Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Just been to GP - saw "hypochondriasis" on notes...

276 replies

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 11:54

Been to see GP about some side effects I have had from a medication I was on.

Looked at the computer to see "hypochondriasis (3)" on my notes, which obviously is three times where it has been flagged that I am a hypochondriac.

Does this mean from now on I will struggle to get taken seriously?

OP posts:
thing47 · 23/05/2023 12:56

Of course it's important to make sure your medical notes do not contain errors – DH saw one a few years back which could have potentially had life-threatening consequences – but that's very different from not liking, or not understanding, the terms used on your notes. In this case it seems OP's notes were factually correct so I can't really see what grounds she would have objecting to them?

WombatChocolate · 23/05/2023 13:16

But are you saying it’s the job of the patient to check their notes for inaccuracies?….that everyone should regularly do this, or after each appointment?

This isn’t the reason why patients have been given access. It’s to do with access to information about yourself, but not on the basis that anyone should access it. The vast majority of people still dont access their own medical records.

It’s entirely optional. It’s not a recommended thing or an advised thing.

The purpose of the notes is for medical professionals. The purpose isn’t for patient access. It’s simply the case that patients now do have access.

OMG12 · 23/05/2023 14:34

WombatChocolate · 23/05/2023 13:16

But are you saying it’s the job of the patient to check their notes for inaccuracies?….that everyone should regularly do this, or after each appointment?

This isn’t the reason why patients have been given access. It’s to do with access to information about yourself, but not on the basis that anyone should access it. The vast majority of people still dont access their own medical records.

It’s entirely optional. It’s not a recommended thing or an advised thing.

The purpose of the notes is for medical professionals. The purpose isn’t for patient access. It’s simply the case that patients now do have access.

Of course everyone should check them. They often hold inaccurate information. This can have an impact of the validity of insurance etc. everyone should know exactly what is on their medical records

thing47 · 23/05/2023 14:36

No, not saying that at all, @WombatChocolate and certainly not regularly. But if something gives you cause for concern, it's perfectly reasonable to ask for your notes to be checked. In DH's case for example, a follow-up letter gave him cause to believe a registrar had made a mistake so he politely asked his consultant if the consultant could check his notes were correct.

I'm not sure the reason patients have been given access is terribly relevant. The fact is, they have and doctors – like accountants, bankers, lawyers etc must know this.

Cactusmad · 23/05/2023 18:00

Have u consider you may be peri menopausal. U can ask for a blood test , fluctuating hormones can present like this

SeahorsesRock · 23/05/2023 18:08

That's a really old term to use. It's a mental health issue isn't it called health anxiety now? I have it but after a talking therapy and an cognitive behaviour therapy I have it under control. I think for me the invention of Google was the worst thing ever :-)

2bazookas · 23/05/2023 18:14

I am a hypochondriac. I am not going to deny that. But I still don't think that doesn't mean I shouldn't be treated fairly and with compassion.

Then surely you must be relieved that it's flagged up on your records, so that Dr's treating you take it into account (and avoid worsening) any irrational fears or anxieties. That is the compassionate thing to do.

saffy2 · 23/05/2023 18:27

BenjiBungee · 22/05/2023 13:38

They won’t delete it from your file

If something is proveably wrong then you can have it removed. So if this has not been discussed with you properly or has been written down incorrectly, then you can ask to have it removed as well as having a note put on or it hidden or both in the meantime. It isn't easy though.

You should have been offered a referral for a talking therapy to deal with catastrophising so if you haven't been, that's an error on the part of those GPs. And particularly given that you show awareness this trait shouldn't be held against you or given too much weight. If you have possible medication side effects it's very important that they are given attention and yellow carded whether or not they are 'definitely' side effects or not. Assuming you are a woman, be aware that women suffer from this kind of unconscious bias and dismissal of their concerns from healthcare professionals frequently (more than men but it happens to men too) - don't put up with it.

To a PP, don't believe for a moment that GPs and other medics don't write things like this down. It used to be 'TATT' with reluctance to act, in my case, as though that's reasonable especially in a young person (yep I had an actual medical reason for it which I had to push and push about). I also find actual errors across my notes quite regularly where someone has written the wrong term or something I blatantly didn't say which they have misunderstood or misremembered and probably written down after the fact. They are so rushed, it can't be easy, which is why we need to stay vigilant and speak up.

I also have a friend who had some things actually removed although he had to really fight for it. And other healthcare professionals kept coming across them not knowing (or more sinisterly, not believing, despite the corrections from other healthcare professionals) that they were wrong, in the meantime. It caused a lot of problems.

This is one reason why some people go to private GPs, counsellors etc. for some things.

Will they delete it? My file says that my eldest had shoulder dystopia, this was untrue and caused no end of issues with my second. I had to fight a lot to get a natural birth and they kept citing shoulder dystopia as a reason to give me a c section and no one would remove it, even though it was proven in the end to be untrue. It’s still there on my records that I had a baby with shoulder dystopia, he’s now 13 and my second is 4!!! They won’t remove it!

KateKateLee · 23/05/2023 18:45

You have a right to see your medical records, ask to see them and then you'll know which situations the 3 were. I'm surprised they right this though, so if its any consolation its probably in my notes more often than 3 times!

OMG12 · 23/05/2023 18:45

saffy2 · 23/05/2023 18:27

Will they delete it? My file says that my eldest had shoulder dystopia, this was untrue and caused no end of issues with my second. I had to fight a lot to get a natural birth and they kept citing shoulder dystopia as a reason to give me a c section and no one would remove it, even though it was proven in the end to be untrue. It’s still there on my records that I had a baby with shoulder dystopia, he’s now 13 and my second is 4!!! They won’t remove it!

Have you raised a formal complaint? Please follow up through the NHS complaints procedure, if your daughter ever has a baby you don’t want her to be affected by inaccuracies in her medical records GPs never like to admit they’re wrong.

CantFindMyMarbles · 23/05/2023 18:46

ChequeredPastel · 22/05/2023 11:58

They shouldn’t be writing or diagnosing you with things without discussion. Maybe raise it with them?

They can write and diagnose you with things without discussion. They don’t require your permission. If they feel you’re a hypochondriac then they can absolutely include that in your notes.

Outofthepark · 23/05/2023 18:48

TolpuddleFarter · 22/05/2023 17:24

In truth, I am making excuses about that one. But I actually don't know why - I really enjoy exercise (I already do a few days), and certainly outdoor exercise. I feel scared to do it, and I can't rationalise it. I will tell my husband what needs to be done and then I will have to be accountable.

I lost a ton of weight and reversed my type 2 diabetes. When I started exercise I read somewhere the body likes to be lazy and save energy, so getting up to exercise will always be a wrench but once you're into it after a few minutes, it can be enjoyable! I find that's true. I have exercise equipment (bike, small dumbbells, exercise ball and mat) in front of my TV 😄. I 100% would not do it otherwise. It's easier to get going in from mf my favourite show. Plus I go for a lot of walks and take a flask of coffee which works too.

Serrina · 23/05/2023 18:57

Write a letter of complaint to the practice manager. Let them know that this is unacceptable and if they do not remove this from your records you will report it to the GMC.

saffy2 · 23/05/2023 19:05

OMG12 · 23/05/2023 18:45

Have you raised a formal complaint? Please follow up through the NHS complaints procedure, if your daughter ever has a baby you don’t want her to be affected by inaccuracies in her medical records GPs never like to admit they’re wrong.

No I haven’t done a formal Complaint. I kicked up a big fuss verbally though everytime we spoke about it. But thank you, I hadn’t considered her future labours, might he also be affected if they believe he had shoulder dystopia at birth? Or would it not show up as it’s his partner that would be pregnant?

Bearpawk · 23/05/2023 19:06

I am a hypochondriac. I am not going to deny that.

Sorry if I'm missing something, may I ask why are you upset it's on your notes ? Are they treating you fairly and with compassion? If not - then that's a different issue to having accurate (as stated by you) notes on your file.

TiredOfCleaning · 23/05/2023 19:11

Fizbosshoes · 22/05/2023 13:22

It's not as easy as that.
I've suffered insomnia and anxiety, I don't swim but I run, and it doesn't always follow that I'll sleep well after a long or hard run. I wish it did.

Gosh. How lovely to live in a world where hard swimming for an hour at 7 pm is likely and possible.

I long for such a reality.

Mainlinethehappy · 23/05/2023 19:14

Serrina · 23/05/2023 18:57

Write a letter of complaint to the practice manager. Let them know that this is unacceptable and if they do not remove this from your records you will report it to the GMC.

Why?

justasking111 · 23/05/2023 19:21

My baby first when a toddler and really poorly the GP said OH he's allergic to penicillin. What!! who said so because he isn't. That note followed him through different practices into adulthood, despite me and then him explaining every time that he wasn't allergic to penicillin.

Snippit · 23/05/2023 19:35

My daughter was once called a hypochondriac by a previous G.P and told to stop wasting time, utter prick.

we changed G.Ps, then sought to pay privately for her to see a gynaecologist. 6 years later she is booked in for a hysterectomy, after having several operations for endometriosis and discovering she has a unicornuate uterus and the most painful debilitating periods twice a month, so bad she can no longer work, she’s only 27. I don’t know how some of these Drs dare, they’re a disgrace to the profession.

Her new G.Ps are fabulous. She’s still not right (other issues) and kept going backwards and forwards to them, they never once undermined her. Good job really, found out she has a benign brain tumour and a problematic pituitary gland. They have been fabulous and we tell them so all the time, so refreshing.

They are so popular that they have a catchment area like schools, we’re so lucky to have found them and be in their catchment.

After one of her operations she unfortunately got a post operation infection, it happens. My daughter saw her notes on the Drs computer and the surgeon had written “ she couldn’t possibly have caught an infection on my operating table, she must have caught an STI” WTF, unbelievable arrogant bastard. You really want unprotected sex immediately after a laparoscopy and removal of endometriosis deposits. Some of these so called professionals are unbelievable. We’ve since found another surgeon that isn’t so arrogant.

Solonge · 23/05/2023 19:39

ChequeredPastel · 22/05/2023 11:58

They shouldn’t be writing or diagnosing you with things without discussion. Maybe raise it with them?

Really? so when you have a patient showing typical hypochondriasis symptoms, which a GP can diagnose, they shouldnt note that until they have the ok of the patient? do you know how many hypochondriacs have the insight to be aware they have the condition? Very few and so those that dont recognise they have the condition or disagree they have it, dont have that in their notes? do you have any idea how difficult that can be when you have patients moving around GPs and areas? It wastes a huge amount of GP time by not noting it.

RafaistheKingofClay · 23/05/2023 19:49

TiredOfCleaning · 23/05/2023 19:11

Gosh. How lovely to live in a world where hard swimming for an hour at 7 pm is likely and possible.

I long for such a reality.

Even lovelier to live in a world where hard swimming will help you sleep.

Try the exercise but you can’t go for 6 weeks with that little sleep. I wouldn’t leave it as long as 6 weeks and try with a different GP if you go back. You may get a very different response.

Wapping123 · 23/05/2023 19:52

I’m so sorry you’re still going through this, OP - I commented on another post of yours about the sleep issue, having been through something very similar. I truly know how desperate you must be feeling at this point. I also have health anxiety. I know the bias it creates in medical professionals. I was once referred for CBT for health anxiety because of my “excessive concern” over stomach pain. It turned out to be a tumour growing in my appendix. It took 2 years for me to back myself enough to pay for a private scan which showed my massively dilated, abscessed appendix. My GP was very apologetic, but that didn’t in any way make up for those 2 lost years. I now have to be scanned every year in case the tumour spread. For those doubting that the medical profession treats anxious women poorly, please trust me, it’s a thing and being concerned that it’s on your medical notes is in no way irrational. I don’t think it can be undone, but I am now not afraid to be very clear that I am very self aware about my anxiety and am honest about the extent to which it is affecting me with any given issue. I have found that approach helps me to work more in partnership with medical professionals around my health anxiety - it’s then acknowledged, but I don’t accept them ascribing everything to anxiety without proper consideration and investigation. But all that said, OP, from my experience I would say that the sleep jerk thing as we discussed in your previous post comes from a place of deep anxiety. I have been there and it’s awful. There is a very genuine fear that your physical and mental health could be destroyed by the lack of sleep, which in turn makes it impossible to sleep. It’s a truly grim anxiety catch 22. The things that got me through my crisis were beta blockers, which you’ve been given and which will help (the abrupt change between anxiety awake heart rate and sleep heart rate is one of the things that prompts the jerking - it’s too big a drop and the brain panics that you’re dying, basically), and exercise, which will mop up your surplus adrenaline which is also predisposing you to the jerking. This is good advice from your GP. The final thing is to believe that there is nothing else wrong with you, and that’s hard. Everything is screaming that something must be really wrong, or if it’s not really wrong yet it soon will be if you can’t sleep. But I have been exactly where you have been and as hard as it was for me to accept after the tumour incident, it was anxiety, and the hideous sleep deprivation just made me feel crap and made me somewhat irrational - it didn’t cause me to have a heart attack, or a full on psychotic break, or any of the other things I was fearing. Your experience is totally consistent with mine and scary though the constant jerks are, they don’t reflect anything other than that your anxiety is running at a level incompatible with dropping off to sleep in a straightforward way. I seriously considered admitting myself to hospital and begging them to give me a general anaesthetic. I thought that only that, with the fact that someone would be monitoring my vitals, would enable me to break the cycle. But once I got over that period of crisis, I generally sleep well. I would never have believed that would have been the case but please trust me, you can, with the tools you have been given, very quickly get back to normal sleep. If it would help to message me feel free to. I’ve been through some scary times in my life but that sleep thing was right up there in the list, and as this essay hopefully shows!, I am genuinely gutted that you are having to go through this and would love to try and help you. Please try to hold on to the fact that you aren’t alone in this, and it does pass. If you can, take the beta blockers, pop out for a walk, and keep telling yourself that you are safe and this will pass. I have been and will be thinking of you and sending you strength.

ILoveMyBedTooMuch · 23/05/2023 19:54

tiredwardsister · 22/05/2023 13:49

I do a bit of bank nursing and recently triaged someone who admitted she had crippling health anxiety. I confess my initial reaction was to metaphorically roll my eyes but I had long chat with her and saw how awful it is, how debilitating it is for her and I urged to her to go and get some help as she was clearly a lovely person and I felt very sorry for that her life was being affected by this condition.
I think it helps that she was able to be honest with me and that I in turn was able to triage her in such a way that I could genuinely put her mind at rest and also have a discussion albeit brief about a way forward for her. So I would like to think that it would help any GP that you have an appointment with. I would just like to add that I read patients notes both hospital and GP notes/past medical history all the time ( I used to have a job where I had to nit pick my way through thousands of patients notes) and have done so for nearly 40 years and have never seen "hypochondriasis" in any patients notes although I do increasingly see the words "health anxiety" on referral letters. When my colleagues and I see patients with the diagnosis health anxiety written in the referral we do go the extra mile to reassure them and explain the results of tests etc.
As HCPs we are often feel frustrated by those with serious health anxiety unfortunately A and E an MIU or a busy GP surgery on a Monday morning is not the right place for people suffering with this problem they need to see someone with time to talk to them reassure in the immediate term and find a way forward for them in the long term.

Your first thought was to roll your eyes? This was with someone who possibly has a mental health issue ( not sure if it is diagnosed as that) Would you do the same thing with any other MH issue? I'm hoping that you have just phrased all of this is an awkward fashion - you felt better about it after having a long chat with her? Very odd.

I watch the GP practice TV show and there are many people who come in worried about their issue. Often the doctors say - what is it that is worrying you about it? What is it that you might think it is? I understand the purpose of this while still thinking " you're the flipping doctor tell me". Usually people will say cancer or other bad scenario. I saw a woman on there recently and she was point black refusing to accept that redone scans were correct - she is the only one I saw who I would class as a hypochondriac, the others were needing reassurance and an ear.

I tell the dentist I am an anxious patient. I also like to get to the bottom of issues with the doctor and possibly they would think I am a hypochondriac. I think the NHS today causes a great deal of stress for people because of inability to get appointments quickly at the GP and at hospitals. I would not agree that health anxiety is the same as being a hypochondriac.

Reggybalboa · 23/05/2023 19:54

Haven’t read the full thread but just wanted to ask OP - are sure it didn’t say “hypochondriac” which is an anatomical term for the the area of the abdomen just below the ribs and is commonly referred to in E.g. gallstones or upper abdominal pain etc. I am a doctor and this is a very commonly used term (much more so than the diagnosis, hypochondriasis).

FacebookFun · 23/05/2023 20:04

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.