Was my GP rude to me?

[Ahbump]

I went to see my GP today after I rung up and was told to come in.

I have had a throbbing jaw and tender throat of and on for 8 weeks. He checked me out and said he could see anything and couldn't feel any swollen lymph nodes. Then he said I am referring you to Ent. If I just put sore throat it will take months so I am referring you under 2 week cancer pathway.

I immediately eternally worry I said do you think it might be cancer.

He sighed and said you are asking me a question I don't know the answer to.

Maybe maybe not and smirked.

I then said what can I take to ease it, he sighed and said fine ill give you some antibiotics.

He's put under history on my notes worried does that mean I am worried or he is worried I wonder.

O/E - tonsils hyperaemic
Lymohadopathy absent think it's spelt like that on my notes - does anyone know what this means
Underneath fast track for head and neck cancer.

He's really worried me and I didn't feel he explained why he referred me.

I had a endoscopy a couple of months ago would that show the throat at all?

Thank you

Excess blood to the tonsils- that’s what the first line means. Second line is spelled wrong I think I think it’s lymphadenopathy which is a disease of the lymph nodes. Thereby he’s describing anything from a disease similar to tonsillitis to a cancer. I think though given the way he smirked etc he thinks it’s less serious but has made it out to be more serious in order that you are checked for the more sinister variant and/or treated for the minor issue more quickly.

Lymphadenopathy means enlarged lymph nodes. “Worried” in the notes refers to you not your Gp. The 2 week wait pathway states that any one with an unexplained sore throat For >3 weeks can be referred. It doesn’t mean they definitely think you have cancer. It’s just a quick way to get you seen to find out the cause of your symptoms. There are many potential causes, usually it’s nothing serious.

The endoscope passes through your mouth and throat to reach your stomach so they may spot a problem there although they weren’t specifically looking at that area.

Hope that helps.

@louisetrees thank you. Yes it says Lymphadenopathy absent. So that means no selling in lymph nodes I guess.?

I think your right he just seemed really snappy maybe he was having a bad day. I expected to just get some advice and leave really.

He did say if I put sore throat you will wait months if I tick a few boxes it will be quicker...

@Veryhungrycaterpillar84 thank you that definitely makes to clearer I will try not to worry and wait for my appointment

I went to the GP with a feeling of something stuck in my throat/sore throat. He put me on the two week pathway but said pretty much the same, ie I don't think its anything serious but you'll wait a very long time if I don't. I was seen within the two weeks and actually ended up having my tonsils less than three weeks from the initial referral. The consultant also said he thought there was not going to be anything nasty but he also said unless we say there is a concern you won't have your tonsils out for over a year. All was fine and to be honest it changed my life! My tonsils were massive and I used to have tonsillitis regularly. I now don't snore and can eat much quicker! I had hard previous issues with my throat and neck, and have had my thyroid removed so I think the GP didn't want to take any chances, and maybe the consultant too.

I suspect your GP wanted to say to you that this is the only way you'll get seen this year and it was possibly a strange way of going about it but I'd be grateful that you're going to be seen quickly. It will probably all be fine but at least this way you won't have too long to worry. Good luck!

He doesn't sound like he has the bedside manner. I don't think he seems worried about it being cancer though, he was just doing a box ticking exercise to get you seen quicker.

Hyeraemic is just one way of saying your tonsils looked red and yes "lymphadenopathy absent" just means there wasn't any swelling of your lymph nodes in your neck.

I hope your appointment goes well, try not to worry to much in the meantime.

@June2008 Thank you! I have had 4 bouts of tonsililtus in 18 months and never had it previously. I'm 41 now!

@abbidabbi thank you I think your right. This particular GP seems to air on the side of cautious always referring but I think it's best to be safe

I don't think the GP was rude. You're worried and they have given you a fast track referral. If It was me I'd b pleased about that.

I agree he does not sound rude and to be honest I would be relieved that you are being fast tracked. He has done his job and taken you seriously.

He wasn’t rude. You’re fortunate to have a GP who took you seriously and referred you.

He may not have been smirking at you, more smirking with you that he may be exaggerating your symptoms to get you seen quicker. Either way, job done.

GP sounds pretty efficient.

Thank you all he's a pretty good GP whenever I have been to him or been with a, family member he always listens and takes things seriously.

It's just worrying when you know you are being fast tracked

I don't recognise smirks. If you take the "smirk" out of the story (which I wouldn't be able to see so to me it's a matter of opinion what one is) then I can't see a point when he was 'rude'.

I appreciate what your saying. I think maybe going to the GP all masked up waiting for an hour In the waiting room an hour after my appointment and not getting a full explaination as to why he was referring me under 2 week wait just panicked me. And when I asked why he was aost dismissive.

He's a good GP all round I think I probably miss read the situation