Been given a face to face appointment at my GP… AIBU to call and push back?

[tulipsinbloomnow]

I have another ongoing issue which I am under the hospital for, but I’ve been told I need to approach my GP for pain relief at the moment.

I did this a couple of months ago and got a phone call and a prescription no problem. I’m running out and need some more. This time I filled out the new AI questionnaire and it’s given me an urgent appointment for tomorrow. I called up the surgery and they said it’s because the AI has flagged me as being at risk of arthritis (???) or a DVT!!! I asked the receptionist if this was right as a DVT is pretty serious and I’m sure I don’t have one, but apparently because I’ve ticked that I get swelling it’s a risk factor and I now need to come in.

I just think this is so silly and I’m taking up an appointment for something that’s really not that serious! I just feel like I’ll look such a knob tomorrow sat there. AIBU to call back and push back?

This! ^

I would personally go because they will add the note that you’re all clear for future prescriptions to be had. Surgeries are inundated with calls from people saying I don’t want X and Y when that’s really not the receptionists job to determine. Yes I understand what your point is but they have a system to follow and your words won’t change that they’ve been told to use this system so it’s a waste of time calling to cancel. The only thing that will happen is you won’t be seen and you won’t get your meds renewed.
I work in a pharmacy and hear this kind of thing day in and out. I can only listen - I cannot change the system.

I was young & healthy when I had my first pulmonary embolism. I was a bit less young and a bit less healthy when I had by second, but still far from an old lady. Clots might be more common in older people but they can strike at any age, so please don't assume age or fitness rules them out.
You're in so much pain you can't sleep and the situation is so bad you might cry at the appointment - this is in no way wasting NHS resources or your time. Keep the apointment as is and use it to discuss if there is anything more effecting they can offer instead of/ as well as the meds you're requesting.

I don't understand why you think you'd 'look like a knob' or be wasting their time when the AI system the GP themselves installed to assess you and the human being receptionist has told you you should come in to a face-to-face appointment? They've made that decision for you and are happy with you coming in.

From your updates it sounds like you are in an awful lot of pain and really need some help, assuming you are not a trained GP or chronic pain specialist or rheumatologist or whatever consultant you are under, I would, in your shoes assume they all know what is the best action rather than you. If it turns out you don't have a DVT or any additional issues on top of the pain, then great, one less thing to worry about. I'd be grateful they are making the time to see you so quickly and take the opportunity to explain how much pain you are in and please don't worry about crying, that's completely normal and will help them see how bad it is. Perhaps there is better medication for you? It's a pain in the neck having to take time off work for appointments but I really think you should take this appointment, with zero concerns about wasting anyone's time.

Being in so much pain you think you might cry at the appointment (despite having been taking Naproxen) is a very good reason to go! Especially if AI says no without a face to face. This is on their system if not needed and not on you. For future ref, try sending an email rather than using e-consult. I find it can be a good way to avoid all the unnecessary questions.

I know you say you don't want opioids but codeine is absolutely the best thing for me for bad pain. I have shoulder pain (frozen shoulder/osteoarthritis/chronic pain) and it is the only thing that helps me when it is bad. I take them sparingly and take OTC co-codamol when I can manage with it as codeine makes me constipated! I can't take Naproxen however because of stomach issues so I guess it is swings and rountabouts.

I hope they can give you something to make you feel better.

Let them be the judge of that. They think it warrants being seen to in person, and want to check you out.
Better safe than sorry.
They can't win, can they?! On the one hand you have people moaning that they can never get an appointment, when they give appointments you get people complaining they don't really need one;
At least they're bothering and care.

Cocodamol is what I’ve had such an awful reaction to, it’s kind of crazy how different things work

just bloody go and see the GP

Hi OP. In the nicest possible way. Stop arguing. You've asked the question and I've never seen a thread so unanimous. Even the contrarian trolls or absent on this one. I hope it goes well.

Just go. The appointments are like gold dust in some areas x

It's a bit worrying that you work for the NHS but would judge someone for being emotional about their medical problems.

That’s not what I said, is it?

He has to safeguard himself by seeing you

That.

The only bit about this that would annoy me is the time off work element. But in general I prefer my GPs to be cautious and thorough, given that as a family we lost someone to a casual misdiagnosis.

You don’t need to add it. It’s there on your record in existing conditions, you can see it in the App.

When I was taking Naproxen for joint pain it was regularly reviewed face to face because it can cause fluid retention and kidney issues. Since you mention swelling it might be why they want to see you.

Incidentally I ended up on the day unit of the hospital with acute diverticulitis and have been told that I can't take it any more. I had to manage on paracetamol after that for a while.

I've now had a hip replacement.

What other reason could you have for thinking they will judge you for being emotional about your medical problems?

No it’s not, because my hospital and GP don’t talk to each other, it’s not on the app.

Because I feel like they do? I feel like you’ve jumped to a massive conclusion

Why would they?

And, more importantly, so what if they do?

I’m very self conscious after years of medical issues being dismissed (which was what led to the eventual surgery), I’m very aware that you have to present yourself perfectly to be taken seriously.

GPs have had recent guidance about prescribing Naproxen and other NSAIDs for pain.

i know because I had to have a massive fuck off fight with my surgery to get them to even consider re-prescribing it.

they’ll want omeprazole to be prescribed along side it and they’ll probably insist on a blood test to see if your kidneys are working.

be prepared to be asked to have no pain meds at all.

New policy is “lowest dose for shortest time”

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen/about-naproxen/

Jesus. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that these are most commonly prescribed for women with period pain is it? Thankfully I’ve a recent blood test to show my kidneys are perfectly healthy

Sorry to hear that it sounds bizarre and I’m guessing that’s unusual, as presumably your GP referred you to the consultant in the first place. It sounds like it’s falling down with the hospital, they should be keeping your GP updated.

The care I’ve received has been great in terms of communication. I can see in my app that the consultant has written to my GP, and my GP has received copies of my appointment letters which are all uploaded on there too. Referral notes are also in my appointment history. Same goes for both my parents, with their various comings and goings.

As you work at the hospital, can you go to the dept in your break and check they have correct GP details for you?

No, they told me to go to physio. It’s all just such a mess. All my details are right with the hospital as all my surgery info eventually filtered through to them. But things like this take ages. It’s just all so incredibly frustrating

Gently, I’m going to suggest this may be misleading for anyone reading here who is nervous about going for an appointment.

Due to my illness I can struggle getting words out some days and can easily get upset others. I take my husband with me when I can, and he often does a lot of the talking for me. Again, in my notes it is reflected that “husband says illness is having a serious impact on Gertie’s life” etc. I don’t think I’ve ever presented myself perfectly! I’m not sure that would help.