Meds over Christmas

[Jennymary]

I'm trying to ensure I've got enough meds at home to get me through Christmas and New year but I've hit a problem, my glaucoma drops, Cosopt, only last a couple of weeks. I've got two unopened bottles here, but I requested some more just to be on the safe side, the request has been rejected by GP and someone from the surgery, not a GP, has just rung to say Dr has said a bottle contains 200 drops and should last 4 weeks, I told the lady that as I've put drops in for 40+yrs I know what I'm doing. Ironically I've got a glaucoma check up Friday so I'm going to ask if I can get 4 bottles per prescription instead of 2, I'm now sitting here feeling really fed up as I explained why I was requesting now due to the Christmas and New year break but it didn't make any difference

[Hellebelle]

I hope you get it sorted. Sometimes they try to save money for petty things like this. You have been managing all this time and have the experience. I am sure your glaucoma specialist will help you but you shouldn't really have to fight for something that should be given as a matter of course .

I hope you have a good xmas anyway. Helen xx

[Jennymary in reply to Hellebelle]

Thanks Helen, I'm sure during the course of the conversation she said 10ml lasts 4 weeks, if I've remembered that correctly she's right as I get 5 ml bottles so one bottle will last about 2 weeks!!!! Christmas wishes to you xx

[Hidden]

I've just had a similar situation to yours Jennymary and am still trying to sort it out, so I can understand how frustrated and worried you must feel. I'm sure that most of it is due to too many GP's dealing with you and your medications, a lack of physical notes to refer back to, instead of a screen, the lack of available face to face appointments and as Hellebelle points out, being petty in trying to save money.

If you happen to collect your medications from a pharmacy, or have them delivered from same, it might be worth asking the pharmacist to sort it out for you. Explain your problem and why it's arisen, and most are quite happy to call GPs to discuss on your behalf.

Failing that avenue, call your Practice Manager and ask for resolution. Once you instigate that, the surgery must investigate and help.

I agree with Hellebelle that it shouldn't be at all necessary, but it seems to me that fighting for routine things, medical and otherwise seems to be evermore common.

[MEW53]

Surgeries seem to always seem to be trying to save money.

Specialist should help you, however ask to speak to the practice manager at the GP surgery and explain your situation.

I’m on a drug that only lasts 2 weeks and the receptionists drove me mad about requests for 2 bottles. After many months and my favourite GP’s involvement I got it sorted.

It’s all down to saving money and our requirements for drugs that we need are forgotten about.

Incidentally, I called my surgery yesterday to request my monthly blood test forms. I got the third degree from the receptionist cos I was requesting them. I said I was on a shared care agreement with the surgery and my consultant and it’s part of the criteria to have monthly tests.

I wouldn’t mind the odd person asking but it happens every month.

My pharmacist was very helpful to me and he intervened to help me get the correct quantities.

With the Christmas period they should be more lenient with people as they unavailable for several days.

Good luck, hope you have a good Christmas.

[Oshgosh]

I know,sometimes I feel as though I’m banging my head against the wall. I get sick of hearing my own voice saying the same thing over and over..