What the Dr says...

[Mrdiagnosis]

Hi all , I hope everyone is doing ok.

Just a question regarding what my GP said.

I have Fybro, arthritis in my spine , had a hip replacement at 46, need a crutch or walking stick on good days , have plantar fascitis, PTSD and other forms of physical restrictions. Recent diagnosis of severe restrictive sleep apnoea, which is causing daytime hypoxia with severe exhaustion. (Waiting treatment)On top of Fybro fog and widespread pain.

My Gp filled out a form asked for by the lovely supportive and positive people (tongue in cheek) of the DWP.

The question asks.

Is the patient able to attend and assessment by using public transport, ie bus or taxi.

He ticked YES.

I was referred by the same Gp recently to a specialist service for PTSD counciling. There is a waiting list and I've been told 9 months at the least. The GP is not aware of why I have PTSD not do I intend to tell them because he's not trained to deal with it hence the referral for specialist care.

Given all the above I want to know people's thoughts regarding it because I get really triggered and overwhelming psychological distress thinking it might me my mental health thinking is there something wrong with my thought process.

How can a GP given all of the above information even consider that I am able to leave the house never mind embark on a journey on Public transport. I don't even go to see the Gp alone and it's only 3 miles away.

Thoughts please and advice regarding addressing this issue that's now on my medical records.

Many thanks for reading sorry it's a bit long.

[CM1EDSUK]

Hi - in a way I wouldn't be concerned about your GP erroneously saying you could attend an assessment, as that's unlikely to become part of your medical record, just a DWP form they've completed with their 'opinion.'

[Badbessie]

I had a similar experience. However your GP as based your ability on physical abilities only. The way I got round it was on DWP....forms pip, ESA etc was to describe the support I needed and what happens if I did not get it. The GP obviously feels you need mental health assessment or he would not have referred you so you can quite honestly say you are waiting assessment for .......by .......etc. I tick on a form in reality means very little except you could physically attend the other information you give as far more importance.

You have problems with new situations and new places without support etc etc etc. The very fact that you are so anxious concerning what is just a GPs opinion speaks volumes about your psychological health. On your assessment forms just explain how your conditions affect you. I will not say don't worry about what the GP as ticked as I know from personal experience how overwhelming, what some would consider of no importance issues can become

[Gigiruth]

Hi Mr diagnosis.

You can contact DWP if you get an invitation to a face to face assessment and explain you need a home visit or telephone assessment.

gov.uk/support-visit-benefi...

You can have someone with you when you make the call or for the visit.

Try not to worry and make the call to request support as soon as you hear from DWP.

Not all assessments are face to face.

Any problems speak to Citizens advice or local disability support/ welfare rights.

There is benefit information and helpline on this website.

Take care

Gigi

[Mrdiagnosis]

What I'm struggling with is am I allowed to question my GP . Part of my mental health issues is I was previously with another GP surgery . They were well aware of my PTSD and other conditions. I attended on Drs appointment to talk about my medication and how it wasn't working for me , he suggested that I slowly reduce the medication over time and stop taking it. I then had another appointment but as usual had to see a difference GP , we talked about other issues and I told her that the previous Dr had told me to slowly reduce my dose until I stopped taking them , she agrees etc etc.

Third time I see the same woman , I was having a breakdown due to mental health issues and I told her I had stopped the medication completely, she said why have you done that ???? I said because Dr a had told me to and when I saw you last you had confirmed that this was ok.

Her response was, I never told you to do that and I make extensive notes on the system, let me look , No I didn't make notes of that so I didn't tell you to stop taking the medication.

I had to put in a formal complaint. It turned out that she was the wife of the 1st doctor..... She lied and made out it was me . Hence my issues around my medical notes and Drs keeping good records of what you say to them.

It caused me no end of trust issues and other complications.

This new GP surgery has been told all this and I know they are overworked and underpaid blah blah blah but they are affecting people's lives by not doing thier job how they should.

Sorry for the long reply it's just that I feel alone and battered by the system and feel overwhelmed when it's me against them ....I'm a qualified GP and your a ........well we know what a lot think of chronic issues. (Here we go again). Thanks for the replies tho makes you feel like I'm not going mad. Xxx

[Cotswolds25121 in reply to Mrdiagnosis]

I’m appalled by reading what happened to you! Although not shocked I have to say as my sister had the same experience of a dr and his wife covering for him 🤦‍♀️and I had a similar experience too. I don’t think it is healthy to have drs working at the same surgery who have a connection because of this sort of thing. I am so sorry it has exacerbated your health issues but try to remember it is not your fault, you aren’t the one in the wrong here. It is in fact despicable that any healthcare professionals would do this. I wish you all the very best