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

Never been asked by any receptionist why I need to see GP. I have however told her why I needed a more urgent appointment than the one she was offering, and was given one that they save for such occasions.

But you are probably in the minority Tiziz wherever I ve been the receptionist has always asked what is your problem and I usually give an idea as I know they have been told to ask but if it was something I didn't want too speak off I would say or be very vague

The receptionist at our surgery has never asked why I want an appointment. My doctor is happy just to talk about how I am feeling. I went yesterday as my arthritis was really getting me down. She can't help but she listened and suggested some things to discuss with the consultant - when I get to see him! I was in there nearly 20 mins, not hurried at all and was willing to discuss OH's diet.

Nannylovesshopping
Years ago, one of our receptionists asked me why I needed to see the Dr.
The conversation went something like this...
"Could I make an appointment to see DR JH please"?
"What is the reason for you needing an appointment"?
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were medically qualified".
"I'm not, I'm the receptionist".
"And that's exactly why I'm not discussing my health with you, and I'd really appreciate you making an appointment for me with DR JH".

They're receptionists, and if you don't want to discuss your health with them, you don't have to. I realise that sometimes they're trying to ascertain whether a phone consultation would do, or if you actually need a home visit, but some of them seriously overstep the mark!
I make all my appointments on line now, it's far easier!
And although I admit to being a coward, I have everything checked out, as we have a family history of strokes, cancer and leukaemia and I'm not taking any chances!

Oh yes I forgot the snoring I m told I rattle like a good un in fact no body will sleep near my room you do feel a bit of a reject

oldgoose, as we get older our digestion changes, Ive always some gaviscon to hand and have to watch what I eat. Ive been told I snore aches and pains come with old age our brains tell us we can do things and our clapped out bodies give up!
Try Replens for the itchiness and dryness.

You could always call in to see the pharmacist at your local chemist for advice, they can be very helpful, just dont google your symptoms, someone I know does and shes had everything apart from the bubonic plague!!

I am exactly the same Oldgoose A good while ago I heard about a family member who given the diagnosis of lung cancer said he wanted no further treatment and I could not understand that at all as I thought I would want everything hey could throw at me now I am much older I feel exactly the same and ignore 99 per cent of what my body yells at me I could be there every week if I didn't so I will just go on till I can't or until I feel I can't tolerate whatever is causing me the problem luckily I have a fairly high tolerance level and good at self medicating if necessary

Go see understanding dr mine likes lists so nothing gets missed or just book an mot with nurse she should advise if dr needed the last two years as meant lots of appt but I would probably be kicking up daisies now if I had ignored things so I have gained two more years with loved ones take care

Book a double appointment with your most amenable GP and do it on line if you can so you don't have to explain to a receptionist. Then say I know you don't like a list of symptoms but I want the whole patient treated not random bits. If there is a student in just say much as I would like to help your training I think you look in need of a coffee. Your body your peace of mind.

I can relate to this, I have several niggles but all seem too trivial on their own to warrant a trip to the doctor but I know that most doctors frown on a 'shopping list' of symptoms. I keep saying I'll book an appointment with the nurse but still never get round to it. I always feel I would be wasting time that might be needed for someone really ill.

Does your surgery have a well woman clinic ?
These are often run by the practice nurse. She will know if you need to ser a doctor and her referral can usually get you a quicker appointment

oldgoose I think the problem is firstly we have to get past the dragon of a receptionist, we have tried phoning, and got nowhere, have to explain to roaring dragon why we want to see dr, hence all those waiting now know we have a boil on our bum, next appointment available is with holiday relief dr and do we mind if two students sit in and study said boil. I could go on and bore you senseless, am sure you get the drift, therefore mostly I self medicate, does help that my DD is a pharmacist, I do hope you soon feel better

But....which is better?? To worry that your worries might be dismissed by a GP or to be sent for tests or to ignore all your symptoms until it's too late???

I know exactly how you feel oldgoose, the thought of investigations and treatments etc scares me. I was a nurse in a previous life so I should know better. Join my head in the sand club for all things medical and fall out from Brexit.