You have to be cautious, particularly where your breathing is concerned.

Don’t worry about what she meant by her comment. Don’t waste any time analysing it. It doesn’t matter. Your health does.

I am actually about to burst into tears, or throw my phone out the window, or both tbh. I tried to turn up the volume on my phone and accidentally pressed the wrong button (lock I think?) and cancelled the call. Called back and I’m position 40. Absolutely fantastic

I used to be a practice nurse and I'm sure that's exactly how she meant it - lighthearted and a poor attempt at a joke! She would be mortified she made you feel like that.
Your notes won't be "flagged" that you have been in a fair bit and you absolutely won't be thought of in a negative way because you are not a time waster. The ones who are are the ones that don't turn up for appts.
Make an appt - you definitely need to be seen and I hope you feel better soon.

Not for coughs, they can't. And a post-viral cough won't respond to antibiotics anyway.

Glad that OP is now going to the GP.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/

Ignore them. Go get checked. I’m a nurse

Got an appointment for this afternoon! The lady on the phone was lovely, so relieved I called

OP, the nurse shouldn't have said that, but it could have been a silly, chit/chat throwaway comment.
Coughing until you vomit can be a sign of Whooping Cough. You are asthmatic, you probably need some antibiotics/steroids. Do go to the GP. You owe it to yourself and should be looked after appropriately.
Best of luck, it sounds like you're really suffering with this, miserable. X