To bother the GP or leave it a bit longer?

[popo50]

This is a weird one. For about 10/12 weeks I've had a strange thing going on with my throat. I feel like I need to keep clearing my throat or swallow heavily, sometime get a feeling of something being stuck in my throat and very occasionally choke and splutter a bit when drinking and eating.
It's not sore and there's nothing to actually see.

Whatever is up sometime causes my voice to go a bit funny almost like when you have tonsillitis only I don't have any tonsils. Friends and family have all commented on it so it's not my imagination!

It came on suddenly and I assumed it would go away as quickly as it appeared but it doesn't seem to be shifting at all.
As with all GPs just now it's near impossible to get an appointment would you put up with it or try for an appointment?

I would not leave it "a bit longer" - the appointments system will do that for you as I doubt you will be able to see anyone for weeks. Get your name in the system - if a miraculous cure occurs you can always cancel.

I don't believe a GP receptionist questioned you like that and cut you off, they might be abrupt because they're busy and people are unpleasant but they would be disciplined for what you've described, they don't decide what needs a doctors appointment they have a process they follow. They might ask if it's urgent if they have no pre bookable appointments left and ask you to call back.

The OP will disagree I'm sure but I think they're exaggerating. Just call in the morning and book an appointment, either an emergency appointment if you're worried or the next pre bookable appointment they have available.

@MrsMontyD your entitled to your opinion of course but I can assure you, you are wrong on this occasion. I have absolutely no reason to exaggerate considering I wasn't going to bother getting checked.

I did phone again today and no appointments available (different receptionist) and was told to phone out of hours. It doesn't warrant that so I'll keep on trying my gp until I can get either a face to face appointment or phone call.

Did you ask for the next pre bookable appointment? They will have on the day appointments which may have all gone but you will also be able to book ahead, it might not be for a week or so but at least you'll have an appointment.

Have you a walk in centre op? If you do turn up there tomorrow, wait and get seen. If what you say about your surgery is true it doesn't sound like you will get an appointment anytime soon.

I am astounded that a good receptionist has fobbed you off with these symptoms. I work for the NHS not as a receptionist but I do take calls from patients.

I didn't mean a good receptionist ...obviously she isn't that good!

Cannot book any advance appointments unless it's been requested by a DR for follow up.
My surgery is quite honestly the worst place I have ever been registered with. Since COVID it's even worse and if still has full covid restrictions in place. When you do eventually get ab appointment you have to knock the window of the office to book in and wait outside for the DR to collect you. Any sample etc have to be handed through the window too with no admittance into the building without an appointment.

I don't understand why they haven't moved with the times. I think you need to speak
To the practice manager and/or move to a different GP. Good luck at the walk in centre today.