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Original poster

Would being in pain be worthy of a same day GP appointment?

56 replies

Laladog · 09/07/2017 00:30

I kniw its definitely not an emergency or anything to go to a and e but I'm in a lot of pain at the moment. I've been referred to a rheumatologist over a month ago and no appointment yet but I don't think I can wait till then since I'm in a lot of pain. They think I have Fibromyalgia. So far I've been taking OTC cocodamol and naproxen but they're not doing anything at all. The gp waiting list is over a month and I'm a bit sick of it. Could I possibly ask them for a same day appointment on Monday? If I can't then I can't but I just wanted to know. Also in the middle if changing gps since mines aren't great. Thank you Smile

OP posts:
27Harper · 09/07/2017 08:28

Haha that sounds very much like me OP, but it's a lot easier when you're in pain and want to get it over with. The conversation will only last maybe 2 minutes at most xx

TroysMammy · 09/07/2017 08:37

I'd try for an appointment as the GP won't prescribe strong painkillers eg morphine/codeine over the phone. At least you are taking painkillers. I'm a GP Receptionist and people phone to see a GP because of eg back pain but haven't taken any painkillers first off is quite common. I do live in Wales so they could have the mentality of why should they buy a packet of 19p paracetamol when they can get it for free.

Original poster
Laladog · 09/07/2017 08:44

I would never want paracetamol on the NHS. There are far better things they could spend that money on. Paracetamol, OTC Cocodamol, ibuprofen and naproxen have done absolutely nothing for me. Thanks for the tip. I wouldn't know I've never been prescribed stronger painkillers so thanks for that

OP posts:
BackforGood · 09/07/2017 13:51

Is there a certain way to going about getting a same day appointment?

Depends on the GP. Ours has 'Open Surgery' (basically turn up and wait) every day, twice a day most days.

Is there a certain way to going about getting a same day appointment?
Just hate that gps don't open until Monday

Do you not have a 'Walk in clinic' near you ? You can go there whoever your GP is - yes, you sit and wait, but I'd rather wait 2 - 3 hours at the walk in that 24 / 48 at home then trying to get an appt with GP if I were in the sort of agony that can occur with a UTI or something.

Mrsmartell08 · 09/07/2017 15:14

You'd be far better on nortriptilyne tbh...

Natsku · 09/07/2017 15:19

Definitely worth a same day appointment. They're not just for emergencies but anything that can't wait a week or however long it takes to get a normal appointment.

PancakesAndMapleSyrup · 09/07/2017 15:27

Duoloxetine is an antidepressant licenced specificaĺy licenced for depression And pain in fibromyalgia.

Zoflorabore · 09/07/2017 15:29

I have fibromyalgia op and it's horrible.
You maybe need something like Gabapentin which is a nerve drug and stronger codeine.

I am very fortunate that my Gp operates on a same day basis, ring up at 8 (73 times pressing redial ) and always get to see my preferred doctor.

Slightly off topic but am shocked at previous threads that state that the Doctors's receptionist asks for symptoms etc to determine if you're allowed an appointment.

I'm having a flare up today and need to see my doctor tomorrow as I'm changing some medications and am in severe pain.
There's no way I could wait a week, never mind a month.

Fibromyalgia is so misunderstood by some people, mainly my own family who have no idea how much it drains me, pains me and has taken over my life. I'm 39.

Mrsmartell08 · 09/07/2017 16:16

Yep
It's from alright
Being in pain is reason enough for a sane day appt

Mrsmartell08 · 09/07/2017 16:17

same

passthecremeeggs · 09/07/2017 16:45

I don't think I've ever been to the GP for anything that could have waited a month for an appointment! Definitely book a same day one - just make sure you check the time it opens and ring on the dot

Original poster
Laladog · 09/07/2017 23:38

Thank you everyone for the advice. I'll phone up first thing tomorrow morning and say that it can't wait a MONTH. I have an extraordinary headache today as well that's resistant to OTC cocodamol and naproxen so I'll definitely be asking for a same day appointment if possible not the same doctor as last time since he really doesn't know much about fibro at all.

OP posts:
SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower · 09/07/2017 23:43

What dose cocodamol are you on? There's a 16/500mg combo that you can buy otc, just in case you've only got the milder one.

Agree with others. Amitriptyline, and/or gabapentin will make a huge difference. I don't know if you can take alongside sertraline though.

Original poster
Laladog · 09/07/2017 23:46

I'm on 8/500 and I take two of them so 16/500. That's the strongest and only one they sell in my local boots. I have heard people taking sertraline and amitrytiline together but I'm not sure

OP posts:
lazycrazyhazy · 10/07/2017 00:07

If you can get an appt the GP may be able
to give you a steroid injection. I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that helps me in your situation. Have a look on the Health/Auto-immune page as there will be more advice there. Hope you can get an appt. maybe your GP could upgrade your referral to urgent?

Original poster
Laladog · 10/07/2017 00:12

Thank you lazycrazyhazy I'm going to ask that as well as I had an urgent neurology referall for it

OP posts:
OhTheRoses · 10/07/2017 00:16

What I do if I or one of the family need to see the Dr that day is go to the surgery for about 8.10 to be first or second in the queue for appointments as the doors open. It means you avoid the telephone queue and fastest finger first issue where by the time you get answered at 8.45/50 all the appointments are gone until tomorrow.

Original poster
Laladog · 10/07/2017 00:22

The only time I've gotten same day appointments is by saying I can't pee. Which is when I had an infection and literally couldn't

OP posts:
OhTheRoses · 10/07/2017 00:26

Well say you can't pee then. You can explain when you get there that you can't per because it hurts too much to get up so you were putting it off.

Original poster
Laladog · 10/07/2017 00:44

Do the doctors know why you're there or just the receptionists when making an appointment? Cause I can pee lol

OP posts:
27Harper · 10/07/2017 01:42

No the doctors don't they just know you're scheduled in for an appointment xx

KeiraKnightleyActsWithHerTeeth · 10/07/2017 01:54

If you phone 111 and describe the pain and lack of medication they are usually able to book you a same or next day appointment or at the very least a call back with someone who can prescribe.

There has been some good advice on this thread. Can I ask if the sertaline is working for what it was prescribed for and how long you have been taking it?

Original poster
Laladog · 10/07/2017 02:00

I originally take it for depression and anxiety. I personally find it has helped tremendously with both issues. I was on fluoxetine before and that made it 10x worse and I had to come off of them

OP posts:
KeiraKnightleyActsWithHerTeeth · 10/07/2017 02:15

Can you make sure to tell the doctor about your reaction to fluoxetine and remind them why you were changed when you do get in - especially if it is someone not familiar with you.

KeiraKnightleyActsWithHerTeeth · 10/07/2017 02:17

Not that they would put you back on it but that they could take you off sertraline.

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