Doctors

[Saz12345]

When I ring doctors and ask for an appointment they ask what for because I been that many times and I feel stupid when I ring or anything I know my health anxiety is bad but still they should not make me feel like this x

[Hidden]

Hi Saz, how are you feeling now?

[Saz12345 in reply to Hidden]

Still the same how are you x

[dizzychar]

Aww you shouldn't feel this way, I too have rang the doctors so many times over my anxiety symptoms because everytime I believe "it's different this time" or have had a symptom that wasn't there before or feels worse than before. Theres not a day that I don't feel like phoning them, I get annoyed with myself but I always think I better check. I always think it can't just be anxiety causing me to feel this way, it is but I can't accept it. Are you seeing anyone like a therapist/taking meds?

Hope your feeling better

[Saz12345 in reply to dizzychar]

Hi they want me to starte propanolol but I don't want to incase they do something to me and waiting for counciling x

[Lils30]

Hello

People shouldn't make you feel like this more so when you're feeling anxious!

I have work part time for a gp surgery where we don't have this policy but I have worked for other surgery where there was a policy where the doctors demand receptionists to make a note of what's wrong, they were fairly strict on this. I did it but I personally found this a bit uncomfortable coz it wasn't my business and some patients didn't want to say which was fair enough!

Normally it's a policy so the doctors can vet appointments and have some idea whats going on with the patient come in to see them. Also if an ambulance needs to be called or they end up need to do a procedure of some sort they are prepared! In some ways it's good for he receptionist too because if they are caring enough they can't keep an eye out for patients who really are not well!!

But I would say if you don't like it and it makes you worry when calling the doctors, maybe consider writing to the practise manager, they could set something up on their system to tell he receptionist not to ask you unless you say. It say you don't know what's wrong with you!

[Saz12345 in reply to Lils30]

It's like coz I have health anxiety they talk to you stupid like I am just waiting time x

[dizzychar]

I agree lils my doctors is the same where they want a brief description of what's wrong.

Saz counselling may do you good,cbt therapy is good, I had it about 4 years ago, but I've been through a couple of rough years so I'm hoping to do some more but she's currently off sick.

[Saz12345 in reply to dizzychar]

It's just this chest pain and heavy feeling on my chest my anxiety is bad xx

[dizzychar]

I get all kinds of symptoms, one of my main is around my chest, I seem to always think about it, prod it, feeling like I can't breathe properly. It drives me mad!

Do you cope well with daily life?

[Hidden]

Hello

I have had the same problem and sometimes it can be really private and I don't want to say but you are within your rights to say it is private and on this occasion you would rather not say and they cannot force you to or not give you an appointment, I have done this many times , sometimes the reaction is they sound a bit shocked other times they have tried to push me to give an answer again but I stick to my reply and I get an appointment

Makes you wonder why the Doctors need a warning what you are going with they never used to

Take Care x

[Hidden]

Hi Saz, I'm ok thanks. I agree with lils post. You aren't phoning the doctors or having to attend for nothing, sometimes it takes a few visits to get you on the right track etc. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing x

[Aazz]

My doctor is wonderful but I am still embarrassed to go to her every time so sometimes I will go to a different clinic? Why don't you try a different clinic?

[tdawgg123]

No they shouldn't. And it's hard cuz then they start over looking everything.. Even when something is actually wrong. My doc wouldn't sign me off from work when I was having a rough time with my anxiety and I lost my job because of it. If you can switch doctors and find someone more understanding I would try. Good luck

[Lils30]

Hi,

I understand saz i really it's between you and the gp and not the receptionist and that's what you need to remember ...they are not sittin in your ten minute slot you have with youre go there don't know the extent to what your feeling!

I think sometimes gp receptionists can be abrupt too (not all) and comes across in the wrong way, because it's a very demanding job it's not just answering phones (I wish it was!), some of the people I work with are fairly rude and I don't think that's the way to be, even if you are under pressure. I speak to people how I like to spoken and empathising works a lot better!! But generally it's not the receptionist making the rules its management and gps.

If they are offering cbt it's normally a good thing to do , but sometimes people need general counselling coz there problems are a lot deeper. I don't think the NHS refer to general counselling normally it's private but there are places /charities in area who will do it for a small contributions and some counsellors are willing to let their clients pay them less. As a counsellor I do because I feel so sorry for people who can't afford it so sometimes they pay me what they can its so exspenise! Cbt does work because it breaks the vicious circle of anxiety and helps you understand anxiery more and I think you more you understand and realise the symptoms are normal with an anxiety condition the better :). If youre on your own and get anxious the best thing is to sit with it tell your self it's normal, distraction is good go for a walk, and meditation is really good at relaxing the mind too and after a while you will find your mind more calmer! If you haven't done already reading up about anxiety also gives a very good understanding.

I hope this helps Lils xx

[jrcnpg]

It's part of their job. What I say (or used to say but no longer need to because I, like yourself, am never away) is that I would rather see the doctor. Receptionists have no medical training or very little training so just try and say what I have said and see how you get along.

John

[Nic1988]

I feel the same. I've only been to my doctors once with my anxiety and I got my self in such a state just making the appointment! It took me 2/3 weeks just to phone the doctors. Then once at the doctors I was a mess, nearly in tears in the waiting room. Luckily the doctor was very nice and I just let it out. I know I've got to go the doctors again and again I'm nervous! Anxiety is a nightmare. X

[Redhots7]

ALL patients are ask this question so the person knows how much time your appt. needs to for . If you are just coming for script refill, maybe you just need 15 min. If you are coming for symptoms, you would need longer appt. for doc to examine you and maybe run tests. Helps them schedule his appointments. It is not personal so don't be upset, it is to help them know how much time you need with doc . 😘

[Saz12345 in reply to Redhots7]

No they ask what it's for because when I seen my doctor he said to me because I have been quite a lot of times him and the manager have had a talk and that when I ring up they receptionist will ask what's wrong x