Gaps in HRT as unable to get GP appointment!

[watersign]

Just that really.

It's almost impossible to get an appointment here. Same day system where you call at 8am. I'm right now currently 40 something in the queue so won't get anything when I'm eventually through.
I called and explained to the surgery (after the scrum for appointments), nothing available to pre book, so I managed to get a temporary short term supply of HRT to give me more time to secure an appointment.

I'm coming to the end of that now and I still haven't been able to book anything. The last gap without HRT gave me an extra period of bleeding and the return of hot flushes. So what do I do? Can I buy it online does anyone know?

Thanks everyone.

It looks like there's something called Patches that you can log in to using your NHS account. I don't know how long it takes but it looks like an e consult type of thing. No there's nothing to book in advance when I have asked.

I'm going to see if I can buy some in the meantime. It will be useful to have some as a backup.

I'm not 100% but I our practice have to now offer routine appointments for 2 weeks time. Do you have a walk in centre or sexual health clinic?
If all else fails call 111 and they can book you a appointment with your GP.

All surgeries seem to work so differently.

Nice Menopause Guidelines state that there should be a review three months after starting HRT to see how it’s working for you and this might be the point that you are at (or rather past due to not being able to get a review appointment).

I would suggest writing a concise as possible letter to your doctor and drop it in stating that (if true) the HRT prescribed is working well for you and request a repeat prescription. It might be a good idea to also enclose your blood pressure measurement as they sometimes want this. Mention the unwanted impact it is having in withdrawal bleeds and return of symptoms when you run out due to not being able to get a timely appointment although you continue to try.

Our surgery works the same way on same day appointments

After numerous times of not getting through though, I now never phone, just turn up at 8am and ask for one.

This has never failed. Have done it this morning for Dd (17, tonsillitis again!) arrived at 8, saw receptionist by 8.10, appointment for 9.50

If you can, go in person. They seem to always see them first before answering phones

Our surgery has a no bookings in person policy. Everything is econsult, which is triaged. No phoning at all either!