Frustrated

You know what guys I,m beginning to wonder just who it is that decides what we can have when we order a script. After reading o here about rescue packs etc on Tuesday this week after taking antibiotics & prednisolone for 2 weeks I put a request in on line to doc,s for ventolin nebs , amoxycillin & prednisolone to keep at home especially with a bank holiday due ,all refused the receptionist said I should have had some leftover from last script when I reminded her I had been fighting a chest infection for 2 weeks she then said oh well I,ll have to ask the doctor if you can have them ? Now am I losing the plot here or is the idea NOT to take meds as prescribed by doc or listen to receptionist & make them last ? . I am so looking forward to going to docs this afternoon 😋

[emmasue]

Receptionists can be little dictators sometimes. You should be able to get a rescue pack prescribed by the GP. Good luck and beware of little dictators!

[Hidden in reply to emmasue]

Hi Emmasue , I always thought scripts had to be signed off by a doc so I,m wondering whether this little Hitler is getting above herself 😊

[Hidden]

Katiewoo,

From what you have described in your post I rather get the impression you think that because you have read on the forum that some asthmatics have 'rescue' (or 'standby' meds) on a regular basis, that is normal procedure. If that is the case, I'm afraid it's not - it has to be agreed with your doctor. You cannot simply request a rescue pack (or standby meds) in the same way you can request a repeat prescription if your GP has not already agreed that this needs to be done for your asthma on a regular basis. I have had standby packs of meds issued to me in the past, but I am also aware that just because it's been done once it does not mean it's an automatic right all the time.

Even if you had reached an agreement with the GP that you needed this, it still may not be the fault of the receptionist that she queried it. If it is not flagged up on your records that you need this she has every right (one could almost argue it is part of her job) to say that your request will need to be checked by a doctor.

If you have reached an agreement with your GP that you need rescue meds on a regular basis can I suggest that you contact your GP, explain what has happened and see if a solution can be found to prevent this from happening again.

[mrsgailowens]

Hi there,

Do what I do, get an appt well before you need one if you don't need it cancel it, however 9 times out of 10, I do need the appointment. See the Dr get your emergency supply sorted. When you get an episode/infection make sure you order some in asap. I have to see my Dr and get the emergency supply sorted.

My surgery is the same, I have to order all routine meds at least a week in advance, and run in at least once or twice to the surgery to chase them up. The receptionist seems to be like this with most people.

[risabel59]

Hi Katie, It's a difficult problem. I have rescue packs that are always prescribed, which includes Nebs, steroids and 2 types of Antibiotics, however this is something that is discussed both with my Consultant and GP when I visit. Also I have a protocol for using them according to my written plan. Sometimes this gets changed too. I am also lucky enough to be able to text my doctor, so I normally text him about starting a 5 day course of prednisolone, I generally send through my peak flow numbers for the last few days, or discuss whether or not to take anti-biotics. Then I normally schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

I also have been very frustrated by receptionists in the past, but if you have a rescue pack how and when to use it, should be on your written asthma plan, and discussed with your G/P. I have never had a rescue pack as a repeat prescription, because if I use the pack the doctor has always said he wants to see me! He then prescribes another rescue pack.

If you are using prednisolone/ nebs/ antibiotics regularly as part of your written plan, then of course these drugs can be on repeat prescription.

I find that having the drugs at home is a great safety net, but sometimes I feel reluctant to use them as I am trying to avoid oral pred. as much possible. I think sometimes even though I am in the protocol to take the drugs, I will wait an extra day or so to see if things get a bit better!!

I do understand that the Bank Holiday weekend raises anxiety about having an attack, Why is one always ill during weekends or holidays? but it sounds as though you are seeing the doctor today, so hopefully you will get something sorted out. But like the previous post, I don't think it sounds like the receptionists fault.

R

[Lyngal]

Hi Katie can you not order your meds and book appointment on line ? My gp surgery started this a few months ago and it's so much better , they state allow 48 hours but once I've requested medication it's always sent over to my local chemist before the end of the day

[Hidden in reply to Lyngal]

Hi. Lyngal , that's what I do but the receptionist decided I was not getting it . It's sorted now so hopefully no more hiccoughs 😊

[Griffon]

You do know that antibiotics don't work for viral chest infections like colds/flu ?

If you have been taking these medicines for two weeks without improvement they are obviously not working = the wrong medication . Also there are serious side effects with the use of Prednisolone .

The Doctors are right , and legally bound , not to prescribe more drugs without seeing you first

[Hidden in reply to Griffon]

Thanks Griffin , but it was the doctor who examined me & prescribed the antibiotics & prednisolone .

[lejaya in reply to Hidden]

hi Katie

my rescue pack used to be amoxicillan and pred I now altermate between amoxicillan and clairithromycin as amoxicillan doesn't always help. It might be that u need a different antibiotic but your doc will be able to advise on that.

I have my rescue pack on repeat prescription and instructions on when to use them

lejaya

[Hidden in reply to lejaya]

Hi Lejaya ,yes I agree I think I do need a different antibiotic.i think a lot of people misunderstood the point I was trying to make on the rescue packs ,after reading about them on here I spoke to my doctor & she agreed I should have standby antibiotics & prednisolone to keep at home at least 1 person decided that I did not have a right to a standby pack on repeat scripts which is not what I asked for the I tried to make was that even though it had been agreed with doc & on file the receptionist took it upon herself not to issue it 😋

[lejaya in reply to Hidden]

I don't post on here very often but thought you could do with some support

[Hidden in reply to lejaya]

Thank you Lejaya, I really appreciate it 😇

[lejaya in reply to Griffon]

Hi Griffin

I taper pred over a month each time I need it and yes it does have side effects but the pro's far outweigh the cons eg being able to breath I personally find pred bashing so unhelpful