Can someone explain repeat prescriptions to me because I just do not get it.....

[foxinsocks]

and it might just be where I live because they are very cost conscious...

so I have reflux (as have both children)...I go through periods when it's very bad and periods when I'm not bothered by it at all

the whole of the last 12 months, it's been very bad. Doctor, rather than blanket prescribing me omeprazole, wanted an endoscopy done this time which they duly did and found inflammation in the oesophagus, gastritis etc.etc. (basically just inflammation everywhere). Gastro bloke prescribed me 6 weeks of 40mg omeprazole. I took it but I said to him, I know what this is like, I've had outbreaks of this before, I suspect it will come back at the end of 6 weeks, can I just have 6 months of 20mg as this will sort it out.

He gave me 6 weeks and told me to go back to the GP as they don't like giving such long prescriptions (from the hospital). I go back to the GP who will only give me a month.

Now, every time I don't take the omeprazole for a period of a couple of days, the acid is so bad it's burning my larynx and making it spasm (meaning I'm struggling to breathe) and I'm getting laryngitis. Today I have NO voice as it's my sixth bout of laryngitis in the last year, this all because they won't let me take a running dose of omeprazole.

Now what is winding me up is that 2 people in the office have similar reflux (just coincidentally mentioned this to them) and both have been on omeprazole for over 5 years (with a running repeat prescription) so why are they making my life so f'ing difficult?

I work full time and can't book appointments in advance so if I have to keep going back to the docs to get a prescription, I have to take a day off work and hope I get an appointment. I have explained this to them and no-one seems bothered.

Who can I complain about this to? I don't mind going back after 6 months but 1 month is too short. It means I often can't get an appointment until I've had a few days without the omeprazole = laryngitis.

I feel shite today but am sat at work because I can't take another day off and want some time off in half term with the kids

ok well I have 3 months (1 month with 2 repeats)

they aren't allowed to prescribe more than a month at a time and 3 months is all they could give me (better than nothing)

he said 'this isn't caused by reflux' and I said 'well it is for me'! So he said 'it's viral laryngitis' - so I said but I don't have a cold or anything. So he begrudgingly agreed to give me the prescription and sent me on my way! ARRGHH

anyway, at least I have it now. Thanks for your encouragement. Had it not been for that, I probably wouldn't have bothered and would be sat here seething still!

hey, fabulous

ok, he still is not believing you on the reflux DX ( for you), but you got the result you wanted, and it does mean that you will have time to make another appointment for the next lot (or are you allowed to just order a repeat rather than see him again??)

I know, silly isn't it. I even have a report from the gastroenterologist there (though I didn't think the report was that great - even gastros don't really think that much of reflux/gastritis it seems!).

I can get a repeat from the surgery for 3 months - so I have to tick the box but don't have to make an appointment. After that, I have to go back again. It might clear up in 3 months though I suspect it will take 6 (have had this before) but we will see.

At least I have the prescription which is what I wanted!

He told me I have a virus (but I have no runny nose, no temperature, no aches/pains, nothing. Just a hoarse throat with stridor!). Never mind .

Oh well, Foxy. At least you got 3 months worth. I'm surprised he doesn't think it's GERD laryngitis.
Anyway, hope you improve rapidly.

what IS it with some docs and their 'everything is a virus' obsession.

still, it went in your favour even if he cannot admit defeat, so not knocking it too much

lol true psycho

I even have GERD laryngitis in my notes somewhere (from years ago!)

hope you are starting to feel better now jalopy (and you pyscho! I know you've been through hell recently!)

I am on a prescription that I will have to take every day for the rest of my life. The dosage may change, but only when I get a blood test, which under normal circumstances (i.e. not pg) I am likely to only get done once a year, yet they still only give me 2 months worth, and I am really bad at remembering to reorder it.

My GP now only do repeat prescriptions online (and I never remember my details) or by writing in. Instead, my local chemist has this scheme where I just ring them up and tell them I need a new script and they contact the dr's, fill it for me, and if I didn't live in a flat with a communal letter box, they would deliver it to me do.

Do you need to physically see your dr to get a new script?

thanks foxi......am getting there, all-be-it very slowly.

speaking is better than it was, altho the shaking and shuddering arm and leg are no fun still. That said, the recuperating is fun.....gotta have s silver lining somewhere