Whose patient am I ?

[Buzzy-Beans]

A few weeks ago I was admitted to A&E by ambulance because of heart matters. At my instigation following this incident I arranged for one of the GP’s in my medical centre to write a letter to the cardiology dept. asking for a rapid access cardiology health check.

I had this phone consultation last week and then on Friday evening I received a text message advising me that I had a prescription to collect, this advice came directly from the dispensary.

On collecting the medications yesterday, apart from the usual instructions with each drug as to how and when to take them, there were no other instructions as to when I should start, do any of them replace any of my existing drugs etc., this left me feeling exceptionally stressed.

Later on and having read thoroughly through the information leaflets with each drug, I discovered that 2 of them must NEVER be taken when taking some of the other drugs I am/was on!

I then phoned my health practice and eventually was put through to the doctor who had referred me to the specialist in the first place, and despite him having signed off the prescription he said he had no idea what to suggest and suggested I contact the specialist!

Just whose patient am I ??

[Healthyheart1]

I hope someone will be along soon to try and throw some light on this for you. It seems very complicated Buzzy-Beans. Good luck with everything. Regards Sheena

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Your last question I can try and answer. You are always your GPS patient. They will refer you to see specialists but only for help and advice I think was the phrase. Not your total care and management. This means you can see different consultants at the same time, all giving advice on different bits of you! My experience is that GPs do seem reluctant to significantly change a patients management advised by the Consultant, without getting their opinion first.I find the pharmacist is usually really good on discussing drug interactions. You could speak to them.