What do you do when you have quite a few health concerns and you see a GP?

[MrsDoylesMole]

Reel them off?
Write them down?
I feel embarrassed to go with so many.

book a double appointment or they may cut your short
and yes write them down

ah well double appointment a no go so im told.

so first thing when you go in say
I tried to book a double appt as I ahve a no of things to discuss

I would do a symptom diary. It can be hard to distinguish between specific problems and vague, non specific symptoms. If it's all wriiten down the DR can make more of a judgement of what's wrong.

The symptom diary was something my dr asked me to do when I had multiple issues

Write them down and, if there really are loads, show the GP at the start. S/he will probably be able to group them together into those that are related to one another and those that actually represent different problems. If fewer than about 4 things, just tell the GP how many and be prepared to list them so that s/he can ask you for more info.

I was told once that I had to make a separate appointment for each one

Thankfully our new doctor gives you as long as you need, and they'll look at any concerns about DS at the same time. Great if you're in the consulting room (not so great if you have to wait an hour).

definately write a list. i dont do the dr's very often, but when i do ive usually many things to discuss so I write them all down. Actually I think my dr likes my approach, its quick at to the point, he discusses/writes some prescriptions then im outta there!

Depends how many/how serious they are. I only ever book one appointment, and then make some kind of jokey comment about saving things up.

It's never been a problem, and I don't think I've ever been in there for more than my 10 minutes.

In fact the only time I've been in with the GP for longer than that was when I was pregnant with DS2, and I went for only one thing.

GP was so spooked by my symptoms she had me wait outside whilst she phoned the consultant at the hospital for a long discussion about what to do with me. (Turned out it was only heartburn but she thought I was having a pulmonary embolism!)

I think i need referring to quite a few different departments.
A list it shall be then.
God i hate going.

MrsDoyle, I would write down all your concerns, so you don't forget any.

I would also try and get a double appointment. It seems ridiculous they will not give you one.

I agree with writing them down, but could you also say something along the lines of "I'm not medically qualified, so I don't know if some of these symptoms might relate to some of the others" or something like that?

My parents' GP practice has brought in a new rule that you are only allowed to discuss one problem at each appointment. Bloody ridiculous. Many conditions can cause multiple and disparate symptoms - how on earth is a layperson supposed to take responsibility to recognise which symptoms go together? (No disrespect to you, I'm sure you're well on top of it, but my folks are in their seventies and now almost afraid to go in case they inadvertently mention the "wrong" thing and then aren't allowed to talk about the "right" thing!!).

Grrrrrrrrr. OK I've finished now. Deep breath....

I rarely get round to getting to the doctor so when I do go I book and appt for me and one for DS back to back.

I go armed with a list, last time I asked:

DS:
About potential nut allergy
night coughing
repeat prescription for ezcema stuff

Me:
scaby scalp
general tiredness and malaise
hay fever medicine

so we came out with i think three prescriptions each.

I do feel like a hypocondriac but suppose it saves the GP's time ratehr than coming each time I have a minor complaint!

My old doctor wouldn't even aswer a question I asked abuot DS if I asked it during an appointment made for me, and that was when he was a tiny baby "IF you want to ask about your son;s health make an appointment for him"

double appointment for me too, I went htis week with 3 issues

From a GP's perspective...

Try to book a double appt if you can. If not, avoid the times when we're most time-pressured (Monday mornings and Fridays are the worst). Also avoid being the last patient at the end of an afternoon surgery.

Lists can be very helpful to help you remember everything and gather your thoughts. Try to write a time scale next to each symptom. Show the GP your list as they may be able to cluster certain things together.

Start with the most important thing to you. Don't spend 15 minutes building up to it, and drop it in at the door on the way out!

If you are asked to come back another day to go through things further, please don't be offended. Sometimes it better to deal with a couple of bits at a time thoroughly than a lot of stuff badly in a rush.

Good luck.