GP'S and their general lack of understanding.

[jackolantern125]

I have been to my see my GP more in the last couple of years than in the first 56 years of my life. I still walk away with no real solution to my problem. I am told, " You are perfectly healthy, all the blood tests are normal and I see a fit healthy man stood in front of me". After a blood pressure check I walk away still no wiser, and certainly not feeling any better. Latest problem is Post Nasal Drip and the feeling of a lump in my throat. Thats fair enough, I undersatnd that. Why then do I feel like I am about to disintegrate? I have no real appetite for things I used to love doing. Not that I have fallen out with my passion for sporting events. I just dont want to attend them anymore!! Crazy!!! A week in Spain is coming up! I really would rather stay in bed. I am lucky in that I have NO financial worries, married to a lovely woman for 30 years, and have no emotional problems regarding our relationship. What on Earth is happening? That is why I am here. I need to know about similar experiences. Thank you.

[Suzie40]

You are extremely lucky by the sounds of it, but unfortunately depression doesn't just choose to visit the people with no money. It picks its victims quite randomly and is not at all choosy! Not looking forward to things that you used to enjoy is a good sign that something isn't quite right. I used to have a very active social life but these days it's a struggle to go out once every six months! Have you talked to your wife about how you are feeling?

[Jeffju]

You may be physically healthy , as your Doctor says, but from what you write it sounds as though you may be suffering with depression. It strikes all different kinds of people at different times. I alos don't have much of a social life due to mental illness. you need to talk to your wife and explain to your GP how you are feeling e.g. not wanting do go or go anywhere. I do hope they will be able to help you. All the best. xx

[annie87]

Hi I had same prob as you went to doctors for 6months done all tests everything clear got diagnosed with postnasal drip. Then got worse couldn't eat or drink with feeling in throat so took into hospital after 5days of tests and camera tests I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I see a cpn and behavioural therapist every month. Nothing helps its all my head so only me can help myself. Go back see gp tell them you think they need to do more As this feeling in your throat is not going away, maybe getting all the tests in hospital in your throat will put your mind at rest and then you can move forward with proper help I do think you are depressed as your story is very similar to mine..

Have you stopped eating? Have a fear of eating in public now? Is everyday draining so hard to look forward to things?

Go on your holidays enjoy it it's all in the mind which is awful thing but keep strong and don't let this ruin your life

You are very lucky to have a loving wife and no worries

All the best annie x

[coatpin]

people put doctors on some high, tower,,, they are only general, doctors. some choose to update their skills , some dont. If your not happy with the service he is providing,,, change him, he gets paid for your visit,, and for being on his payrole. Find a nicer doctor. Who will give you the time you deserve. You have depression , it can make you feel you have glandular fever,,, or chronic fatigue syndome. It makes you low, so you can catch colds sore throats ect easily.

Be kind to yourself and to your dear wife, x

general practioners dont have all the answers we seek!!

[poppyd]

hi- ask your doctor to do the depression questionnaire with you- the doc asks you questions and you answer them honestly- then he adds up your scores and it gives him a good idea of how you are feeling- hope you get on ok. hugs.

[Photogeek]

Hi there, if you go to a Doctor with a small complaint like Post Nasal Drip, he is probably naturally thinking of all the really ill patients who have serious illnesses. I am not being unsympathetic, but had you gone in and said " Dr. I feel Depressed and told him what you told us" then I think he would have taken a different tack. If you did not mention what goings on in your mind, how is the Dr. supposed to know you are probably depressed. I have found lately that Dr's tend to address the problem you go in with. ie. a Sore foot, or a Chest infection, they are hardly going to ask you if you are Depressed, thats my experience, they are not mind readers, and you have to be quite upfront with them.

Thank goodness you have a loving wife, and security, as believe me that is v.important. I hope you get resolution to what is going on, and find some peace. Big hug to you anyway, and enjoy your Holiday too.

Hannah.

[jackolantern125]

Thankyou all for taking the time to reply to me. I have read all of them and will take all the advice given. Visited my GP yesterday and talked at length about everything. (A different GP to my usiual one)and walked away with a purpose. It is rather strange to say but I am glad not to be alone with this. Not that I would wish it on anyone. It does put things into perspective though, when I can see how many other people are in a very similar situation. I find that gettting answers and advice from those who have and indeed ARE experiencing this problem a really great help. Thanks once again.