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Original poster

How to go about a private GP appointment.

384 replies

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 01/06/2024 15:53

Would be grateful for any advice as I think my brain has glitched.

How do I go about booking a private GP face to face appointment ? It is for suspected stomach cancer. Is bupa better than Nuffield, do I need to find one that specialises in Gastric or pain relief? Or are they generalists? Google is giving me the impression that I need to book a face to face at a private hospital as opposed to a clinic based GP.

Dh has seen his Nhs GP and has been referred on the two week pathway, but is in pain and needs to know what he is facing. Nhs GP has refused pain relief other than paracetamol and has refused a sick note for his work. Apparently they are two separate issues and need two more appointments - the next available appointment is a month away. He only managed to get an emergency appointment after 2 weeks of daily phoning. Dh was prescribed antacids. He had been referred for blood tests, (2 weeks for results) stool tests (2 weeks for results) and endoscopy. Our local A and E has some of the worst wait times (18+ hours) and understandably Dh would rather be in pain at home rather than on the floor of an and e. The hospital wait for scans which are around 26 weeks.

OP posts:
Mummyofthewildones · 15/06/2024 06:36

OP, I've just come across this thread. You are being the most incredible advocate for your DH. Sending love and strength to you both ❤️

MustTryHarderAndHarder · 15/06/2024 09:45

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 15/06/2024 06:19

@MissMoneyFairy my guess is due to parking - it’s a big city hospital with car parks a long way from the main hospital, so if you need to drop someone off, park and get back to them or find a wheelchair - it takes a lot of time. Or my other theory is that they book several people in for the same time slot, eg at ten am they have booked ten people in, the same at the next time slot 11am. If there are no shows, then you get seen quicker, if t everyone turns up, you get seen later, perhaps they do it in alphabetical order or first in first seen for each slot.
whatever, it will still mean we have to be leaving around 7:30- 8am for a 10:30 slot, as it’s city rush hour traffic on top.

I am so sorry to hear about your husband @Alphabet1spaghetti2

Can you get a taxi? My husband had to have IV ABs for 5 days and we had to get there early too. It was so much easier getting a taxi and our taxi driver was nice enough to go and find a wheelchair for us.

It really took a lot of the stress away.

DPotter · 15/06/2024 10:24

Also think about requesting hospital transport. We have an organisation called FISH in the next over village and they do a lot of hospital runs. Ask at you GP surgery

Original poster
Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 15/06/2024 17:49

paramedics and ooh dr out. End of life drugs prescribed. Dh still convinced he’s going to beat this. District nurses on way.

OP posts:
blue345 · 15/06/2024 18:03

Really sorry to hear that, crossing everything for you both.

BlossomToLeaves · 15/06/2024 18:04

I"m sorry to hear your update. I can't believe how fast it's all happened; your brain must be in such a whirl. Thinking of you both.

DPotter · 15/06/2024 18:22

Oh Alphabet - I'm so sorry. I know you don't have family - do you have friends you can call on ? So, so sad

TraitorsGate · 15/06/2024 18:27

So sorry to hear this, the district nurse will keep him comfortable and safe, I will be thinking of you both tonight.

LizzieBennett73 · 15/06/2024 19:29

Without sounding dramatic, say what you want to say to him OP before they administer these drugs. He will be much more calm and settled hopefully but he may not be able to communicate as well.

Take this one breath at a time.

misscockerspaniel · 15/06/2024 19:32

Thinking of you both. x

Bathoclock · 15/06/2024 19:39

So sad to hear that. You clearly love your husband and have done all you can to support him.
Thinking of you both x

curlycurlymoo · 15/06/2024 19:53

Sending you massive virtual hugs x

Theraffarian · 15/06/2024 20:21

How frighteningly fast this has all happened. I hope having this outlet has been helpful in such a difficult time.

elastamum · 15/06/2024 20:21

I'm so sorry. Sending you a virtual hug x

moggiek · 15/06/2024 21:21

Thinking of you both, Alphabet.

aveenobambino · 15/06/2024 21:50

@Alphabet1spaghetti2 you and your husband are in my thoughts Flowers

LizzieBet14 · 15/06/2024 21:50

Sending love ❤️xx

Postboxwatcher · 15/06/2024 22:52

Thinking of you and mr alphabet right now. It’s all happened so fast you must be totally overwhelmed. Sending strength, you aren’t on your own. I hope mr alphabet is comfortable.

DPotter · 16/06/2024 12:47

Thinking of you both

Original poster
Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 16/06/2024 18:34

Things are happening very fast now and it feels like I’ve signed his execution papers. The district nurses are so patient and so lovely. But my guilt is still there.
The syringe driver is in place and Dh is so comfortable it’s like all this has never happened. It’s surreal. He’s lucid enough for small chats and those are so lovely. The weekend out of hours teams and paramedics have been absolute stars in getting so much help for Dh in place in what felt like minutes. I have a list of phone calls to make tomorrow, just to confirm little things that mean so much, like getting meds delivered. The hospice at home and some other services are also due to start tomorrow. I no longer have to make any decisions tbh, that ability has now deserted me, the nurses and ooh dr service are doing the thinking for me.
The one thing I need the most but cannot be prescribed is simply hugs. They are all giving me the most needed hugs. Dh is just smiling at me and holding my hand. Xx

OP posts:
Mummyofthewildones · 16/06/2024 18:50

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 16/06/2024 18:34

Things are happening very fast now and it feels like I’ve signed his execution papers. The district nurses are so patient and so lovely. But my guilt is still there.
The syringe driver is in place and Dh is so comfortable it’s like all this has never happened. It’s surreal. He’s lucid enough for small chats and those are so lovely. The weekend out of hours teams and paramedics have been absolute stars in getting so much help for Dh in place in what felt like minutes. I have a list of phone calls to make tomorrow, just to confirm little things that mean so much, like getting meds delivered. The hospice at home and some other services are also due to start tomorrow. I no longer have to make any decisions tbh, that ability has now deserted me, the nurses and ooh dr service are doing the thinking for me.
The one thing I need the most but cannot be prescribed is simply hugs. They are all giving me the most needed hugs. Dh is just smiling at me and holding my hand. Xx

You haven't signed his execution papers at all, lovely. Syringe drivers and the like do not hasten the end, they just take away the pain and worry. You are being so so brave and making sure your dear husband is comfortable is absolutely the most important thing. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I'm really glad the healthcare professionals are taking care of you as well. 💐

TraitorsGate · 16/06/2024 19:30

You really have nothing to feel guilty about, things obviously changed over the weekend and your husband is now calm and pain free, you did everything you could and you are both in my thoughts.

Theraffarian · 16/06/2024 20:07

I admire your courage and dedication to your husband , feel proud that you fought to get him to this stage where he is pain free and calm .

AnneShirleysNewDress · 16/06/2024 20:16

I've just through all your posts OP. I'm so sorry for you both. You're courage in the face of this and your love for him shine through. I'm sending love and strength to you both x

curlycurlymoo · 16/06/2024 20:34

I've been thinking of you all weekend. I bet your husband is so grateful to have you by his side. The fact he is smiling at you is saying it all. Sending you love.