NHS tests available in the UK
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi All
Ive recently been prescribed Omeprazole after seeing my GP for burning in my chest and throat. My main symptoms previousley were persistant sore throat and hoarseness which one day flared up into the burning sensations. After reading as much as I can Online Ive not taken the Omeprazole, instead made lifestyle changes and Gaviscon Advanced and a cuople other suggestions. Symptom wise I have steadily felt better but still get a sore throat and hoarsness that comes and goes a couple of times a day.
I suspect I have LPR although my GP gave no explanation or showed any interest apart from writing a script out for me.
My question is what tests if any can I/should I ask for in the UK? Thanks
1 like, 16 replies
jmcg2014 kevin87783
Posted
None, that's not how the NHS works. If a gp thinks tests need done, they will organise them, you don't get to request or choose. You need private for that, then you can have as many tests as you like
kevin87783 jmcg2014
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wpshark kevin87783
Posted
Hi. I disagree with jmcg. If you go to your GP and explain that these meds are not helping, they will go to the next level, which is usually a scope. This could be from both sides but usually down the throat This will determine if there is an Hiatus Hernia and also any other damagae from ascid.
That is exactly what I did and I was then given stronger meds for 2 yrs but after a while they also stopped working as the acid just flowed up in any position. Severe burning and inflamation of the whole gullet and even my vocal chords were burned. Could not sing at all (used to play in a rock band).
GP refered me for tests which showed Hiatus Hernia
Ended up with a Nissen Fundoplicatio and I feel great - only 7 weeks laater , No more acid and that hoarsness is gone. Takes a bit of dicipline in eating at first and stick to the diet but the absesce of the acid and that feeling in the chest is well worth it.
Don't suffer in silence. ASK for help and insist to see a specialist #It is your right and the NHS is fantastic,
kevin87783 wpshark
Posted
Thanks for the reply. I'm hopeful of more productive visit next time plus I have a bit more information and understanding about all of this. All the NHS should be promoting shared decision making so again Im hopeful. Good news on your operation its good to here some good news. Did you ever consider the Linx?
Im an ex rocker too perhaps we could pull a band together with other posters? How about calling ourselves ' Gav i Scon and the Refluxers'
Just a thought
Gillian1956 kevin87783
Posted
Why haven't taken the meds your GP gave you if you go back he will only say try them first see if it heals your throats and chest it could be just a short term use of tbt Ompeprazole my daughter takes those now end she's getting must better in on another one Zonton faststab same sort of thing I still get problems but what I eat is a big factor
jmcg2014 Gillian1956
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kevin87783
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I except what you say and Im usually good at following Dr's orders however Im concerned about coming off them and also do I really need that kind of meds anyway. If its my LES or low acid then these would not be for me. What I would like is a more indepth look at my condtion and not the cursory decision to prescribe within 1 minute of me bringing it up. Thanks for the reply
jmcg2014 kevin87783
Posted
This is how it works though with drs, they make a diagnosis and prescribe what they think is best. If after trying what they suggest things are no better or worse, they will then possibly escalate to the next level. GPs just aren't allowed to refer without having tried certain things first. It's not unknown even for a Dr to request an x-ray for it to be refused at the hospital because the technicians feel the Dr should have tried other avenues first. There just isn't the resources or funding to do it the way you want it unfortunately, imagine if everyone wanted escalation before simpler and cheaper avenues which have every chance of working had been tried. That's just how it is on the NHS I'm afraid, but it's also why private healthcare is there, for people who don't want to follow the NHS route
kevin87783 jmcg2014
Posted
Good point and I agree with you. I think my issue is I accepted an appointment with the surgeries least respected Dr as it was just a follow up visit on a blood test. I brought up the throat and chest burning during that visit and I was instantly prescribed. No history apart from the two sentences I said on it also no examination so I feel Id like to discuss any diagnosis and meds a little more before I start a course of treatment that has sid effects. I'm more than happy to take what Im offered but just feel a little short changed on the patient contact side.
jmcg2014 kevin87783
Posted
Gillian1956 kevin87783
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Well scop put down and berium meal drink can be done but your doctor won't send you till you have tried medication for it and if you want to go private your doctor as yo write a letter to who ever you want to go and see I know because I did this myself my doctor kept telling me she vpundnt send me because I had been once before and I was told I make to much acid because of stress that I gave in my life and unfortunately I can't go anything about do PPI medication is best for me o was having similar symptoms as you but very bad burning in chest and throat stool get it now in fact tight now it's bad
RHGB Gillian1956
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jmcg2014 RHGB
Posted
Agreed, a NHS Dr has absolutely no say if a patient wants to go private, it's none of their business. As for sharing information, it's the patients information, the gp has no rights to it, the patient says who has it, not the gp
Gillian1956 RHGB
Posted
kevin87783
Posted
RHGB kevin87783
Posted
You've ignored the NHS route (your GP), so your only option is to go private. I tend to work with my GP and I have no problem getting referals, in fact I'm sick of getting referred, I'd like some time away from hospitals.
I have been taking omeprazole for the last three years.