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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to complain about this Doctor?

34 replies

PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 18:37

I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon because I have a lump in my breast and I'm totally shocked at the way he treated me.

He asked what the problem was, and he didn't really acknowldege me when I said I had a lump. He was looking at his computer and then asked me if I wanted a repeat presciption of my anti-depressant medication. I was a bit by this and said that's not what I came for but yes I might as well get one while I'm here.

He asked me why I was on the liquid form of my anti-depressant and told him it was because I was gradually coming off it. He then started ranting about how much this medication cost (I think about £50 a bottle) and why couldn't I just stop taking it. I explained that I had to come off it gradually otherwise I get withdrawal symptoms. He said that I had to try to come off it quicker because it was too expensive and that he didn't think he would be able to prescibe me another bottle after this one

I repeatedly tried to explain why it took so long to come off this medication but he wasn't listening to what I was saying and just reiterated that I must try harder to come off quickly. He didn't offer any help / support for me to do this and was very abrupt to the point of rudeness.

Then he examined my breasts and said he would refer me for an appointment at the hospital. I tried to ask him whether the lump could be a blocked milk duct but he didn't really answer the question. He didn't reassure me in anyway about the lump - he just said here an number to ring to get an appointment. I was very upset and angry when I left surgery and I'm considering making an official complaint. Do you think I should?

OP posts:
unfitmother · 06/03/2009 18:38

Yes, that's terrible!
Sorry to hear that.

giraffescantdancethetango · 06/03/2009 18:40

Complain and next time you get an appointment request not to see him. He sounds awful.Poor you.

Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 18:44

I will definitely not be seeing him again. What a tosspot!

Luckly my GP surgery is massive and there's about 10 other doctors.

But I'm worried I won't be able to get my medication anymore

Can they seriously refuse you medication just because they're too expensive?

OP posts:
shootfromthehip · 06/03/2009 18:48

I feckin' hate the doctors. Poor you... I would complain

Thunderduck · 06/03/2009 18:49

YANBU.

This must be national Be a crap dr week.

NigellaTufnel · 06/03/2009 18:49

Complain! And get someone else next time.

You are not responsible for NHS prescribing policy.

I had blocked milk duct - turned out fine, but bloody scary. Do you mind me asking where in the breast it is? KNow t sounds stupid, but can you massage it away in a warm bath?

Also had a lump in my breast, well armpit, before pregnancy, was just some glands popping up.
GPs refer you as a matter of course, please don't worry! There are lots of explanations for lumps and bumps in your breasts.

Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 19:02

It's a long long story but I did not choose to be put on this medication and no one ever told me how hard it would be to come off it. I'm trying my very best to come off itwill no help/support AND off my own back as I hate taking it. Can he would refuse to give me the means to do this
And surely a few months of expensive liquid medication is cheaper than a whole lifetime of the tablets??????

I know there could be many reasons for the lump Nigella I wanted to hear that from the doctor though, I wanted him to say something like "Oh you know 90% of lumps turn out of by blocked ducts" or some other medical factoid or SOME reassurance to make me feel better

The lump is by my nipple and it doesn't go away if I massage it, but nearer my armpit it feels a bit lumpy too, just like when I was breastfeeding. I stopped 9 months ago btw.

Honestly, you lot are much more helpful than that feckin doctor

OP posts:
Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 19:05

Just seen your thread Thunderduck

Are the NHS making cutbacks or something - can't believe staff are complaining to the patients about the cost of their own treatment

We should both complain!

OP posts:
OnlyWantsOne · 06/03/2009 19:06

yes, make a complaint.

Not at all right to be treated in this manner.

Thunderduck · 06/03/2009 19:07

I think you're right PP.

I'm sorry you had such an awful experience, yours certainly warrants a complaint, and I believe I'll be writing a letter about the first dr and the nurse today.

onepieceofcremeegg · 06/03/2009 19:11

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences.

If you are experiencing concerns/difficulties coming off your antidepressant, it may be worth asking (one of the other, hopefully more sympathetic GPs) for a referral to see a Psychiatrist. It's just like getting a second opinion from someone more experienced. (I am a psychiatric nurse btw and do see people in this position)

You could just see a psychiatrist as a one off to review your medication. hth.

Hope you have more support at the hospital re your lump.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 06/03/2009 19:14

I was surprised the first time a doctor mentioned the cost of one medicine vs another. I had been really sick (and in and out of hospital) but the doctors had been trying to give me anti sickness tablets to stop me being sick. Two versions hadn't work, so they were trying a third or they were going to give me a daily injection, but told me what the cost was with a "we'd like to avoid that if we can!"
I was too busy being sick to say anything.

re the lump - hope you get seen soon by the hospital & you see somebody with a bit of bedside manner!

Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 19:15

Yours sounds awful too Thunderduck, especially as you still don't feel well and they haven't been given anything to help with your breathing.
I hope you get it sorted and feel better soon.

OP posts:
Thunderduck · 06/03/2009 19:21

TY. I've taken the painkillers they gave me so hopefully that will help.

Hope all goes well for you and that you find a better dr soon.

Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 19:23

Thanks for your advice onepiece, but I don't really think I need to see a Psychiatrist as I haven't found them helpful in the past.

I have no concerns about coming off my medication, I know exactly what I'm doing as I've done it before. I know I just need to reduce my dose very gradually and it takes about 6-12 months to do. I need the liquid anti-depressant to do this though

OP posts:
NotPlayingAnyMore · 06/03/2009 19:24

YANBU
Don't see that one again but do definitely complain!
I do hope you're feeling better soon - try not to worry

herbietea · 06/03/2009 19:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Habbibu · 06/03/2009 19:41

Peppermint Patty - so sorry you've had this awful experience. Do complain - it's very very shoddy treatment.

MrsMattie · 06/03/2009 19:43

YANBU. I feel so upset and angry on your behalf that this is how you were treated over such a sensitive and worrying issue!

Complain, complain, complain and see another doctor.

Original poster
PeppermintPatty · 06/03/2009 19:44

Well as far as I know the GP surgery WILL pay for my presciption.

All GP surgeries get a budget for prescriptions and it's up to them to manange how much is spent. I think.

Also GPs get paid depending on how well their practice is performing. So although my doctor isn't paying for the meds himself, it may have an affect on his 'budgets'.

Not that I care.

OP posts:
herbietea · 06/03/2009 19:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

gingerwine · 06/03/2009 21:08

In a previous life I was a GP and I am shocked by this treatment. Was this one of the partners in the practice or a locum or a trainee? Not that those are any excuses for treating a patient that way!
I think you should either ask for an appointment with your usual GP ( or one who has previously prescribed your anti depressants) and explain to them that you are not happy with your treatment today. Or ring on Monday and ask to speak to the practice manager as you are not happy with the way you were treated. If you get on reasonably well with one of the GPs I think the first option might get a more sympathetic response. Ultimately you just need someone to reassure you that you will be supported whilst coming off your medication and that your concerns about your breast lump are being taken seriously.
Just to confirm though GP surgeries are charged for medications and are discouraged from prescribed expensive forms of treatment, especially when there is no evidence that it is any more effective than a cheaper tablet form. I imagine that was what this GP was concerned about. I think what you need is a clear programme of withdrawal over the next few months. Can I ask what medication it is? Don't tell if you don't want to though.
I am now prescribing you a nice glass of wine to help you relax!

chegirl · 06/03/2009 21:39

You poor thing! Complain if you have the energy.

My DD's consultant had a habit of telling us how much every single tablet, drip, bag of blood cost. I am sure he didnt do it to be horrible (unlike your nasty GP) but we did find it a bit off putting. I mean what were we supposed to say? 'sorry our daughter's cancer is costing the NHS so much money, is there anything you would like to miss out to save a few quid?

I hope you get the lump sorted soon. He should have done everything he could to reassure you - the swine.

Kimi · 06/03/2009 21:49

Do you have the same Dr as my mother?
He was so worried about getting her off her ADs that he let an ulcer on her foot go untreated so badly that she is now minus a leg.

Please complain, Drs like this should not be allowed near real people

alicet · 06/03/2009 22:04

I am a doc and I specialise in breast surgery. So can't help on the antidepressant side but I can tell you that at least 90% of patients who come to a breast clinic with a lump are tested, reassured and discharged. You can expect to be examined, sent for a mammogram or uss (or both) depending on your age and then the lump will be biopsied with a fine needle. You should get all the results the same day although occasionally (and not always because of concern the lump is serious) you may need to come back for other results.

It is actually very difficult to be sure what a lump is on examination alone (even when this is what I am specialising in I have been wrong on many occasions which is why it is important to do the other tests whatever you think the lump is) so although your GP's attitude does sound beyond appalling maybe him not commenting is because he didn't feel qualified to be able to comment on what it was.

Hope that helps and good luck at your appointment