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Not Knowing

Posted , 9 users are following.

vickylou
vickylou

Wether it's just me reading through past and present discussions that I've noticed more.

I'm surprised and curious about the amount of posters who don't want their GP to know they have a problem with alcohol. Some prefer to buy online (which is their right) and pay a lot of money. Others prefer to see a private dr and get a private prescription, again quite costly.

On this forum we are often telling people that after first admitting to themselves and on here that they have a problem, the next step is to see your GP.

So by following that advice the GP is aware that alcohol is involved. What does it matter if your GP knows. If you suddenly become ill through alcohol or need hospital treatment the hospital are duty bound to inform your GP.

My surgery is bringing in open access or shared access, working with hospitals, the police and ambulance services. Should you find yourself in hospital or at the scene of an accident, where speed is of the essence, once your identity is known, paramedics have your medical records (obviously not everything) to hand Immediately.

Similarly, if you're unconscious at hospital, A&E only need to Input basic details so they're fully aware of any medication or allergies you have, rather than waiting for relatives or waiting for the patient to regain consciousness

My understanding is that GPs and hospital stall are bound by patient confidentiality.

Often  to get help you need to tell your GP in order to access the alcohol treatment centres and to get medication 

Personally, and I know others will think differently, I am not ashamed to tell anyone that I sometimes have problems with alcohol, or that I used to drink heavily. If we want to be treated properly, and not feel second best or judged, then maybe it's time to be more open. People think of alcoholics as some dirty old tramp on a park bench, or some old woman standing on a street corner. Not a housewife doing her weekly shopping

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • trevorF
    trevorF vickylou

    Posted

    In the past, many have been wary of telling a GP because they do not know what the GP will write in their records. People are frequently asked to sign a consent form so that GP details can be disclosed to an Insurance company, or an employer (or even Social Services) - but you don't know what they will see, or whether it is correct. Better not to share with a GP?!

    ​Perhaps now (from 31st March 2016)  that ALL people can have online access to  their own GP records so that tey can check what has been recorded, it will encourage more people to confide in their GP - they will be able to correct any mistakes that have been recorded.

    ​I have had online access to my own GP records since Jan 2014 (including notes from consultations) - the access has certainly helped enhance my heath and wellbeing - including my mental health.

  • Misssy2
    Misssy2 vickylou

    Posted

    Morning! Its morning in the US smile

    ​I'm for telling the GP because if I keep it hidden...than it shows shame.  So many people are inflicted with addiction (drugs and alcohol) and many of them are high functioning working in good paying careers. 

    ​It think it is so important that we trust our GP...if we don't feel comfortable with the GP..than we should change.  Because it is important for the GP to be on board...because when prescribing other medications they should be aware that alcohol may be ingested...and that can be life threatening with some medications.

    ​The only way to get the best help for myself is to be completely honest.  I am in the middle of applying for government aide (disability) and i know that when they see alcoholism in my records they will be hesitant to approve me (thinking I want to sit home and drink all day).

    But, if they had found out I drank and I never mentioned it...I would be DENIED immediately.  I have set myself up for random testing to start documenting for the Drs and disability..that I AM NOT drinking....trying to help myself.

    ​So I can be called at any time to take a test...and when I PASS...or FAIL (which I won't fail).  It will be documented and all will see that I am not drinking...and trying to improve my health.

    ​For the people that want to continue drinking...drinking is LEGAL....even being on the Sinclair method is showing that you are thinking about your health.  Hiding things always looks worse.  I find that when I am honest....I get understanding and more help than when I try to cover it up.

    ​There were many years when I was younger and trying to cover it up to my Drs.  They are not stupid...they can tell by blood work and appearance that something is going on...and I always feel I get closer and more support with my Drs when I am honest about my struggles.

    • vickylou
      vickylou Misssy2

      Posted

      Misssy you are so right with what you say. You could see the best doctor or counsellor in the world, but if you're not open and honest you won't get better.

      if you're not honest with drs or anyone, how can you get help. My son is a GP and often asks patients how many cigarettes do you smoke per day? If the answer is 10 then think 15. Similarly how many units of alcohol do you consume weekly, if they say 20 then think 25,

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 vickylou

      Posted

      I always tell the truth about the cigs...too...but I think I am odd in that way...too.  It works for me..but it may not work for everyone.
    • RHGB
      RHGB vickylou

      Posted

      Whenever a GP or doctor asks me a question like that, I say, are we playing the doubling up game or the truth game. They ask what I'm on about. I say, if you're playing the doubling up game, I will halve my consumption, if you're playing the truth game, I will tell you exactly what I consume.

      I've not met one doctor who prefers to play the doubling up game, if they think that they're going to get the truth out of you.

  • RHGB
    RHGB vickylou

    Posted

    I didn't have a choice, the hospital detoxed me whilst I was unconscious.

    But you've just reminded me, to opt out, there is new legislation coming into force, which will allow the police and lots of other people have complete access to you records WITHOUT having to request them through your GP.

    You are automatically opted in. I'll find a link when I get back from the shops.

    • RHGB
      RHGB

      Posted

      The new system is called HSCIC or care.data as it is better known. This will give your information to secondary users for non medical use.

      Go to care-data dot info to find out who is going to get access.

      medconfidential dot org gives you info on how to opt out.

  • emma84640
    emma84640 vickylou

    Posted

    I have found hospital doctors less tolerant with alcoholics 😔
  • vickylou
    vickylou

    Posted

    should say I've noticed more and more
  • nicole36330
    nicole36330 vickylou

    Posted

    It's because of insurance mostly,because it's now on my record and I've gone all the way to alcohol services if I died of a heart attack my insurance company could challenge paying off mortgage if it was alcohol related
  • PaulJTurner1964
    PaulJTurner1964 vickylou

    Posted

    The reason many people give when they speak to me is that their job requires a medical report every so often or a new job they applied for would need a medical report and they fear that having an alcohol issue on their medical records could prevent them either keeping their current job or successfully applying for a new one.

    There are other reasons too. In Asian communities, the GP is often a family friend and religious reasons may mean that drinking is taboo. People in those communities therefore don't want the shame of their GP knowing.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 PaulJTurner1964

      Posted

      Thats a good point Paul...the "job".  I did take that risk back 10 years ago and I took my boss aside and told him I was going to take time off...because i was struggling with alcohol.  He WAS SHOCKED.

      ​I was so good at what I did...I was there everyday....it was not an issue. 

      So, for the people that are functioning at work...and confident in their jobs...I DO think being honest is a risk...because as good as I was...everytime after I took a day off after esposing my problem...I felt guilty..even thou I wasn't drinking.

      However, I ended up staying many more years...sober...and things worked out.  I can see the concern...but I still think being honest with the job helped me get well too.

    • vickylou
      vickylou PaulJTurner1964

      Posted

      Yes I can understand withholding information in certain cultures.

      There must be a lot of people who aren't getting help and support from alcohol services (what services!!)  by not telling their GP that they need help.

      Like a great many things in life, those that have and those that have not plays a big part. I don't want to start a political discussion, so won't comment on this

  • sil99
    sil99 vickylou

    Posted

    Hi Vickylou

    Many years ago when drinking seemed a little more acceptable a hospital doctor wrote on my notes that I had alcoholic tendencies, bearing in mind he had only seen me once as a private referal for a gastric problem, which was nothing important, however that comment cam back to bite me some 10-15yrs on when I was refused life insurance..............fortunately not a major problem, but could have been. 

    Over the years my family doctor has become aware of my drinking, as I have frequent blood tests which include LFT. My last one was about 2 months ago and the medication review was with the nurse who didnt pick up on anything, so havent seen the doctor for some time.

    He has made his feelings known and advises total abstinance, which I dont want.

    My main reason for not advising him that I was going to try Selincro was my concern that it would not work or I would not have the persistance to see it through.

    Having given the pills a try and feel as if they are doing me good, I will when I next meet him tell him, if he pescribes them for me that would be a bonus, if not so be it.

    I didnt need any negativity when first trying the pills, but I know they work for me, it is no concern what his opinions are I know that pills are worthy of a try, you never know I may be pleasantly surprised by his reaction.

    I am fortunate that the cost of the pill on the internet are not prohibitive to me, although I understand it is not the case for everyone.

    Good Luck

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