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getting to see a doctor - wendy (3rd Jan 2018  09:40:09) I wonder if anyone else is having a problem in getting to see a doctor? My husband and I have been ill on and off now since the end of September. Its a terrible cough and wheezing chest thing. My husband put up with it for a month, then phoned the surgery, usual thing, someone would phone back, and they did quite quickly. It was a nurse who said if he went to the surgery she would check him out. He did, and she did, saying he had a virus and there was nothing to be done, and no treatment. He seemed to get better, but then the whole thing started again, this time I got it back again really badly, and felt really ill. Again we phoned the surgery, again we spoke to a nurse, and again we went and were checked over by the nurse, and were told I had a sinus and chest infection and my husband still had the virus, and no treatment was offered to either of us. I cant help but feel that this is why the ambulance service is under so much pressure, people cannot get to see a doctor, and feel so ill that they phone for an ambulance. We are 78 and 84 years of age, and feel just as bad now as we did the end of September. Has anyone got an answer for us? I'm beginning to feel that if we don't get any help this bug will finish us off.

Re: getting to see a doctor - steve (3rd Jan 2018  11:09:08) I dont mean to sound horrible but what would you expect a Dr to for you what is it treatment wise you feel they can provide. A nurse is more then suitably trained to diagnose a viral chest infection to advise and treat if required. If there was any risk to your health declining the nurse who looked at you would pass you onto the Dr for further action Sadly as you age your immune system is not as good as it once was so even minor ailments like chest infection the symptoms produced can be more prominent. The other side of things is do you have any other long term medical conditions that you take medication for that you find the chest infection is making worse? Personally I agree with the nursing triage system they have in place. This saves a lot of time and frees up gp slots. For example you dont need a gp to refer you to a podiatrist when a nurse can refer you based on your symptoms.

Re: getting to see a doctor - HB (3rd Jan 2018  11:31:00) My advice for what it's worth is DO NOT give up & insist on seeing a doctor. If it has gone on for so long, the possibility of secondary infections should not be dismissed so easily/lightly. Insist on blood tests etc for a proper diagnosis. You should both be seen by a GP.

Re: getting to see a doctor - Ian (3rd Jan 2018  12:08:18) Wendy, I really do sympathise with you, you must be feeling very venerable. I am afraid this is just another example of the UK's public services infrastructure falling apart. Despite all the spin from politicitions and executive managers the country is falling apart. You probably need to start making waves and be a bloody nuisance to those that you are speaking to at the surgery. I know this is probably against your nature but it does appear that unless you are prepared to be forceful and insistent you will continue to be fobbed off in this manner. Best of luck though

Re: getting to see a doctor - Lizzie (3rd Jan 2018  12:23:00) It's very hard to treat some of the viruses and the Gp's are thinking of our welfare in not prescribing anti biotics. I'm sure you have but have your tried drinking organic lemon juice, squeezed into water? If you can freeze unwaxed ones and grate them into water Also Braggs unfiltered cider vinegar? Lots and lots of water. It is also worth calling them again if you are in any doubt. Are you alone or do you have family? If you are alone and need anything i could try and help? I wish you both a speedy recovery Kindest regards

Re: getting to see a doctor - Nic (3rd Jan 2018  13:25:27) Oh how awful for you both. It's absolutely shocking that you can't see a doctor. Can you change surgeries? I know it sounds like a lot of work, but quite honestly, for your own peace of mind, you need to be able to access a doctor when you need to. I hope you both feel better soon.

Re: getting to see a doctor - wendy (4th Jan 2018  10:20:28) thank you so much for all your kind replies, especially the lady who offered help. I am not alone, I have my husband, we celebrate 60 years of marriage in March, and are hoping to be alive to celebrate it.

Re: getting to see a doctor - Lizzie (4th Jan 2018  16:20:20) Well,i'm sure you both will be and many Congratulations for 60 years in March! I meant do you both have family etc here? I will do what i can for you if you ever need, hopefully the editor will pass my e mail as i cannot post publicly. I hope this finds you both a little better, it is fustrating but our Gp's,NHS staff are on our side. It often goes un recognised how they are battling behind scenes for funding, they and their families and friends i'm sure use and need NHS too. Many years of study and cost does not come without a calling to heal,help people. Yes sometimes it can appear that they are indifferant, sometimes like us all need improvement and a change of attitude. On the whole they care.They are human and really struggling too right now, i'm sure if you are still rotten or need reassurance they would want you to call? I wish you good health and really hope us younger lot can work with and be a little more pro active in supporting our NHS and Pharmacies. We are so so fortunate, even now. Best wishes

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