Would you keep this ENT appointment?

[cloudyweewee]

After a sore throat lasting a month, during which time I was prescribed a course of antibiotics, I went back to the GP and was referred to the ENT department of the local hospital because my symptoms had lasted longer than 3 weeks. He also prescribed some more antibiotics and said the appointment at ENT will be within the next 2 weeks. I hate wasting NHS resources, but I keep thinking that if this course of antibiotics clears up my sore throat and other symptoms, should I still keep the ENT appointment or cancel? WWYD?

What are the other symptoms?

being seen with in 2 weeks is an emergency appointment, so yes I would.

I had to wait over 4 months for my first ent appointment, apparently they have some of the longest waiting lists.

The other symptom are a cough, strained voice, pain in one ear.

Woah, I had to wait 9 months for DD. I think I'd go if I were you. Hope it's just precautionary.

Well I think it’s those things they are worried about rather than just a normal sore throat.
As a pp says 2 weeks is an emergency appointment so they are obviously very worried about you - although of course it could be nothing. Definitely go.

Thank you. I will definitely go.

It sounds a bit odd that the GP referred you when you can get persistent symptoms like this with a virus.
The only thing, unless there's anything else that would predispose to particular illnesses or give a clue, would be the hoarse voice you've had. I think 3 weeks is when they start referral for laryngoscopy but not sure about the context of an infection, which would explain its origin.
Nevertheless I am an internet stranger and not your GP so I think best to go along with the appointment as there will be some rationale, probably. Hope you feel better soon.

I think they probably want to rule out something more serious such as throat cancer - which although unlikely I guess does fit some of your symptoms

The GP said that the 2 week referral was because he was following guidelines about symptoms that have lasted longer than 3 weeks. I don't think he's particularly worried about what he has seen himself. I did tell him that my symptoms lessend during half term then got worse when I went back to work and had to talk all day (teacher).

lessened

Yes it’s probably all fine - they are just geing cautious