The NHS....

[vicsi201]

Sorry this is one of my first posts that I have done in a while (hence the rather vague title)

but I was wondering what all your experiences have been with doctors, in terms of treatment that has/hasnt been provided.

In my personal circumstance after being diagnosed with Panic Attack Disorder over a year ago the help I received was virtually non-existant and I often find my own GP has no real knowledge on this topic due to her relaxed attitude. Hence why I haven't been to my doctor in over 4 months.

I would just be interested to know whether it is due to the area i live in or whether I should press harder to get more help.

Thanks x

[Hidden]

Hi Vics.

I only have good things to say about my doctors I was given group therapy and meds and still get support. I must be lucky.

take care Kenny

[vicsi201 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kenny

Thank you for the response and its good to know that your doctors provided help and that it is still ongoing. Makes me wonder if I should see someone else.

Thanks Vic

[Hidden]

Hi again x I tend to find in my experience it has been, hard and somewhat lengthy in some ways, and easy in others. When I first went to my gp, he practically laughed at me and gave me beta blockers as if it would change the problem I had. I was diagnosed then with g.a.d. When I became worse to the point I am now suffering with agoraphobia, my hubby went to see the same doctor I had, and got was given a referral for me to a therapist. I waited but a few weeks for the therapist to get in touch and it was by phone consultation. I had at this point given up on the tablets as they did not work, and continued with the weekly therapy, after a few weeks this turned into home visits and the a physiologist was assigned to me who comes to my home and sees me each week for cbt therapy. So in terms of gp, let down and disappointed but in other ways so happy. xx Donver x

[vicsi201 in reply to Hidden]

Hello again

I just generally have found my experience to be quite frustrating. When I was at my lowest ebb I too was given beta blockers (proparanol 10mg) to help with my nerves and panic, I did find them to be of some help and do take them when required. Though aside from this there has been no further help or support offered. It had gotten so bad that I honestly felt that my doctor viewed me to be a nuisance hence my recent absence. I just feel that if i was offered the opportunity to do some form of therapy then I could finally iron out the final kinks that keep me in this constant loop. I did have the same condition a few years ago and I was able to conquer it myself though this time I just feel I need more than self educating myself on the condition.

I am sorry to hear that you have agoraphobia, though I am glad to hear that you have been referred to a physcologist and I honestly do wish you all the best and hope that the CBT conquers it.

Best wishes Vic

[Hidden in reply to vicsi201]

Yes it was proparanol I was given although on a 40mg 3 times a day x They did ease some symptoms but for me nothing major. I suppose as with all meds its each to what is best suited for them. I think WHy is right, maybe try a different doctor or ask for some further help. I think a lot of what help you are offered depends on where n the country you live, I mean the more heavily occupied areas are more stretched than other places and then again some quieter areas maybe limited as to what they have x

[vicsi201 in reply to Hidden]

Thats what I find to be the issue with proparanol, it eases the symptoms though does not change the negative thoughts.

I am starting to think that, as I did move from a city to a small town which is how it all kick started again. x x

[Hidden]

Hi

I have found some doctors more helpful than others from my own experience

The one I have been seeing several years as been quite helpful

Have you thought of seeing another GP but in the same surgery as they are not all the same & where one is not helpful you can find another one is as you could really do with the support of a good GP

If I put the name of my doctors surgery in Google the GP'S will come up that practice in that surgery & also next to their name it will say what they have specialized in & qualifications & against some it says anxiety / depression mental health it maybe worth seeing if you can see what doctors practice what in the surgery you attend & then make an appointment with them

Let us know how you go on

Love

whywhy

xxx

[vicsi201 in reply to Hidden]

Hello

Thanks for your reply.

I haven't looked into that yet as I moved away to a completely different city so just took the doctor that was appointed to me without any questions asked. The other issue I have is that she is particularly helpful with my other condition just not with this, which just makes it all the more annoying. Though I guess I could always see one doctor for one thing and another for the other complaint.

I will definitely take on your advice and keep you all updated.

Thanks again Vix x x x

[Hidden in reply to vicsi201]

Thats exactly what I was going to say keep seeing the one you are seeing that is good with your other complaint & if you can find which one is better with dealing with anxiety & understanding keep swapping between them , I have done that before

Look forward to hearing how you get on

xxx

[vicsi201 in reply to Hidden]

Good to hear that you've done the same, otherwise I'd be worrying whether I'd be able to do it or not

Lets just hope that I receive the same level of support as this community offers

x x

[leveller]

I have suffered on and off with anxiety over the last few years. When I was really bad (the first time) I got a fab doctor who had suffered herself. She could empathises and knew that I needed needed to have firm support (ie strong recommendations rather than wishy washy "well what do you want" answers:. Sadly she left the practice and when I had a recent flare up I saw a different gp who offered me drugs and suggested I "looked at my lifestyle" (which I'd already done) I had to suggest counselling and suggest some health checks just to rule out anything more major. Very frustrating! I suggest looking for an understanding gp if you aren't getting the support you need. Good luck xxxx

[anne1964]

Hi there

Sorry you've had such a horrid experience with your gp....... mine has been brilliant........... he made sure I saw him weekly/fortnightly now monthly as Ive got better......... hes recommended cbt (which has taken a long while to come thorugh but that's not his fault)...... he also gave me details of a reach out scheme run by the Mind charity , which I was offered support in all sorts of ways............

Maybe you could see another gp??

Ker xx

[hairyfairy]

I don`t have that much to complain about where ordinary medicine is concerned, but after my experiences in an adolescent unit in the 60`s, I wouldn`t rate the mental health services at all!