Hello there, before my breast cancer diagnosis I used to avoid the GP, and even now after my diagnosis when I should be most alert to my health, I find myself putting off making appointments - does anyone else do this or have tips on how to stop procrastinating?
I hate everything about it, from fighting for an appointment, the anxious wait to be called by phone - with my GP surgery it’s now on a triage basis so you can be contacted any time up to 3 working days later. Then when I am contacted, having to blurt out symptoms all at once to someone I’ve likely never spoken to before and who hasn’t had time to read my notes. There are a couple of things I should talk to the GP about which are niggling me, one being on and off constipation (TMI, sorry!) which I almost feel like aren’t serious enough to warrant an appointment and yet they niggle at me.
I’m grateful that the NHS is there to support but I find it hard to push myself through the system. I don’t have this problem with my breast care team, oddly, maybe because I’m so familiar with them now.
I have the same system where they triage us all and it is don’t call us we’ll call you. I suspect the GP service in our area is overstretched by the huge number of over 60s who live here. I don’t like going but maybe you could ask to see a nurse practitioner? We have them and they are more approachable than the Docs are
@Pollyann has your surgery moved over to the online e-consult service? If so, I have found this SO much easier to navigate. Plus, always mention your cancer diagnosis. If what you are contacting them for relates to that, then you are automatically bumped up the queue for appointments so you can often get same day.
I have also used it to get things done online…letters, prescriptions, etc. Instead of a response next day, in some cases I have been getting a response within minutes of submitting an e-consult query. Worth checking. I was just the same as you regarding making appointments. Now it is a whole lot easier. X
Totally agree. The e consult system is fabulous. Swift response and can add photos. I have had great advice and referrals without needing an appointment.
@Pollyann definitely give it a go, @Jaygo gave this advice on one of the chemo chats - I started my econsult on Monday with ‘currently undergoing cancer treatment’ in capitals and then outlined the problem - got a phone call from head GP of the practice an hour later! Good luck hope it works!
And no problem is too small to speak to them about when you’re dealing with this!
Definitely. Its great plenty of space to explain and it goes to a Dr not a receptionist. No hanging on the phone either. You will probably get a same day response. Best wishes
@loupy Yay! So glad it worked. It is proving to be an excellent service. Asked them to help support my blue badge appeal as I was turned down and they sent this in 20 mins. Not sure it will help, but even so, I was still impressed.
I share this to give an idea of the scope that it is helpful.
I have a top tip for you. But first a little backstory (don’t worry, it has a happy ending).
I once had an appointment to see the dentist for a root canal. Not nice. I had to cancel the appointment for an unrelated issue. Twice. After the second time I failed to reschedule and I left it for some months. The infection had cleared and I didn’t want a root canal afterall.
Then I started to get headaches. I felt sure it was the infection coming back. I procrastinated. I knew I should call the dentist but didn’t want to admit I’d been stupid and not taken his advice. I put it off for several days.
Eventually, I told someone. A work colleague - she told me I was stupid not to call. I promised her that I would. The social contract that I made with her made me pick up the phone and call the dentist… who eventually told me that if the infection hadn’t come back, I could probably skip the root canal anyway!! The headache was unrelated.
So - my top tip for anything you’re procrastinating about - is to tell someone who you don’t wish to let down or you’d be embarrassed to tell that you’re still avoiding it.
Thank you - and everyone here. I’ve bitten the bullet, filled in the econsult form, had a callback and started the ball rolling for blood tests etc. Can’t help but think of how innocently I went into the breast clinic only to be completely side swept by what happened next. I’m hoping I’m not going to have more bad luck. X
