Been off work for nearly a week and can't get in to see my Gp until Thursday 20th

Posted , 10 users are following.

I've been really bad since Saturday-think I'm having a 'flare up',my lower back  and muscles are excruciating and I am back in my 'not sleeping' cycle which is horrible,less sleep more pain, so less sleep, round and round in circles we go.

I contacted my surgery for a telephone consultation as I can't get to the surgery, and was told that there was only one doctor in-the one that I don't particularly like-she's flaky at the best of times, and trying to get an answer or any help is a joke. But as she was the only one available, I took the appointment,this was yesterday.

luckily my Dad was here when she called, so I put the call on speaker so that he could hear what was being said. After I explained that I was in a lot of pain, unable to go to work-even though I only do three hours a day-she actually said to me 'so what would you like to get out of this? What exactly do you expect me to do?!' 

I burst into tears-I'm depressed,in pain and want some help and advice-which is what I told her. I feel unable to work and wanted some guidance as to the best route to follow. I can only self cert for being off work for 5 days, and can't even get up and out of bed at the moment never mind work. After minutes of her um and ah's, the best I got was an increase in my duloxetine-up to 90mg from 60mg per day and and she also asked why my prescriptions were out of sync? As I pointed out to her I have been prescribed different drugs on different dates-by the doctors-how exactly is that MY fault?

I am still in shock at her attitude towards me. She also said that if there was a magic potion to cure fibromyalgia she would give it to me!!

i don't know where to go from here? I have made an appointment with my regular Gp-the earliest I can get is a phone consultation next Thursday which really I wanted a face to face so that my Mum could come with me and help me to explain things. I get upset and anxious then can't get my point across.

I don't know whether to complain about the other doctor as I don't want to rock the boat and make things any more difficult but I don't think that she should be allowed to get away with treating people like that.

stuck in a rutt and no idea where to go from here. cry

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Can you have your Mum with you on Thurs when you get the phone call with your normal GP then put it on loud speaker as you did with your dad?

    Unfortunately this stress is exactly what you don't want to calm a flare-up.  It's time to relax, pamper and accept just whilst going through the flare-up.  That way possibly the relaxing we speed up coming out of the flare up? 

    I know the female Gp wasn't much good but at least she didn't say Fibro doesn't exist, she just hasn't a clue how to properly help you.  One thought is when you talk to your normal Gp, explain that you feel you're in a flare-up, what would he recommend?  The other Gp recommended upping the duloxetine which you have done.  As he knows your history in more detail could he help you more?

    That way you're not out right suggesting she was useless, you are asking your normal Gp as he knows your history in more detail. At least with a phone call you don't have to sit on the uncomfortable doctor chairs wink  Good Luckx

  • Posted

    Thats awful Victoria, my doctors are so understanding and really do listen to what I have to say. Hopefully your own doctor can do something for you. Is there a pain clinic you can go to. I was offered this before but said I was ok at present.

    Have you tried Hyperbaric oxygen treatment, I did a course of it a few years ago and found it really worthwhile helping with my pain, mind fog, memory and sleep. It also gave me more energy. I am hoping to do it again after Christmas. I do think this time of year isnt good for us. Would be nice to live in a sunnier climate : ))

    Take care

    Martina x

  • Posted

    Oh dear I understand EVERY word you are spreaking.  My regular GP is useless and I Always leave appointments with him upset and frustrated. He doesn't listen to me and usually brushes me off because I am always having issues, even thought it says fibromyalgia on my file.  Lately I have been seeing the nurse practitioner instead but I am still frustrated as heck.  These so called professionals don't seem very sympathetic to others' pain.  You are definitely not alone.  Please keep on trying and don't give up.  Your issues are important and hopefully someone will listen eventually.
    • Posted

      Hello Kari,

      So sorry to hear your GP useless. Hopefully you can ask for a second opinion, so important to have your GP on side! Alternatively present him with some information, provided he wouldn't be offended. Have heard that this has worked for some people. Good luck.

      Take care, Anne

  • Posted

    Hi Victoria... I understand you ... I've had the same experience

    and still argue with doctors ...

    Give you make tests for infectious diseases ...

    sure to be something positive ... can chlamydia, mycoplasma, brucella ... doctors call it chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia biggrin)

    human body starts to hurt all of a sudden ... it is all about bacteria and viruses ...

    soon be well!

  • Posted

    mmmmmm yep i have been through all of that with Gps, i have also been admitted to hospital a few times as the pain was that bad, believe me the hospital is worse as they thought i was wasting their time. I can only say that you will have to go through this process because in the end it will make you stronger and you will eventually realise that Gps hands are actually tied as they don't have any answers. So hopefully you will go do some research and try and help yourself to manage better, it is not easy but i can honestly say that i am getting there now and learning to ignore the pain. Duloxtine i would not touch as it made me suicidal and i was nearly admitted to mental hospital. I am ok now though. Always remember when you are in pain and you try to get physical you WILL NOT damage yourself if you over exert in any way it just feels that way. i hope you feel better soon and try to build up your confidence.

    best wishes James

  • Posted

    Hi Victoria, I've never gone to docs for Fibro....I research and research and take all supps for the FM....and Iburprofen since I deal with OA also.

    There are many nerve calmers to work with and YES, I think I've had a flare on occasion but not too much..... I've been dealing with FM since 1999 and have done SO MUCH for help myself......

    A lot of docs don't even believe in the FM stuff, and it is a lot of stuff gone wrong on our bodies.....glands, hormones, mineral deficiencies......there is so much to learn and we need to  help ourselves....I've been at this and just taking pain meds and the so called FM drugs are not all that is needed.....so much to do...

    I see only an integrative MD as I've lost any kind of faith in a majority of conventional MD's.....since my mindset is holistic and real healing....

    Hope you can find your way and do some real healing.    joy 76 US

    Do you take enough magnesium?   Thyroid support is critical and MANY docs don't help us there.....   Well, off my soapbox.    

  • Posted

    I sympathise with you had to see a locum the other week because was so down and in so much pain. She just gave a big sigh and said there wasnt anything else she could do.all they do is keep offering me time off which is OK but only get SSP and won't feel any better when I go back. I think things really need to change for people with our condition it is a real disability
  • Posted

    Thank you all for your support and advice cool  xx
  • Posted

    If this happens again request a home visit, the soon find you an appointment xxx

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