Would you bother going to the doctor?

[SpikySara]

I’m suffering pain 24/7. Mild but relentless. I probably need surgery to fix the problem. I was going to see the doctor about it last year but then Covid happened. I’ve waited a year and there’s still no end in sight. Would you just go to the doctor? Considering the risks of Covid and the fact that they’re not likely to offer treatment any time soon anyway.

GPs are supposed to be not busy & that's who you would start with. I'd go for a chat.

Definitely. My personal experience is that GP appointments (telephone & in person) are easier to get than in non-Covid times. However, waiting lists for hospital appointments are taking a lot longer, so the sooner you get a referral for one the better!

The receptionist will book you in for a phone call

Doubt the dr will see you for a face to face though

Well thats how it works here

If you have been in pain for a year then yes definitely call them.

God yes, I've seen my doctor twice since last March. It's not all about covid you know, get yourself booked in.

I’ve been in pain for a couple of years. Was fobbed off last time and told I had to allow longer for healing after my surgery. Was going to go back after a year but Covid happened. Well it’s been two years now and the incision still hurts and is bright red. So it needs looking at again but I feel awful pestering them at such a difficult time. They might not even see me because it’s not urgent. Worth a try I suppose.

You're being ridiculous. A bright red incision could be infection or inflammation. No GP will refuse to see someone in constant pain. They have made very clear that they have been open throughout and will continue to be and they want people to seek help.
I see or speak to a doctor every week , literally every week, sometimes multiple times a week due to extremely complex health issues. Including severe chronic pain. I have literally no idea why you're even asking this question. make an appointment, I hope you get somewhere.

It’s been bright red for two years so I doubt it’s urgent. I saw the GP six months after my operation and it was bright red and painful then, and she told me to go away and give it another six months. Except by then Covid had started. So I guess I’m thinking if the GP didn’t care last time when there was no pandemic, they’re hardly going to care now when all of this is going on. But you’re right, I should approach them.