Latest Moan From You and Me 2024

It's amazing how they can't seem to take a more holistic approach, but focus one one symptom, and throw some pills at you. Even more amazing how anyone can 'diagnose' from a five minute phone call, often never having seen the patient's name before.
Glad you're ok now @Clueless 1 v2 .
For the record, it appears our GPs are still working one afternoon each per week. Because.. ??
Something big is going on, because when I eventually spoke to a GP a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned something about GPs having a bad time of it too - whether that was self pity or a national mess is anyone's guess.

 

I do think it must be just as soul-destroying for GPs to work like this - short appts, no continuity of care, pressure to prescribe for all ills - as it is for patients to be on the receiving end.

 

My good GP, not the one that likes to dispenser medicine without even speaking to the patient, told me something interesting.

I saw him one time during my melanoma situation. He'd wanted an MRI on a specific area of me, because I'd reported random pains in that area, and he'd put two and two together, and wanted to know if the cancer had gone for a wander. When he called me in for a chat he was so frustrated. He told me his MRI request had been denied. Not only that, but he'd been chastised, again, for referring patients for too many tests. Interestingly enough, the cancer consultant that was jointly heading up my case, also wanted the same MRI. He'd got it approved, but only after making several phone calls apparently.

So it seems to me there are doctors who are good at their job and genuinely care, but they're battling against a system that is holding them back. Turns out my MRI gave reassuring data. But I wonder how many doctors have simply run out of fight, and give up making referrals after being turned down and chastised one too many times. And I wonder how many of their patients have less favourable outcomes as a result.

 

Our favourite GP, the one OH was prepared to go and see ( hates anything medical, has to be dragged forcibly) took very early retirement after lockdown ended. Just couldn’t cope with the stress and trauma of trying to do the decent job they’d done previously. A great shame, they were very caring and thorough, and we both had confidence in them.

 

@Clueless 1 v2 that's awful!! I know there are a lot of docs who genuinely fight for the rights of the patients, it must be frustrating as hell for them, but also many will keep their mouths shut for fear of causing bother and being ostracised or sacked, it's beyond me that diligent people are presented from doing the job they know how to do.

@Ergates 3/5 of ours have retired in the last 2 years, as have 2 HRT consultants, they're leaving in their droves, and I don't blame them. It's incredibly sad really.

 

I've had a few holidays abroad, but never really enjoyed them - unless you count Scotland and Wales as abroad (from England). I'm one of those people who struggle with foreign languages - so why on earth did I marry a linguist, who has the urge to travel.

My only flights in the last decade have been to Greece (once - I work for a Greek employer) and the Isles of Scilly (which don't count as abroad).

I say, let people go abroad - then there's more quiet here in Britain. I like it that way.

 

As far as I know it has to do with limiting fertilizer use as a "climate change reverse"


Our farmers are fighting that and heavy carbon taxes for heating their barns, drying grain etc.

I believe they have valid reasons to broadcast their own objections.

 

I'm very happy with my recent experience with the NHS. My first appointment last November with a new GP practice, I was referred for a partial colonoscopy which was completed at the hospital within 1 week, luckily no issues found; and saw a urology nurse yesterday after also being referred. I almost feel overserved to be honest.

 

I must admit I always find things a bit quieter around here on the first two weeks of the school summer holidays, why everyone wants those two weeks is a downright mystery to me, they have at least 6 weeks to get their holidays in, if they have kids.

 

I tried getting vermiculite and pearlite this morning but there's none anywhere. I tried a local Garden Centre, B&Q, The Range, and somewhere else I can't remember now but none of them had any at all. There's another garden centre a few miles away in a different direction and there's that small one behind the market in Carmarthen, where I shall try soon and hope they've got them.
Otherwise I'll have to order them on line and I prefer going to a shop to staying in waiting for things to be delivered. I find that a nuisance

 

I usually find out where sells stuff online, then phone them to ask if they have it in stock.

 

I didn't see any at the garden centre I was at this afternoon.
I did come away with a new hydrangea, sage, thyme, mint and lavender for the new garden.
Oh yes, and 168 litres of compost for digging new plants in. Hopefully next year, we'll be able to use our own.

 

@Loxley it's always good to hear when people have had a positive experience, and it certainly helps you as a patient.
When I eventually got my surgery, I couldn't have been happier with my surgeon and the way he did everything, but especially because he noted my urgent need for it. I looked him up, and he does a lot of work in Africa with poor kids/sport, so he's definitely got a big heart.

 

This is what gets me, I call my GPs, a recorded message tells me if I want an appointment I have to do it online, so I go online, get a form to fill in.
Its about a hernia that I've had for around 5 yrs or more, I was referred to the local hospital about 2021 and after a 3 hour wait was told they dont have the funding to sort it out, but should it get really bad go to A&E.

Anyway, I thought I'd try getting a referral at another hospital with a doctor who speaks English, just got a text back from the GPs surgery

You cant speak to a doctor as none are available and we suggest you try again to make an appointment in 1 or 2 weeks.

Ok I'm not dying, yet, I probably will one day, will they be there then, I doubt it the way things are going.