Quick opinion - face to face GP appt

[dontgobaconmyheart]

Am keeping myself up with this so after rational opinions really.

GP has cancelled all routine appointments for phone ones however I have pernicious anaemia and am due in the surgery tomorrow for a blood test and b12 injection. Without it i will be feeling pretty unwell.

For context I am generally chronically unwell with a systemic genetic condition and am housebound, have a condition that affects my heart and BP, and was on antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia over xmas so generally very weak.

Would you attend this or would you skip it? I'm just in two minds, I've been isolating completely and will continue to so this would be the only exposure I'd be getting. DP says it will be half empty at the practice but i'm more worried about close proximity with the (lovely) nurse etc.

If I'm being hysterical do say, I'm not usually a huge worrier but this has got me!

You need the injection. Avoid public transport to get there and wash your hands as soon as you get home. The benefit outweighs the risks imo

It’s a really tricky one. You have to weigh up the consequences of the not having the shot versus the small chance you might acquire Covid-19 at the practice.

I was due an IV iron transfusion but have postponed that because I’ve been living with anaemia for a long time, can cope tablets, and I consider it a greater risk to potentially pickup the virus.

I don’t suppose you have the option of self-injecting? It’s possible to buy a kit to do that online, if you google.

Thanks both, for your opinions. Horrid when there is no clear answer isn't it, each time I think I've decided I see something online and change my mind again feeling I am safer at home.

Currently no spare funds for going the online route sadly as I've been out of work for a while since a decline in health and things at the moment are even tougher (as for almost all of us) but that I will have a google and look at options.

I live a 3 minute walk to the practice down a very quiet road so no public transport required, if that would swing that either way for anyone.

A short walk sounds as safe as possible, I’d probably chance it, but would be tempted to use a mask. :)

I don’t have PA but do suffer from chronic low B12 levels. I went down the online route with a U.K. clinic. Since then I’ve bought direct from the place she was getting them from in Germany. Much cheaper. They work out at only £3 an ampoule, plus the cost of syringe etc (not much).

Go to the appointment OP - patients who don't need face to face are being asked to stay away to keep it safer for people like you who need to be seen.

Go for your appointment, you need to keep up your b12 injections. If you don't go, there's no telling how long it might take to get another one.

Attend. But you could phone the surgery first and ask the nurse to call you when she’s ready so you can wait outside away from people and then go in and out as fast as possible

Thanks all for the kind replies- have found a lot of comfort in this, you lot are brilliant. Will psyche myself up in the morning as best I can and attend, I certainly do not want to intentionally waste an appointment or the nurses time at such times as these, it goes without saying.

deft, how do you find injecting at home? £3 an ampoule sounds a bargain, so to speak. When i'm feeling a bit better I will have to do that research in case this ends up a longer term situation (god forbid).

If your GP is still doing them, have it. I was due mine this week and they've cancelled. I have no idea when I'll actually get it.

Yes, definitely go. I couldn't go this week as self-isolating and I'm feeling worse by the day. They've said I can go in on Monday and I have everything crossed they won't cancel because I'm getting desperate. I also think the surgery will be virtually empty because they've moved most appointments to online/phone

You need to have your b12 injection, ring them and see if they can send someone out.

Doubt anyone was on tenterhooks for an update on this but thought the info might be useful for anyone in the same position or heading to the GP and wondering what to expect as i've just been.

Doors were closed and a member of staff outside the door, where patients were expected to keep a distance of 2m (marked by a sign) and answer a list of questions about whether we have any symptoms, live with someone who does, etc. Asked to apply handgel, of which there was ample and then allowed in. IF anyone is being seen for some reason who is symptomatic, they are being called by phone to arrive at specific times, through a separate entrance at the back and into a room only used for this purpose with staff in protective gear.

Due to the large no. of appointments switched to telephone ones as some of you have said there were no patients there really, just myself and one other in the waiting room and then staff/the odd patient passing through. The brilliant staff were all very cheery and encouraging and I felt as safe as i was going to be as somebody immune compromised out and about, if anyone needs to go in then be assured that what can done seems to be!