Routine doctor appointments

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

Has anyone else been struggling to get a routine doctor appointment?

I’m due (technically overdue) my smear test. My 10 year IUD is due to be replaced by the end of this month as that will be the 10 years up. I also get prescription painkillers for my painful periods and I’m almost out (I use them sparingly so my prescription usually lasts a year). I have been told well woman clinic can’t book me in until the 30th of July. Doctor only giving out appointments for emergencies now. So I guess I’m stuck until then.

I get that the NHS is facing a lot of strain due to the corona virus. I just find it frustrating as I know I will need those painkillers at some point and I really don’t want another baby so would like to get my IUD replaced to prevent that happening. I could actually cope without the painkillers if I could just get my IUD replaced. My doctor surgery generally has a system where you can usually get an appointment within the space of a week, more often than not the same day or the following day. Over Christmas etc you might wait a week but never experienced this type of thing before.

Do you have a sexual health clinic nearby? They could probably change your iud?

marmiteloversunite - yes I do but that’s the Well Woman clinic I was taking about (part of the sexual health clinic that specialises in gynaecology). 30th of July is the earliest they can see me. That’s not even my nearest clinic but the one 2 towns over. The earliest my local clinic could book me in is mid August.

Oh sorry! That's rubbish! My GP seems to be ok for making appointments at the moment. Could you ring and ask to be put on a cancellation list or ring every week to see if there are any cancellations?

Yes. I need a routine depo injection. Dr won’t do it, telephone appointments only. Sexual health clinic won’t let me book. As far as I can see no other option to get my contraception sorted.

Just had text from my GP to say that they have cancelled ALL appointments and will not be booking any more.
All consultations to be done by phone from now on (in line with NHS guidance). You'll speak to a receptionist first who will decide if you need a phone consultation with the doctor. Then the doctor will decide if you need to be seen in person for a physical exam/bloods

I had smear yesterday

I was able to book an appointment for Tuesday when I called on Friday. I was surprised...

SAME DAY ACCESS IS SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
FOR APPOINTMENTS RING THE MEDICAL CENTRE FOR A TELEPHONE TRIAGE CONSULTATION.
DO NOT ATTEND FOR SAME DAY ACCESS UNLESS ADVISED BY A GP.
DO NOT ATTEND THE SURGERY FOR ROUTINE APPOINTMENTS.
IF YOU HAVE A COUGH, COLD, SORE THROAT OR FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS.

We got this on Thursday from our surgery.

I have a mole I’m concerned about (it’s changed) and can’t be seen. No idea what to do

You should be able to get your painkillers, phone and ask and it will be issued and sent electronically to a pharmacy. They probably won't be able to advise you about the IUD because they won't have decided how to play this long term yet. I know that it rubbish. I know that people want answers but the truth is, no one has them yet. We need to see how this plays out and keep ho staff healthy or to keep surgeries open or the pressure on 111/urgent care/hospitals will be even worse, that's the priority right now

Our surgery is now call up and on the day only, open access morning cancelled for the foreseeable.

I was able to get seen by calling up in the morning. It was pretty quiet though. I also got coronavirus questions when I called up.

Since then they've issued further guidance to call before coming down to the surgery.

You will get seen @GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat, these restrictions won't be in place for ever and strategies are being discussed and hoping to have some form of normality soon but this is new to all of us as well. Sadly, people will just turn up with symptoms unless we take strict measures. Vulnerable patients would be exposed as well as staff. You just need to give it a few days to get things in order, keep an eye on your surgery webpage or social media for updates

My last appointment was almost 2 weeks after I tried to book it. Then my meds were out of stock in all my local pharmacies. I'll need to see/speak to the dr again in 3 weeks to get my next prescription. The app isnt allowing me to book anything so I'll be calling first thing on Monday to book something. Luckily I don't need to physically see the gp. I'm hoping she will put them on repeat so I can just order them online.

The painkillers you should be able to get over the phone and sent to a pharmacy.

Your IUD they will probably tell you to use alternative contraception for the time being.

Mine is being changed on monday (4 months late!) and they're only honouring the appointment because it was booked 2 weeks ago.

so covid 19 has a 1% risk of death. if you go to the doctors you may well be exposed. so proably not worth it at present. phone apt for thr painkillers and use condoms

I think they are taking down online booking to screen people who may be trying to get CV treatment. Most will be doing remote consultations where feasible. They should now have their protective gear to allow for face to face for the patients that need it.

I'm actually a little worried now. I have an appointment booked in a couple of weeks to get my implant changed (it stops working in April and March is literally the earliest time they could get me in, I phoned in January). Now I've just checked their website and it says all new appointments are suspended. Nothing about current ones and I know the hospital itself that the clinic is part of has coronavirus in it.

Gonna have to phone on Monday to find out if they will keep my appointment or not.

Really12345 - to be honest I’m exposed to the virus every day at work. I can’t work from home and deal with customers every day.
I’ve been researching online and the copper IDU should actually still work for another year or so (Between 11-12 years) but really should be removed after 10 years. So I will just need to hold out for my July appointment. I will be extra careful to avoid sex during my most fertile days now just incase. I wouldn’t use condoms and if it came to it I would go without sex altogether. The horrible powdery spermicide in them gives me cystitis and it’s just not worth it.

I suspect in 9 months time there will be a definite spike in the birth rate.

Not with me there won't. No sex until I get a new implant in. 😂