A FULL health check in the UK?

[Theygolowwegohigh]

I am spending yet another day feeling just awful and am currently laid in bed crying.

My GP are still doing phone call appointments and even they're hard to get. I have one booked for middle of next week to discuss my digestive issues.

My GP will only discuss one issue at a time. Example: I have a prolapse and mentioned back pain during the consult in relation to it. She was very dismissive and talked over me that she can only discuss the one topic. I said it's part of that, a symptom of it, and she said it wasn't. 🙄🙄 (I know it is because when I've had this in the past, had surgery to correct it and the back pain went with the prolapse symtoms. Prolapse is now back and so is the back pain.)

I'm so fed up of feeling so poorly all the time.

I feel like I need one big thorough appointment to check me over. I'd maybe even save up to have one privately. I just don't know how I can access it?

I want everything looked into.

I have IBS, B12 def, anaemia, tiredness etc. But gp will only discuss these as separate matters when to me looking at them together could be caeliac.

I've spent years advocating for my son as his carer and neglecting my own health and well being. I'm trying to tackle this but I'm finding it hard when to get a go phone call to discuss one symptom.

I have autism and ADHD and just feel constantly exhausted and overwhelmed.

Can I get some sort of full health check up done? Where they refer me for any thing that need looking into?

I can't go on like this. 😢

Today I've a nice mixture of hayfever (can barely breathe wheezing and coughing) and tummy/toilet troubles. So I'm laid on the bed struggling to breathe and with awful stomach pains having just been glued to the toilet for a while.

Sorry you’re feeling poorly.

I know Bupa do health checks but I’ve never had one so not sure what exactly they cover (or how much they cost!).

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/health-assessments

Since you have already had surgery, can you get referred to a gynae/women's health physiotherapist who has an interest in prolapse?

You can do self referrals for physiotherapy in some places. It may take a bit of research, but they can help you and get you referred on if necessary.

What about writing a letter to your GP practice manager, saying you are concerned that the focus on only one symptom at al time could be overlooking a more systemic issue, and you requestan extended appointment, at which a more holistic approach can be taken, symptoms are looked at in the round and a plan can be made to investigate it all thoroughly?

The prolapse issue: I've just finally seen the gynae after waiting 16 months for an appointment. I've been fitted with a vaginal pessary to try and will go back in 4-6 months for a check up.

I'm waiting for a tooth out, and will soon be going out of area for that as the waiting lists are so long. Another tooth cracked last week, an appointment to fix has been made for me in August.

The hayfever I've taken into my own hands and booked the kenalog jab. I did this last year and it worked like a dream so I'm hoping for the same this year.

The digestive issues and constant tiredness are really draining me.

@ATerrorofLeftovers yes this may be a good idea. Im really struggling though with stuff like that. I hit autistic burnout out during the lockdowns and I feel like my brain and body still haven't recovered fully. I used to be marvellous at writing our articulate letters when advocating for my son. These days even this talk thread I'll find challenging to stay focused on it.

I think I need to look into if there's any local autism advocacy services maybe that could help me advocate for my health.

@Christmascracker0 thanks I'll have a read of that link when youngest isn't asking me a million questions a minute.

Write a bullet pointed email to your practice manager asking how you can get an appointment to discuss these issues as a whole. As you have autism you may be entitled to more health checks - does your surgery know about your diagnosis ?

Can you change GP?
Last time I went to GP two months ago I raised three totally separate issues and got treatment,all face to face. GPS can vary a lot, you need a better one.

And a one off health check is not the solution. You need a good GP to access so much healthcare, so you need to sort that. Ask in your local Facebook group for recommendations.
In my area the same GPS get recommended again and again, and the same few GPS get complained about again and again.

Maybe I should look at changing GP. When we moved to this area around 7 years ago this was the one everyone recommended but I feel like since the first lockdown they've gone downhill.

I'll ask around for other local recommendations. Change isn't my friend but it is a good point that changing GP maybe a good thing to try as they do vary.

Yes my autism and ADHD are on record on my GP records. Also that I am a carer.

They used to do carer health checks but scrapped them. 🙄

Having a good GP is so important

Re how to access this privately, just Google BUPA or HCA healthcare or "Private GP" and you'll find all sorts of full health checks and screens on offer. You just book yourself in, no different to going to the hairdresser or beautician.

They exist mostly to cater for people who get these checks annually as part of their work benefits but anyone can use them if they pay.

I am telling you this because you said you might be prepared to save up privately but don't know how to access it.