to complain about this Doctor?

[PeppermintPatty]

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?

I am so angry on your behalf PP. I can't believe a doctor would say this to you - he's unreal. Does he not realise that pushing someone with a history of depression to come off their meds too quickly for them could be really dangerous? If a patient did relapse, at the very least, in the long run it would cost him more than £50, espcially if they needed additional help e.g. counselling or psychaitric help. I would complain. You are not being supported adequately. I would also ask to change GPs within the practice.

FWIW I think you are really brave. Keep going and don't be put off by this idiot. Let us know how the check at the hospital goes - I will be thinking of you. I had a lump last year and it turned out to be a fatty deposit.

Sorry I've only just had chance to come back to this thread.

Gingerwine - the medication is mirtazapine. Unfortunately I don't have a usual GP as the practice is very big - I seem to see a different doctor every time I go. And you don't really get a choice of doctor when you ring up for an appointment. But I do intend speak to Practice MAnager on Monday.

I do have a clear programme of withdrawal - but it's only in my head, I've not agreed it with a GP because I'm basically coming off this medication off my own back with no help or support from them (they aren't at all helpful with this sort of thing tbh, and it doesn't help that I see a different GP every time I go!). I have done it before though so I am completely sure of what I'm doing.

I don't really care what 'evidence' they have that this is no more effective than the cheaper tablet form. I know it's the only thing that works for me so that's all that matters. And I would like to see what 'evidence' they DO have for people coming off long term anti-depressant medication and how it is supposed to be managed.

I feel very strongly that this sort of medication is given out too easily now and doctors aren't warning patients of the potential problems they may have coming off it. I think doctors are making a big problems for the future here, but aren't aware if it yet, much like they did with valium in the 60s and 70s.

thederkinsdame - it is dangerous to come off the medication to quickly, as I get withdrawal symptoms with make me feel unwell. I totally agree with what you're saying. It's a shame this doctor didn't!

Alicet - thanks for your advice and reassurance about the breast lump. It's good to here it from an expert

Glad to help Good luck x

Hi PP. Mirtazapine is not one that I tended to prescribe to be honest but it should certainly be stopped gradually, as you are doing. Presumably the GP who switched you to the liquid form did so to help you withdraw more easily. I would insist on seeing that Dr again. You are not getting any continuity which is really unhelpful in this situation. I would raise this with the practice manager when you ring on Monday. Withdrawing from antidepressants can be really hard (I have done it as well as supported it!) and I do not think any GP surgery should be leaving people to do so without at least regular appointments with the same GP. Sadly General Practice has changed a lot in recent years.
Maybe you don't care about effectiveness but I was just trying to point out that GP surgeries are under genuine pressure to make their practice cost effective. Most Gps would love not to have to care about the cost of medicines too. Personally I would be happy to prescribe a liquid form to enable withdrawal even at increased cost. Other Drs might do this differently. I was not defending the attitude of this particular Dr. We are not all like him.
I think I will remain a SAHM for now!
Hope the practice listen to you on Monday.

That sounds like dreadful 'service'. I don't think YABU at all. The irony of treating someone who has suffered from depression (ie possibly more prone to anxiety etc?) in this way astounds me as well. What an (at most) tactless person, and at worst idiot. Hope you do complain and receive better treatment next time.

PP - sorry - just read my post back and it soudns as if I'm questioning whether it would be dangerous to come off them too quickly. That's not what I meant at all - sorry I phrased it so badly - I meant that he must be daft if he doesn't realise that you need time to come off them and I agree that coming off too quickly could leave you with withdrawal symptoms and yuor GP should be supporting you. Sadly, I think many GPs are just handing out ADs like sweeties, and like you say, I think the long-term results could be as bad as the valium problem. I do hope you get somewhere with the PM on Monday. Don't let them get away with it! Good luck!

I thought I'd update this thread for anyone interested.

I had a hospital appointment for my breast lump yesterday and found out it's just a cyst. I'm sooooooooooo relieved.

I had an ultrasound of my breast and they stuck a needle into it to get some cells from the lump that they could test (surprisingly not really that painful). And the doctor I saw was lovely, took me seriously and was very reassuring. So weirdly enough it was a much nicer experience than my trip to the GP (despite the big needle)

I almost cancelled the appointment because I'd convinced myself that I was imagining the lump as my GP couldn't feel it. But my DH insisted I went and I'm so glad I did as now I can stop worrying about it

I also made a complaint to the practice manager about the GP, she had a word with him and reassured me that he would prescribe my medication for as long as I need it.

great news PP about the lump, and about the medication as well.

That doctor sounds like a cock.