So Sunday morning I woke with a painful red rash across my middle. I debated calling 111 but decided to contact my GP; unfortunately the only way to do so now is an eConsult form. I knew he probably wouldn’t contact me until the following day which the surgery did around mid-morning on Monday by phone. The GP I spoke to on the phone was not my regular doctor he asked me what were the symptoms and what I thought it was, I replied shingles. After more questions he prescribed an anti-viral which he emailed through to my local chemist. I came of the phone a bit shocked that he had not asked me to go to the surgery with something this serious, I have decided to do yet another eConsult sending pictures to them and asking to be seen. I do believe the eConsult service maybe breeding complacency although my regular GP I’m certain would have erred on the side of caution and invited me in for an appointment. What do others think?
Should I have been seen by a GP - Lung Conditions C...
Should I have been seen by a GP
If you think its shingles and hes treated you for shingles. I dont see tbe point in risking going into see your gp. Its got to be a high risk environment so best avoided wear possible. I would take the meds but call back if thear is no improvement.
Shingles isn’t considered serious unless there are complications or additional factors like being immunocompromised, it’s more that it’s an unpleasant illness with the pain, itching and discomfort, and that it tends to last a while. The NHS state that a diagnosis of shingles can be made based on the symptoms and the appearance of the rash: I think the first GP should have requested pictures, but that if you’ve sent them now and the second GP concurs it’s shingles based on that, unless the symptoms didn’t fit otherwise I’d be satisfied of the diagnosis. As a general rule, I now always send photos of things where appropriate: if they think there’s a need to be seen locally then we are, but I prefer to physically avoid the GP as much as possible with the covid situation.
I also read the NHS information and agree but it could also be Lupus or another illness it also tracks the line of nerve pain. In my humble opinion I would have erred on the side of caution.
Ive had shingles twice before and have never been prescribed anti virals, lucky you. It sounds like shingles to me and i think personally, take the medication and wait and see. But you shouldnt be going into the gp surgery with shingles as it is contagious
Hi yes perhaps, I have read the page written by the British association of dermatologist apparently I can pass on chicken pox for 7 days if it is shingles? I have now sent pictures to my GP. Anything like this is rather traumatic if one hasn't had it before perhaps my GP should have come out or requested pictures prior to prescribing? Seems logical to me. I also resent filling yet another eConsult form for something that should have been covered in initial consultation, my surgery can accept pictures via text as well as eConsult.
All I can remember about shingles is that it is extremely painful and last about 7 days from start to finish. Some have it longer. It's a shame you have to form fill. All I do is phone and ask to be phoned by gp and that usually happens within 24 hours, I'm very lucky. Hope you get on well and wish you better very soon
My surgery sticks rigidly to the eConsult system although Covid19 cases have been low in this area from the start. I am totally against it; I teach basic IT for an age charity as a volunteer and I'm hearing real concerns from people plus it excludes those without web access.
I've never heard if it before. Yes it is not good for elderly people who do not use computers etc
It is also slap-dash! If we can eat out in restaurants, I cannot understand why our doctors cannot check us properly if we are ill.
Both the patient and doctor can wear masks! Hospital staff have to work with patients so why do GP's refrain from treating their patients??
Luckily my gp does blood tests for me before surgery begins in the morning and we always have a catch up chat and yesterday she even asked me if there was any pills I would like. I said, yes, can you give me something to make me better....we laughed.
She did diagnose my condition before any of the consultants nearly a year later and has looked after me all the time.
Wonderful GP
II developed a rash on my face.( I think something to do with masks). I sent photographs from my phone via the medical centre site. I was given a cream. Obviously the DR stated that if problems persisted In would be seen again.
If shingles you need the meds asap, if you wait to see the doc before taking the meds you could be in for more serious symptoms and duration.
Hello Mike,
I really do not know anything about the U.K. medical system it seems to vary from place to place. But I think you did the best thing possible sending on the photos. Hopefully it will put your mind to rest if they send you confirmation.
Best wishes.
Cas 👋😁
You think its Shingles, He thinks its Shingles, prescription given. Sorted!!
Totally agree with you - you're not a medical professional and in effect they're relying on your diagnosis - can't believe we've come to this!
It is infectious within the first 7 days so perhaps safest not to go to the surgery but I remain uneasy about diagnosis by photographs. I also think here in East devon we have had very few C19 cases and the health center's and hospitals could have done more for other illnesses and problems; been waiting 7 months for my spine consultant to look why an operation he done late last year has gone wrong.
Hi Mike, our GP's are only doing telephone consultations at present. I have needed them a few times since lockdown and it has always worked even if I needed to contact them again (with a rash on my legs) they have been very patient and I have received good service. If you really feel you need a doctor my GP would recommend we call 111 or go to A and E. I know shingles is really worrying and takes a while to go but really if the doctor thought you needed to be seen he would have told you where to go. The days of going to the docs with ailments have gone for now they do not want people taking Covid into their practices and under the circumstances I personally think they are doing a wonderful job. Take care and I hope the shingles rash and pain do not linger too long. Maximonkey
It is no longer a case of going to A&E as you need an appointment!
I had to get referred by 111
Sounds a good service I'm envious. We are forced to use the eConsultant service and although I have 20+ years IT experience I firmly believe it doesn't work for many so every time you need to update a condition one has to fill the whole wretched form in.
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