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I don't believe it!

Posted , 8 users are following.

Susanne_M_UK
Susanne_M_UK

Had booked a telephone call for today with the GP, who previously signed me with no problem, as my certificate ran out yesterday. She promptly called, sounding rather frosty.

I explained that I needed to be signed off still, New medication being considered, flare recently etc etc. Well, she told me there was nothing on my file from rheumy to that effect and as I was a PA, instead of sitting at home, no doubt making cups of tea, emptying the dishwasher etc, I could just as well be at work!

I tried to explain again, thinking she had forgotten I have HAD, but no, she said that in fact she would have to sign me back to work, and I must realise that sick certificates are legal documents (not sure about that one!).

So, I have left a message with rheumy' s Secretary, asking him to fax the surgery telling them I need to be signed off. It's enough to make me weep, or scream!

The trouble is my rheumy us due to be away and I'm not sure exactly when that is. Will give it until tomorrow.

3 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

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  • EileenH
    EileenH Susanne_M_UK

    Posted

    What a $*&^% - I'd be reporting that pronto. Totally uncalled for. Does she say that to patients who have had a stroke/heart attack and so on?
  • lodgerUK_NE
    lodgerUK_NE Susanne_M_UK

    Posted

    Call the Practice Manager and explain what has happened and that you are very upset.  They should help you.

    If it is a practice with more than one GP, one of them will be the head honcho, ask the PM for his/her name and I hope it is not the GP you are dealing with.  

    Do not wait till Friday, it will be too late.   Phone your Rheumy's Secretary or the main switchboard of the hospital.

    • Susanne_M_UK
      Susanne_M_UK lodgerUK_NE

      Posted

      They are ganging up on me. This is the third GP I've seen. I had the audacity to say that serious errors had been made in my diagnosis and treatment by first inexperienced GP

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey Susanne_M_UK

      Posted

      Susanne, you're definitely overdue an appointment with the Practice Manager.  I wonder how many more patients they treat in this disgraceful manner.  Make the appointment and take your husband with you, plus an email from the rheumatologist if you can get hold of him.  You cannot work with the illness as it is at present, and they are aggravating your recovery.  I would be changing practice, but they should not get away with it.
  • jennissw
    jennissw Susanne_M_UK

    Posted

    I agree...complain about her and ask to see another GP. They do seem to love the power dont they...and they always at some point tend to misuse it!!!!

    So sorry its happened to you. I had a run in with my GP...different reason but till it was the same 'I have the power' type conversation.

  • Susanne_M_UK
    Susanne_M_UK

    Posted

    This is getting worse. Call from Secretary.. he has faxed the surgery, but apparently asking them to review my return to work, still suffering from fatigue etc. That doesn't help at all. No doubt GP will call me later and..say I'm fit for work.
    • lodgerUK_NE
      lodgerUK_NE Susanne_M_UK

      Posted

      In the meantime, visit the nhs website and look for http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/patient-advice-and-liaison-services-%28pals%29/locationsearch/363 (PALS) and find the number for those in your location.

      Then call PALS at the hospital the Rheumy is working at, explain the situation and ask them for help.  That is what they are therefore. 

      Find a new practice, but in the meantime call the Commissioning Group in your area and tell them your experience.

    • tina-uk_cwall
      tina-uk_cwall Susanne_M_UK

      Posted

      Hi Susanne, here we go again! Even if your rheumatologist has asked the GP surgery to review your fitness for work. That task requires more than an appointment phone call. They should have asked for a face to face assessment. God what a surgery! Christina 
    • Susanne_M_UK
      Susanne_M_UK tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      Hi Christina. That happened after I spoke to GP this morning. So await call from GP tomorrow who will no doubt ask me to come in. He only faxed request after I had spoken to GP on phone.
    • Susanne_M_UK
      Susanne_M_UK lodgerUK_NE

      Posted

      There is one at my local main hospital, never realised that!

      Yes, I think New practice might be in order.

      In the meantime, have had long discussion with hubby about the whole situation and I am pretty sure I am going to resign from work soon, it's all too much. Not just this last set back, but generally with my GCA. This has just added to the stress.

      We will also cancel our holiday in Italy booked for end of May, as both stressed about how I would cope/pick up infection/fatigue to the point where holiday becomes a problem

      Lots to think about right now.

    • tina-uk_cwall
      tina-uk_cwall Susanne_M_UK

      Posted

      Oh Susanne, do you remember back to just past Christmas when we were all begging you to take just a little more time off work, because we believed you were taking things forward just a bit too quickly. It was so obvious that you loved your job and now all this unnecessary hassle has ruined your love of work. 

      It is totally wrong and a complete disgrace that the GP surgery is treating you this way. Maybe a couple more months you'd be back at work healthier and stronger to cope with everything if you were allowed to recover at YOUR  rate. Instead you are being pushed and quite frankly being treated like a bludger. Now because of all the stress you may leave the job you love.

      all I can say is keep strong and please know that along with your husband we all support you 100%, if only our support counted for something. Take care. Regards, christina 

    • Susanne_M_UK
      Susanne_M_UK tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      Christina, yes I certainly do remember and so much has happened since then.

      Your support does mean something. - It means an awful lot and has kept me sane and supported, so don't think otherwise. You are all lovely, caring people. X

    • tina-uk_cwall
      tina-uk_cwall Susanne_M_UK

      Posted

      Hi Susanne, I've just read back through my post and I've written it like you don't appreciate our support which I know is far from the truth. What I meant to say was that the powers that be do not value our support, borne out by our refusal to listen to our suggestions or read any of the literature we supply them with. I on the other hand am so lucky my GP is great and my rheumatologist is great so my recovery journey of PMR is not fraught with negative obstacles and I believe that really is a huge help as I am not unnecessary anxious or stressed out. All the best, christina 
    • Susanne_M_UK
      Susanne_M_UK tina-uk_cwall

      Posted

      I do understand Christina and sort of understood your meaning. :-)

      Yes, you are lucky to have good GP and rheumy. I think, now that I've taken the decision to stop work, I will feel less stressed and anxious, and of course I won't have to badger anyone for a certificate!

      Still waiting for call from GP!

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