Would you complain about a doctor?

[gemmakin]

I was on tramadol for sciatica and slipped disc and then I moved area and the first GP I saw removed my tramadol and said no treatment and no pain relief is needed. I managed to see a different GP and she said of course I need a scan to confirm the slipped disc and she said they're not doing back surgery for slipped discs but i might be able to have an injection every three months and if not she's happy for me to remain on tramadol. I asked if I were able to have some today but she said the doctor I first saw had given me a prescription for it. He did not give e any prescription and I find it really concerning that he thinks (or possibly knows) that he's able to lie and not be challenged. Is it even worth complaining to the practice manager? I imagined he'll deny it and I wonder if they'll just take his word for it. I know others have complained about how he speaks to them and his refusal to treat their ailments and so far nothing's been done, will his lying added to that be taken seriously or is it more likely to be that he simply knows he can do what he likes because he's been there so long? Btw I couldn't find a forum related to this so I put it here

[Madlegs1]

Surely there is a record on your file for the prescription? Ask to see your file - under Freedom of Information.?

Good luck.

[Itsallinthehips]

100% complain to the practice manager. I’ve had to do this a number of times and it really does make a difference. I had big problems with two of the doctors at the surgery because of situations like this and once I spoke to the manager I’ve been treated nothing but amazing since and I was even called with an apology

[Mum_to_5_boys]

They should have a record if the prescription has been lifted from the chemist or not every pill is accounted for so they will have a record of it. And if they try to fob u off tell them you are going to complain to the medical ombudsmen. Make a complaint through the surgery first and tell them you are just going through the correct channels unless they sort the problem. If they do nothing about your complaint then go to the ombudsmen google medical ombudsan and you will get the number.

[gemmakin in reply to Mum_to_5_boys]

yes I've read about it thank you

[Hidden]

Go to pain mgmt. They will help

[Brunobilbo]

Ask the receptionist first. Then if they can't help complain to the practice manager. I've had similar problem and ended up moving to a different practice. And they are brilliant should have moved years ago. You must get them to listen you can't be left on pain . Wish I could help more but you keep on at them till you get a result or move if you can. Or possibly see the second doctor again ask for a double appointment and explain to them. They are there to help afterall. Take care

[EvaK82]

I would complain! It’s absolute BS to refuse you pain medicine!! I have a slipped disc and went from codein to Morphin to Oxycodone.

Tramadol is between codein and morphin in strength.

If he doesn’t want to give you THAT drug then he needs to give you an alternative. You should present him with the NICE guideline (google them for sciatica) and request him to follow the NICE treatment guideline - every doctor in England and Wales is legally obliged to do so.

You could ask him to put his reasoning in writing why he is refusing you therapy - usually they very quickly comply then as they know they can be sued then...

As for the injection - you should receive this after a certain amount of time has passed. Again check the NICE guidelines - they specify it.

If you can afford it then consider going private to get this sorted quickly.

Good luck - I’m currently stuck on my tummy and can’t walk awaiting my second injection— so I definitely empathise with you 🍀🍀

[gemmakin in reply to EvaK82]

thanks, the doc who has referred me for a scan mentioned the injection. I suppose she needs the scan results to justify it

[EvaK82 in reply to gemmakin]

Sure but while you wait for all this you need to be on pain meds!

[hypercat54]

Hi if this was me to be honest I would just avoid that particular doctor. I have a couple at my surgery I will not see. If any of the others do the same though I would report it. x

[gemmakin in reply to hypercat54]

yes absolutely, i will never see him again

[Hidden]

Ask for your records, it's free now and check what he wrote. Ask to see the practice manager, nobody else, receptionists have no authority and can do nothing. Put in writing exactly what happened, bullet point everything.

I know they're clamping down on opioid usage and I can understand the need for an MRI to prove your pain. There are a lot of people who fake back problems who cause all this c*** for genuine patients believe me! But that's no excuse for how you've been treated.

Don't be afraid to complain, they're there to treat patients in whatever way they need, his treatment of you (unless he has X-Ray vision) is appalling and makes me wonder if he has a scam going with the pharmacist.

[Treeleaf]

Holy moly I would definitely make this known. Of all the pain meds too meaning tramadol is mild. I hope you find proper help and relief.

[deejames]

Have you asked at reception whether there is a prescription for you ? My prescriptions are delivered to the pharmacy for me to collect but your surgery might do it differently. Could this be a genuine mistake ?

[Emma2017 in reply to deejames]

If the dr said no pain medication or scan are needed then I cannot see how this could be a genuine mistake?

[Emma2017]

If the pain is disabling could it be that the disc has herniated in which case an operation might be a possibility. A scan is needed to find out though.

[Hidden]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[Coralpink]

An important issue here, is why did the GP claim on your records that he had given you a script for Tramadol, when he hadn’t?? What happened to it? You really need to follow this up, as there could be something dodgy going on with drug prescriptions. The GP may do this and have the drugs himself? You just never know these days who can be trusted.

[gemmakin in reply to Coralpink]

hmm, sadly that's a very good point

[Hidden]

I have spoken up for myself re: docs... did it help .. for me... sometimes. Do these docs care.. probably not. In your case I would definitely say something. In this day and age with abuse with meds and people needing there meds (patients that REALLY need it).. how do u know this doc isn't taking your med or sold ur prescription to some addict !?!? Plus its gonna be in a file or online for other docs to see u were prescribed this med. I personally would find another doc. Maybe I watch too much TV about all this stuff but the problem with docs doesn't end.. and the stories get more Ludacris... and we as patients suffer. I hope u get the result u r looking for and the relief u need.