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Original poster

Numbness -legs. Can't get GP appointment

29 replies

Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:28

I'm hoping someone can help me.

Back in December, I developed what looked like chilblains on several of my toes. They were very red/purple, painful, itching, burning, blistered and numb and took weeks (probably about 6) to heal. I only ever had chilblains once as a child.

Since around this time, I've have increasing pins and needles/numbness and tingling in my feet which has travelled up my lower legs. I'm not sure how/if the chilblains started this but it seems it started around this time. I've also had it in my fingers and on occasion arm. It seems to be getting worse.

I have tried and tried to get a GP appointment, ringing for days on end but the surgery will not pick up and on the rare occasion they do, they any they don't have any appointments (even for 3 weeks in advance) or they tell me to ring back another time so it just goes around in circles. Reviews on the surgery tell me everyone else is experiencing the same. I have lists and lists of all the times I've called and am not exaggerating. I''ve also been trying to get my daughter one for months.

So I thought I'd try an online GP privately which I did and he wrote notes that should go through to my GP and said I needed blood tests but now I'm stuck because I simply can't afford to do this privately.

I really don't know where to turn or what to do. I'm also exhausted and crashing everyday by lunchtime. Trying to keep working with the 3 kids as well and I'm going to break soon.

OP posts:
DogsSausages · 24/05/2021 21:34

What did the online g.p actually do to help you. Did you see the doctor in December, if you cannot get an appointment could you try 111 instead. It sounds very uncomfortable especially ifit's getting worse. Are you feet and legs their normal colour.

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:40

Dogs, nobody saw me when I had chilblains. I showed my sister a few pics by phone (nurse) and she thought they were too but no GP as the same issue back then with appointments.
My feet are always cold and pale but there are still some red scar marks from the chilblains. They are not blue or anything though.

OP posts:
Embracelife · 24/05/2021 21:42

Covid toes?

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:42

Online GP didn't really do anything really so it was pretty much a waste of £50 as I'm sure my GP won't even see any notes unless I got an appointment. Just told me it was called polyneuropathy and could be down to several different things (which I knew already).

OP posts:
SoddingWeddings · 24/05/2021 21:44

Does your surgery not have e-consult on their website?

If you can't get through, email the practice manager.

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:49

I've tried to find an email to the PM. The GP's do online consultations but there's no e consult sodding.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:55

I did think about Covidtoes Embrace but there were no chilblains or similar on my fingers or rashes on legs etc where I also get the numbness. No contacts or anything or other symptoms. Guess it's a possibility.

OP posts:
picturesandpickles · 24/05/2021 21:55

Really sorry this is happening to you Flowers

Do you have any out of hours service in your area? If so, I might try calling them with this issue this evening - you need to be seen. Tell them it is much worse this evening and you are very concerned. I personally would do whatever it took to get looked at - you have played by the rules for long enough.

picturesandpickles · 24/05/2021 21:56

This is why people end up at A&E, you can't just ignore a medical issue for months.

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 21:59

Thankyou picture. I am scared tbh because it's a totally new thing for me (since it started). I did have a DVT some years ago which caused some problems after for a few years but I don't that's related it being in both legs. Flowers

OP posts:
Summerdayshaze · 24/05/2021 22:02

Sounds like peripheral neuropathy.

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 22:02

I would try out of hours but it's difficult for me to get childcare and I wouldn't want to cart them all along. I think I will call 111 tomorrow though to see if they can advise.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 22:08

Summer, I did get a blood sugar monitor as well and blood sugar doesn't seem too high? (I know it can't be relied on at home but done several times). It's around 5.5/6mmol and I have usually done it in the morning but after a few coffees as I was worried it might be diabetes.

OP posts:
CoffeeRunner · 24/05/2021 22:20

Every GP surgery will have a Duty Dr. There to speak to/see urgent cases.

I would consider numb legs quite urgent.

The only thing (I imagine) you're wrong about is them not bothering to pick up the phone. The large practice I work for receives between 10000 & 14000 incoming calls per day at the moment. There are 10 staff answering the phone & the queue holds a further 30.

That said, you need to ask to be put on the Duty Dr's call list if all appointments have gone when you get through.

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 22:24

Coffee, I know they are extremely busy and didn't mean they are not picking up any calls. I meant that calls get cancelled straight away. Not even put on hold on most occasions.

OP posts:
WouldBeGood · 24/05/2021 22:24

Write a letter of complaint and hand it in/email it tomorrow.

Dear surgery

I am suffering from numbness in my legs. I have tried repeatedly to get an appointment to see a doctor but this has been refused. I need to see a doctor as a matter of urgency.

Yours etc

toocold54 · 24/05/2021 22:25

I feel your pain OP! Honestly I’d ring 111 but even if you end up seeing someone they’ll probably refer you to your GP.

I rang the GP for almost 2 weeks because I felt so ill and I couldn’t get an appointment. I ended up in hospital with kidney failure. Afterwards I was told to go to the GP for blood tests and for 3 weeks I couldn’t get an appointment and i ended up back in hospital.
It seems silly ringing 111 but I think you have to during these times.

RedFrogsRule · 24/05/2021 22:26

@Summerdayshaze

Sounds like peripheral neuropathy.
First thing I thought as well.
Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 22:33

Sorry to hear that toocold. That sounds awful. Flowers. It really is desperate times.
My dad was actually a doctor himself but passed away a few years ago so no family advice nowadays. :(.

OP posts:
FrankensteinIsTheMonster · 24/05/2021 22:41

Only asking cause you mention crashing a lot during the day — do you mostly feel the tingling at night when you're trying to sleep? If so, could possibly be restless legs syndrome…

Original poster
Scantilydoesit · 24/05/2021 22:45

No Frankenstein, it's anytime. Worse after hot bath/shower.

OP posts:
FrankensteinIsTheMonster · 24/05/2021 22:46

Sounds miserable :(

naturallyred · 24/05/2021 22:50

Do they have a surgery website where you can ‘ask reception a question’ or ‘help with’ option

Download the LIVI app on your phone . NHS approved & have video call with a GP

Do you have a local walk in centre?

Tiffanny · 25/05/2021 06:21

Sounds horrible OP

If the surgery can offer an appointment in 3 weeks, take it?

Keep trying

Also visit in person?

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