Livi App

[HermioneRuby1]

I am struggling with all the symptoms and 46 and it's becoming unbearable especially as I have a fairly stressful job which I'm failing at right now. I can't even speak to a Dr, receptionist keeps telling me to call back.
Has anyone used the Livi app and paid for an appointment? I am at the end of my rope!

I have used the Livi app, but not for menopause. May be worth a try, especially if you are coming up against a brick wall with your own GP.

It's bloody shocking that you keep being asked to ring back. I'm a pushy bugger and after being fobbed off a couple of times I demanded to be put on HRT and cited relevant para a of the NICE guidelines. This was a year ago, so during pandemic.

I'd try ringing as soon as your surgery opens (check their website as it's often different opening hours on different days) If you still can't get an appt, again check the surgery website and see if there is an online consultation form you can complete.

Good luck! Menopause is a bastard and you don't need to battle it alone.

I used it when I had severe tonsillitis and I was becoming extremely unwell and my GP wouldn't even entertain me, couldn't even speak to one over the phone! I was desperate and got to speak to a Livi GP on video call within a couple of hours, showed her my throat which was clearly infected and described on my symptoms. She sent a prescription to my local pharmacy and a friend picked it up for me, all done within a couple of hours. I did have to pay £7 because it was a private prescription. (I am in Scotland so it would normally have been free). I couldn't make a habit of it because of the cost but it is brilliant if you feel it's urgent. It's absolutely shocking that we have to do this though.

Unfortunately Livi wouldn't cover menopause and HRT when I tried it.

I have used Livi twice this week as I cannot get a GP appointment.

One of the issues is brain fog, which I am not sure is attributed to post Covid or perimenopause, which I stressed.

She didn't really comment on this being attributed to Covid or menopause, and suggested a blood test (which I know isn't necessary for menopause at my age, 48, but she wanted to rule out low iron etc.). I didn't really push it, as I did suffer for months post Covid and need to eliminate this. I do have some other peri symptoms, such as fatigue, but not sure again if this is another Covid hangover.

I was going to make another appointment to discuss the perimenopause, but noticed the menopause isn't even in their list of conditions.

I think I might need to see a private GP given what pp has said re the service not covering menopause.

I had a mixed experience speaking with Livi GPs about perimenopause (Livi was the only option with my surgery during lockdown) - the first sent me for standard blood tests, the second was terrible and knew less than me, told me I was too young, offered anti depressants etc.

The third was brilliant, really listened, was reassuring and knowledgeable about HRT and other options. She suggested requesting a doctor with an interest in menopause in the online enquiry form - her name was Dr Ome Nwanze and she suggested various colleagues, sorry I can't remember their names. As you say menopause doesn't come up in the drop-down menu. But worth writing notes in the additional box. Good luck.