Very VERY angry with my GP!

[Weegiemum]

And I'm married to another one, so I am usually very sympathetic .....

For several years I suffered from recurrent kidney stones. Haven't had any for over a year, until last week, when I got a UTI, it travelled to my kidney and I have passed several stones this last week - also one today, still in there.

I have to admit that I have not always dealt with this well - I once took some medication from my husband's bag to try to deal with the pain and ended up in court when I confessed about it - got a probation order, which I served no bother and have never illegelly taken anything since (this was 4 years ago)

Today I went to the GP to ask about pain releif - looking for something like 30/500 co-codamol, tramadol if they were happy.

Instead, the doctor asked me what illegal drugs I was taking, wanted to refer me to the drug services locally, suggested that the vomiting in pain I was doing (in the surgery) was actually withdrawal, and said that they could not treat me.

I have NEVER taken an illegal drug. I am not a drug addict - I have occasional episodes of intense pain which are followed by me passing a kidney stone, which can be seen and sent to be analysed to prove it is a kidney stone.

I have seen a psychiatrist (for the court) who was convinced that I don't have a drug problem. I have provided numerous urine samples (witnessed - now thats a humiliating experience) to prove I am not addicted to anything. I've taken nothing stronger that normal OTC co-codamol for 4 years! (except when I was in hospital - and a scan showed stones!).

We moved house 2 years ago and I haven't had to see the GP in all this time - the one time I was in serious pain, I went to casualty and was admitted. So my new GP has never dealt with my stones and is making huge assumptions based on my notes which are out of date now.

I'm furious. My dh is furious. I am going to have to change doctors again, and that won't look good, but I cant walk back in there ever again, not for a sore throat or an infected toenail. He was very stroppy, very rude, incredibly arrogant, totally dismissive.

I don't even have the energy to complain.

Please tell me I'm not being ridiculous to be upset by this. I know I will always have to live with the consequences of my crime, but I feel I am being actively punished for it, and I am in a LOT of pain.

Squiffy makes a good point. If you were an addict, you would get help. So perhaps this is a question that needs to be asked.

But really really bad idea to buy Tramadol on internet.

Glad to hear you are going to complain Weegiemum.

Hope you are feeling better today.

We have lest a message withthe practice saying that we want to see them on Tuesday (dh's day off)

We've been a bit naughty and said that we will contact both the local health board and GMC if they can't see us then.

I am feeling OK, but am still incredibly cross about the whole thing, and dh has talked to his defence union - who are contacting our practice on Monday to ask them to withdraw the allegations about dh or legal action will be taken.

I can't approach the Urologist direct, but am prepared for the referral and dh will take time off to be there for that. I know they will be great about it - we have seen him before and he was very understanding, knowing the history, he was still prepared to treat.

I'm not buying tramadol off the internet. I don't want in any way to look like I am trying to obtain drugs in any more than a totally legal, NHS way. Otherwise I would be off round to Pollok tonight for a baggie of heroin. Would never do that , as I could never trust what I was buying and I cant ever face a charge of illegal posession. But I can see why folks go down that route.

There are too many people in Glasgow who rely on the illegal trade for pain releif, let alone anything chronic. There is such a paranoia about being the place that prescribes too many drugs, that too few painkillers are released.

Doctors need to learn that there are a lot of people out there in Pain. WHo don't want a fuss, but who are really sore, adn could do with genuine help!

well your doctor needs to learn it by a boot up the arse, that's for sure...

I'm glad you are taking action, Weegie.

It helps to channel your, quite well-placed, feelings of crossness with positive action like this.

It's their job to care for you medically, and that includes pain relief as necessary.

'There are too many people in Glasgow who rely on the illegal trade for pain releif, let alone anything chronic. There is such a paranoia about being the place that prescribes too many drugs, that too few painkillers are released.'

This is true in America, too. My ex boyfriend is a neurosurgeon who sees many chronic pain sufferers turn to illegal opiates, usually heroin, for relief or to cope with mental health issues, or to illegal barbituates for sleep problems.

Glad to hear you are taking action.

me too. good luck.

I hope things go well with your follow-up - and that yuo can both sort out your dh's reputation and ensure that you can have access to the appropriate painkillers when you need them.

Just to update.

We had a good meeting today, in that they agreed to delete any comments about dh from their record, adn did so while we were there.
Also agreed that there were no grounds to suspect I am actually an addict.

Were a bit annoyed when we said that we were moving practice anyway (got a good recommendation from another GP friend), but couldn't really say anything.

I said I was looking forward to hearing the result of the conversation with the GP who saw me (he wasn't there: it was the manager and another partner) and they said they will forward a letter to me to explain.

Feel I might have at least helped the next person in pain who goes in.

Saw the new GP I registered with this afternoon - they gave me a short course of analgesics to take home 'just in case' and were also appalled at the other guys behaviour. But, I thought, not surprised, when they foundf out who it was.

So things are looking up and they also phoned for a referral and I am seing the cinsultant week after next, which is great.

Have been pain free, though, so things are looking up.

Phew, glad to hear things are looking up.

Really pleased that you've got it resolved and are happeir with your new GP.

Can i suggest that when you see the consultant that you get the number for his secretary of even better his nurse specialist so that if the problem occurs again you can get a rapid assessment appointment. I am a Nurse Specialist left the uk in dec for Oz but sorting out rapid referrals was a large part of my job. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks Hethbell, I'll ask. That kind of tip is really useful!