I have received a summons today to do jury service and I am in a real panic about it.
I really feel I am unable to do it.
Does anyone know if I can be excuse because of hypothyroidism.
I am still trying to get my meds. right and still suffering symptoms, and do not know from day to day how I am going to be feeling. Some nights I do not sleep very well, I either cannot get to sleep until the small hours then find it difficult to get up, or I get off to sleep O.K. but then wake early and stay awake for ages before getting back to sleep.
I still get very tired, have back and shoulder pain, carpel tunnel, muscles cramps, anxiety, brain fog, bad memory, I asked my husband three times yesterday what date it was, but the biggest thing I am panicking about is panic itself. If I am in a situation whereby I feel I cannot get out of I feel trapped and I have a panic attack.
The thought of sitting in a room and having to listen and concentrate on the proceedings feels me with dread, I just do not feel I am capable of doing it.
Does anyone know if been hypo. and suffering from the symptoms and panic attacks would make me excusable from jury service.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you.
Written by
lucylocks
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You could ask doctors to write letter for you asking if you could be excused on medical grounds, understanding doctor would surly do that thou you might have to pay for letter.
Does your GP know of your panic attacks ? Do you take anti depressants ? I recall Robert Crampton, a Times journalist, sharing with his readership that because he took Prozac he was declined as a potential juror. Given what you've said, I certainly wouldn't want you on my jury (((lucylocks))). Not that I ever break the law. These days
Ah. I read it in the Saturday magazine, where he does a fantastic page at the back called 'Beta Male' thetimes.co.uk/tto/magazine...
The rest is behind a pay wall, regrettably. Just looking at some of the other posts you've had, you don't need a medical certificate for sure, as spongecat has advised -
applications should normally be considered without the necessity for a medical certificate to be produced. However, a certificate should be requested if the summoning officer feels that that one is necessary to support an application for excusal on the grounds of illness or physical disability (for example, where there is uncertainty as to the illness/ disability), or where one is required for an appeal against non-excusal.
Try not to worry (((lucylocks))) that will only disrupt your thyroid more
if I do need a certificate I am hoping my Doctor will give me one, it is just another thing to worry about, but like you say worry makes the thyroid worse so I must try to stop it.
I am at the moment having trouble with the receptionist trying to get a print out of my latest blood results, she has asked why I need them, I explained I need to keep a check on my thyroid levels and I also take supplements so need to keep a check on vitamins and minerals levels. She asked if every time I have bloods taken will I be asking for a copy and when I said yes she said well if we give them to you we have to give them to everyone.
I explained by law we are entitled to them she said only if a request is put in writing, do you know if this is true?
Much as I want to find out where this woman is so I can go and slap her, the sanctimonious g*bsh*te, she may just be following her doctor's instructions. You do not need to give this antediluvian harridan or your GP a reason; she has no medical training nor right to deny you your records. Shortly, her retrograde practice will be subject to the patient access records on line and she won't have to lift a finger - you will be able to access your records online and her sadist tendencies will have to be satisfied elsewhere.
Thyroid and attitude don't go together, always. I get worn down too, dear Jose651 but I will not be worn down by sh*t like this.
This receptionist may have contributed to lucylocks 's unease and she needs a reminder of who, ultimately, pays her salary.
Of course, according to some learned t*ssers, I have nothing more than a somatoform disorder, so shouldn't be allowed to have an opinion on anything at all xx
I only reply to posts that I feel I have an understanding about.
I felt strongly regarding your treatment from this person.
Thankfully you are firm, but what happens to the patient that just walks away from the very place where they should have the very best of help and empathy from those who should know better.
I have been there, I'm not angry about my treatment from my incompetent GP's receptionists, but I am concerned about patients who are treated as if their request is a major problem, be that results/ appointments etc
Yes J, I also feel for the people who walk away and do not get the help they need.
I often wonder about people who believe everything the Doctor tells them about their thyroid results, saying all is normal and in range and they carry on feeling dreadful without questioning their Doctor.
I remembered once before when asking for them the receptionist said "why do you want a lot of figures you do not understand". I was not feeling too good at the time and only thought afterwards I should have said " how do you know I do not understand them, I could be a qualified health consultant for all you know".
They are so condescending.
Anyway the receptionist rang me back later this afternoon and said my results were at the reception to pick up.
You may wish to consider that the Receptionist doesn't actually know that legally we're entitled to receive these so it could actually be a training issue.
Jose651 They have a tough job to do, I certainly couldn't do it. All those moaning patients with their sense of entitlement!! I'm lucky, the receptionists and office staff have been extremely pleasant and helpful with me but, on the other hand, the doctors I've seen so far have been right muppets whom I wouldn't trust to tie my shoe laces!!
I do understand that not all receptionists / GP's /Endos can be tarred with the same brush....so to speak.
That is why I said "some".
Some people are in positions that they most certainly should never occupy.
Their, GP's receptionists, positions may very well be difficult, but it's really not to difficult to be polite to ill patients and assist with, " I will check with my Manager and if you would like to ring later I'll have a answer for you"
The answer that Lucylock's got showed incompetence and a non caring attitude that was uncall for.
I know Jose651 and the receptionist had no right whatsoever to ask why they were needed. Yes, your suggestion of checking with a manager is a good one and should have been done in the first place.
Perhaps it would be helpful if receptionists were given training in sensitivity, should really be a prerequisite for that type of job though.
I realise cinnamon_girl they have a difficult job but I always ask politely and I am always friendly with them, but they just get on their high horse which then gets my back up, but even then I never get nasty or abusive but just try to be firm.
This is terrible!!! My Dr wrote all of my levels out for me himself & didnt even ask why. Go back in there & say u want to speak to the Dr him/herself not some unqualified nobody receptionist on a power trip!! Stupid cow lol xx
You sound though you have a great Doctor. I did eventually get the results, she rang me back to say she had spoke the Doctor and they had printed them. Next time I will do as you suggest or ask to speak to the practise manager.
I would see your GP asap to discuss. This is also a dread of mine, for the same reasons. If I were to be tried in a court of law with someone like me on the jury, I'd be insisting my lawyer start the appeal immediately!
Why not just phone and ask that GP calls you when convenient it's quite possibly something that wouldn't require an appointment- and see what he says/thinks?
applications should normally be considered without the necessity for a medical
certificate to be produced. However, a certificate should be requested if the
summoning officer feels that that one is necessary to support an application for
excusal on the grounds of illness or physical disability (for example, where there
is uncertainty as to the illness/ disability), or where one is required for an appeal
against non-excusal.
It's at the decision of the summoning officer, so he or she may ask you to produce a letter from your doctor/medical certificate citing brain fog, bad memory, tiredness due to insomnia etc.
Bear in mind that if you are successful you may just earn a deferral rather than exemption which means that you will probably be recalled within a year.
I was called up many years ago and was nervous about it but everyone is very kind and helpful and treat you with respect as you are doing an important "civic duty". Everything is explained on your first day and I have to confess that I did end up finding it fascinating and quite rewarding, if that's a way to describe it. The sessions are split up for breaks, lunch etc.
Many thanks spongecat for googling the info. and the link.
I will put all my symptoms and meds. on the form and send it in then if I need a medical certificate from Doctor I will make an appt. to see him.
If I felt O.K. and did not get panic attacks I would be willing to do the jury service.
I am thinking surely they won't want me there stopping proceedings if I start panicking and have to leave the court room, this is apart from not been able to take in all the info/evidence because of brain fog and memory. I just feel unable to do it.
I think you need to emphasise that you have symptoms which are not yet under control especially : inability to concentrate which also means your memory is poor ,tiredness which leads you to fall asleep in daytime ,as well as physical pain which also affects your concentration.
Emphasise the aspects which are important for jury service.
just before diagnosed I was nodding off on the train at 8.15 ,having only been up a couple of hours ,on my way to sit on a Tribunal where I had difficulty keeping my eyes open.
Years ago I was a magistrate and I know how difficult it is to concentrate during cases even when mentally alert. You really would not be doing justice if called to sit on a jury.( Often potential jurors are sent home every day and never called ,this happened to my daughter).Good luck .
I know only too well the feeling of wanting to nod off having only been up a couple of hours.
I totally agree I would not be doing justice if called to sit on a jury.
I don't know if you read in one of my replies, I asked my husband three times the other day what date it was, if I can't remember the date an hour after been told I cannot be relied upon to remember such important details that would be given out in court.
I am retired so cannot be signed off sick. I am thinking surely they won't want me there stopping proceedings if I start panicking and have to leave the court room, this is apart from not been able to take in all the info/evidence because of brain fog and memory. I just feel unable to do it.
lucylocks try writing to the Clerk to the Court first, explaining the situation and if this is not accepted, then see if your GP can help. I did this, but also was a Carer to my special needs son, though the main reason was I could not have coped with the travelling early in the morning. Wish you good luck with it.
l wd try your GP and say something like you are all over the place, cant concentrate and in nervous state. One of the known symptoms of Hypo is: cant concentrate
Hi - l wd make a note of things as they happen like asking husband 3x and take it with you to Drs and persist. And try and look tearful tho l find that difficult! They may charge - lve had to pay for short note but have been asked for so many by rotten council landlord (who then ignore them anyway) £10-15£ but worth it. l have lived in dread of getting that jury Letter. All best wishes
If only you could pass it to me - I'd be appreciative of the time away from my horrid colleagues & job. I agree with previous posters, go to the drs and tell them your concerns & see if they'll give you a note. Surely you wouldn't have to pay for this? Good luck to you.
Hi Lucy lock..........yes it might be a good idea explaining why you can't do jury services, but get a copy of it for yourself just in case . Don't worry it will be fine.
Hi this has happened to me (I'm hyper with Graves) and also have anxiety and panic attacks. I rang the clerk of the courts office and explained my situation and asked what I needed to do. They were really lovely and asked me to write or email with my details and situation and GP details. I did this and was excused jury service. It is not in the courts best interest to have someone on jury service whose health is unreliable as it could jeopardise court cases. Please try not to worry
I will do as you suggests and ring the clerk of courts on Monday.
I was just saying to my husband surely they would not want me to do it if in the middle of the proceedings I would have to leave if I was having a panic attack. On top of not been able to concentrate and forgetting what someone has said half an hour previously. I really wouldn't make a reliable juror.
Thank you for letting me know and I hope you have now found some improvement in your symptoms.
I'm new to this forum but have just had direct experience of being excused from jury service on same grounds. You will have been sent a form and in the section re request to be excused you need to explain symptoms as you have in your post. Add that you can provide medical evidence if required. I didn't need to do that and was excused on my submission alone. Hope it goes well.
I have learnt a lot from this forum so thanks to everyone who contributes.
I had to do jury service a few years ago when I wasn't well, panic attacks etc (it was my second summons so I had to go) - but it was OK and in the end I quite enjoyed it and had a huge sense of achievement.
It is all very well laid out and steady, which I found re-assuring. Sometimes you have to wait, so taking a book so a good idea. If you are in court you are so busy trying to understand the evidence, time just flies.
It is not just the panic attacks, I can't seem to concentrate. I don't know if you saw one of my replies on this post but I asked my husband three times the other day what date it was. My brain fog is terrible.
I rang the Clerk of the Court this morning and she said to send in the form and they then decide if I would need a note from the Doctor but she did say it does sound as though I would be excuse. I do hope so.
I think if you write and explain why it would be very difficult for you to do jury service and say that you are able to provide a doctor's letter, they will either defer or cancel your stint. They really don't want people who are going to have a problem serving so if you lay it on thick you will probably be alright.
it is now all sorted, I entered all my problems on the form, they replied and said I was excused and I did not even need a Doctors letter. It was a relief.
I've had this happen to me...I'm in the States and all you need to do as far as I know is have your doctor right a note to the Judge that you're ill and can't handle the responsibilities of what they're requiring of you. I hope this helps you...God Bless - Christy
I actually rang the phone number on the letter, the girl I spoke to was very nice, I told her I was not well because of hypothyroidism as I had not got my treatment right. I also said I was suffering from panic attacks, which were really bad when I was in an environment I could not get of. She said she would take me off the list and thanked me for letting her know. I was so relieved. She did not ask for a Doctors letter.
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