Am I a coward, or can't I be arsed?

Best to ask for a well woman check; that means that, when you do see the doctor you will have had a blood test and a urine test; also bp, so the doctor has things to go on. Make a list because it's quicker that trying to remember all the things you need to ask about, and make sure you tell the receptionist it's for more that one symptom. Appointments are for 10 minutes only..if you take up more of the doctors time it's all very well but it means that the next patients have a long wait. With one of our doctors everyone knowns that they'll have at least an hours wait to see him if it's later in the day. Smear tests are difficult appointment wise, in that they take longer than most tests, nurses can only do so may a day and you have to have a treatment room available. I used to go to walk in centres to have mine done, because they opened later than my surgery and, as I worked at my doctors it was less embarrassing than having it done by someone I knew . We seem to have a very good system at our doctors now whereby if you need a same day appointment you are triaged to ascertain how urgent it is; I was annoyed the first time it happened but did see the nurse practitioner the same day. I've often said that, if I went back 40 years and then fast forwarded to now I'd wonder how anyone could live in such a creaky, achey body!I've just had months of worry after several scans etc for a pmb, which turned out to be caused by atrophy [which is what I thought it was in the first place].oldgoose, please use Replens for a while before you see a doctor as, if it works [and it did for me] you will be able to get it on repeat, along with a tub of Cetraben which is good to use in that area. henetha; I know just how you feel..please let us know how you get on...I HATE mammograms and I'm a wreck waiting for results.

oldgoose, we all get changes in our bodies as we get older. Hormones, wear and tear, even the ability to tolerate idiots - all have their effects! I'm going to stick my head above the parapet here, and suggest that if you haven't seen a doctor for a long time, it might be worth going, just for your own peace of mind. I suffer from a long-term condition which is both painful and debilitating, and which has its effects on every area of my mind, body and emotions. However, once I had made it my business to learn how to deal with the various symptoms, and to cope with the change in my quality of life, and yes, that does involve a fair bit of medication, the alternatives having done nothing at all to help (and in some cases exacerbating the problems!), I now am able to enjoy life and squeeze every last drop of fun out of it. I promise you, that wasn't always the case when I was 'well' and working. I've been a member of the Patient Participation Group at my surgery for the last 3 years, and understand how the system works, from ALL points of view. Our receptionists are helpful and friendly - God help them if they fail on that, it's bad enough being ill, without having to deal with a sourpuss into the bargain! - but they have also recently been trained in triage, which means that they know who can best help you. If I were to go to the practice with, eg, a septic thumb, a nurse is perfectly capable of dealing with that, without my having to see a GP and take up an appointment which might be used to refer someone to a fast-track appointment with a cancer specialist. If something is personal enough, I just tell the receptionist that it is exactly that, give them a vague idea of the area affected, and say that if the information I've given isn't enough for their purposes, I'll risk the wrath of the GP myself. Can I suggest that if you have concerns, you book an appointment either at the well-woman clinic, or with a nurse practitioner, if there is one at your practice? They are generally, though not always, female, and the ones I've met have always been lovely - very approachable, sensible, and KIND! They are highly-qualified, able to prescribe in most cases, and if there is something they can't deal with, they will get you seen by a GP, often immediately if it's urgent enough. Also, if you are nervous, take a friend for moral support! It's allowed, even encouraged, so why not do it? Apart from all else, if you are liable to get flustered, they are helpful for remembering what was said afterwards! I' m so forgetful these days, I take a pen and paper, and make notes Sorry if I've gone on a bit, but this is something I'm rather passionate about!

Yesterday I phoned for an appointment with a doctor.
I know they are very busy.
I was told it would be a 4 weeks wait, or would I like to see a nurse in the next few days?
I will see a nurse, but am not sure how much she will be able to help me.

I'm with you, oldgoose. I feel like I have a million things wrong with me but it's so difficult to get an appointment, etc, that I just don't bother any more.
However, I have been persuaded by friends to have a mammogram as I have had a boob problem for some time now.
I must admit I am terrified and would really rather not know. It's next week and I can't sleep or eat for worrying about it.

I can't fault my surgery. If asking for a same day appt over the phone receptionist asks if I can give some idea why, I don't have to say. I then get a call back from the triage nurse which invariably leads to either an appointment later in the day or the GP giving me a telephone consultation, it works very well. All other appointments I make online. All GPs at my Surgery treat you as a person, take time to listen, reassure and refer if necessary. Although it is a modern Practice we are escorted from the waiting rooms by the relevant GP or nurse, a lot easier for the older folk than waiting for their name to be called or looking at a screen and having to find the right room.. I think we are very fortunate to be registered with them, I have heard horror stories about other Practices in my town.

Forgot to say lycan sclerosis isn't always hereditary but my mum & her aunt both suffer with it ?

I agree totally. I think when your younger and happier about how you look ( but obviously that is of no interest of a doctor ) and then when you have to 'expose ' yourself it feels invasive and embarrassing. I received the dreaded letter for a cervical smear test and have been putting it off for months. I know it will be with a nurse but......... I'm feeling fat and the moment , should I have a (ahem ) tidy up, so I still haven't booked one !

I'm a young grandma but have a myriad of health problems ? I have lycan sclerosis (an hereditary problem that affects genitals, itchy beyond belief but easily treated with creams) that is probably connected to diabetes. I say this because you've said you fall asleep easily & this is a symptom of diabetes type 2. Maybe get checked? Receptionists at gps can be an embarrassing nightmare asking questions but if you ask for an appointment with a female gp you can probably get away with not having to give too much info. Good luck & good health to you ☺

I would make a GP appointment,oldgoose and get these things checked out.Write a list if necessary,to remind you to cover everything that's bothering you.These "little niggles" can affect your whole life and make you miserable.You can ask for a double appointment so that you won't be rushed.I put up with tummy pain and upsets for years until I got really worried and finally went to the doctor.Yes,I did have to have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy but this diagnosed my colitis and some other issues so that I could receive treatment to improve things.
You need,at the very least,to get the arm pains checked out,just to rule out anything serious.Tiredness like yours could be a thyroid imbalance,which a blood test may show up.(I should point out that I have no medical knowledge other than life experience).
I think that people of our generation believe that growing older brings health problems that we should just "put up with." However,these days,there are a lot of helpful answers for even the little things and it is certainly best to make sure that they are not symptoms of bigger things.

On the note of Receptionists asking why you require an appointment you DO NOT have to tell them - just politely say you don't wish to disclose your reason.

My Surgery offers a telephone call & Receptionist will ask whether Dr can ring you to discuss & arrange an appointment if necessary - save a trip to the Surgery that may not have been needed & leaves appointments for those who do need to be seen.

Advice on requesting to see Practice Nurse is very sensible as they are often not as much in demand as Drs regarding time they can spend with you & discuss problems - if they feel you need to see GP they will tell you.

I have to go for frequent check ups as I am Diabetic (Type 2) to ensure it is under control. I have also recently been told I have a low platelet count found following a Blood Test which has to be monitored but may need referal to Haematologist. My Blood Sugar level had gone from very good in November last year to "sky high" in June this has coincided with the drop in Platelet level in blood, therefore I am likely to need frequent tests but if that means effective treatment & possibly save my life it's a small price to pay.

Other than existing Medical conditions I rarely visit my GP but if I have any worries then I book a visit or telephone call.

Cancer diagnosis is a different matter - I lost DH to Lung Cancer 3 years ago & he could not be treated as his body was too weak, I was relieved not to have to help him to make a decision regarding treatment as I my self would not wish to undergo Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy but hopefully that isn't a decision I will have to make.

Everybody is different but please don't be put of by "dragon receptionists" - the ones at my Surgery & brilliant so I must one of the lucky ones

I've never ever been asked by the receptionist why I needed to see a doctor -Im amazed! Ive lived in many places in all parts of the country over the years. I do sometimes voluteer what its for if I think it's urgent. I agree with advice to see practice nurse if you cant get an early appointment - they can often reassure or advise and will arrange a docs appt if they think itsneedef.

If I were you oldgoose I would decide which of your aches and pains worries you most and see your doctor, refusing to discuss it with a receptionist on the way!

Our three lovely doctors left the practice all at the same time, one retired, one had her own health problem and the third lived way off and had a child she wanted to see more of. To our dismay the surgery became a nurse practioner practice with a locum doctor visiting a few hours a week. It became really difficult to get an appointment and the receptionists turned into bodyguards, demanding to know why we wanted one. I moved practice.

Where I am now the place could do with a lick of paint, it is cramped and crowded and though emergencies are seen every morning you could wait hours. But the receptionists are nice as pie and wouldn't dream of requiring us to reveal our personal reasons for being there. I have a preferred smiley doctor and she is happy to listen to concerns and then dismiss them or offer a referral. I do go for recommended investigations and have thereby extended my life as these days even cancer caught early can be cured or at least put into remission.

I have had many operations from the age of 10 and never worried about them. The last one was 10 years ago but in my old age I have become very wary of invasive treatment and have often at the end of investigations declined to accept the suggested infusions, operations or medications if they are not needed to keep me alive and more or less functioning.

Ah - 'know just how you feel! Lots of excellent advice on here; can I just say that you do not have to tell any dragon why you want to see the doctor- it is none of her business and she has no medical training, so simply stare hard and utter the immortal words 'Patient confidentiality'. Hope you feel ok soon - it's amazing what a quick check up that reveals nothing sinister can do for making you feel ever such a lot better.

Please don't ignore any symptoms. I had some tummy troubles and persevered getting tests done etc and lo and behold something nasty turned up. If I hadn't listened to pains which weren't too bad I wouldn't be typing this message.

I agree with you, Radocalnan. I sometimes think the NHS can only offer drugs or surgery and I don't want either. I go for alternative therapies every time.

GandT get yerself a blood pressure monitor. DIY.

When I had a horrible virus a year ago, the doctor did full bloods. Which was reassuring.

The problem I have with all these investigate tests etc, is fitting them all in.

Yesterday, the receptionist offered me a well-man check up. the earliest I could fit it in was late September -- will I last out ?

Omeprazole has been hugely helpful for my digestive troubles btw. No tests.

It does sound as though you need a general overhaul oldgoose. You could start with Google (doesn't everybody?) and then see the doc about anything you can't sort out yourself. Are you overweight? Bit more exercise needed perhaps?

The doc won't send you for any invasive tests until the usual tablets (which most of us take as we get older) have been tried. And you can always refuse any tests that you feel are unnecessary.

I think that far too m any invasive and expensive investigations happen now,I try to avoid the doctor if possible. We have a lovely cannabis shop here in Glastonbury selling the oil which seems to help with myriad things and at least I know it is all mine when I buy it. The thought of my body being invaded by tubes and cameras that have been in other people is repulsive...........and often what the NHS has to offer is for their benefit not yours, like the ridiculous MOT check ups which mean that people really ill can't get an appt while the worried well soak up the services.

The NHS has protocols and just want to fill you up with drugs so the GP can get a thank you token from the drug company...........avoid them if you possibly can. The state this world is in being dead is looking more and more attractive anyway.

Yes I can relate to this. I thought I was having a heart attack this week - I'm 62 perfectly fit and haven't been to the doctors in years. I'm also on my own as my husband's been away and we have no family or friends nearby so felt pretty scared. I kept thinking I should maybe go to the doctors but couldn't face the hassle of trying to get an appointment only to be told it's a strain or something so sat it out and it finally went off. I don't know if I'd have been any different when I was younger but do remember the days when you just rang up and could see the doctor the same day or even make an appointment for the following week. 2 weeks ago I got a letter telling me to go for a cervical smear - rang the surgery only to be told they didn't have one until later this month and to ring up this week to find a date when the nurse would be back from her holiday! Needless to say the reminder is still sitting on my desktop!

I've never been asked by the receptionist either. Steer clear of medical students though - they are the devil in disguise! I had one taking a history from me when I went recently with a back strain which didn't feel quite right. The doc was with another patient and the student and I had a good chat when she'd taken my history. She was Malaysian and we had been stationed there in the sixties. When the doc had finished examining me, she said to the student "what do you think the next step should be?" "Referral for a colonoscopy" she said, quick as a flash! I put on my most pained expression and said "And I thought we were getting on so well!" She looked very flustered and the doctor had to explain that I was pulling her leg!

oldgoose I know just how you feel ! I have similar symptoms to you and have days when I cannot stay awake . Frequent tummy ache etc etc . I make appointments and then cancel because I am scared of investigations and actually finding out that there is really something wrong . Very silly I know but I am sure I have an illness / Doctor phobia . I don`t know if it is an ageing thing as I have never been like this in my younger years .

We get asked every time why we want to see the GP, I don't like it.