Too old for treatment?

Why do my occasional messages appear highlighted? Sorry about it, I don't understand why it happens or how to change it?????

When I went for a cataract operation recently there was a lady having hers done who was 99.

I too had one who didn't really care the time before last. He didn't listen, began talking while i was explaining, prescribed pills and when I read the leaflet that says read me first they would have made worse what I had. I didn't take them. He also said results of bloods meant I needed re-test for potassium. I googled that. If too high not good, but can easily be falsse result. He said I could have it at the surgery so I nooked it but later wanted sugar done again too as it had been a midday blood test and that is no good for sugar. I was unable to get it added without a second appointment, this time a better Dr. He said the potassium re-test was no good at the surgery as needed to be at the hospital as that goes to the lab faster. Delay can change the result. I went to get the test at the hospital. He also prescribed different pills when I explained.

The surgery had not called me for blood tests originally, and As I have a thyroid thing they should do so regularly. They also didn't notify me about the re-test, so if I hadn't gone in it might not have been done.I pointed that out to the second Dr and we left it at that . I didn't actually see the practice manager. The potassium test was clear second time.

i WAS TOLD BY A CONSULTANT THAT DID I EVER NEED A LIVER TRANSPLANT AFTER THE AGE OF 70 I COULD FORGET IT,
i HAVE A BLOOD DISORDER THAT COULD EVENTUALLY DESTROY MY LIVER, I HAVE NO LIVER DAMAGE BUT IF I DID,THAT WOULD BE THE END OF ME

So sorry didnt realise caps was on

I'm over 70, and am well pleased with the quality of on-going health care I receive from my local G.P. surgery. Regular health checks, genuinely interested Doctors and Nurses, and easy access to treatment. Based on the experience you have described, I would be looking to change my Doctor and to complain to the Practice Manager as to his failure to either investigate further or to treat your symptoms.

I have reasons to be both grateful and otherwise to the NHS but, last week, I went to a GP to relate and incident which had taken place but was 'cured'. The tests, investigation and advice he gave me were thoroughly impressive and I came away surprised but delighted and I'm no Spring chicken.

DO GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR! It could be a DVT. I had numerous blood tests as the surgery didn't accept the results and then had to be rushed into hospital. 8 months down the line I asked for a review - and again - and again - and didn't get one until I was encouraged by the receptionist to use the word 'emergency'. I saw a doctor who didn't examine me and told me to stop taking the tablets as the DVT would have gone after 6 months. I was concerned, took the plunge and went Private where it was found that I still had it!!!
Yes, it cost me but it was worth every penny. I had a consultation with a haematologist and I now know where I stand.
If you're not happy watermeadow either see another doctor or-if you can - have a private consultation. Everyone says how much better I look and my tablets haven't changed - it's the opportunity to talk through the issues that's made me more comfortable with myself.
Just don't hang about - make a choice and go for it.
Good luck

Goldengirl, not everyone can afford private treatment. NHS has always been excellent for me when serious things happened. It has just been the occasional GP at the surgery who was not so good.

Watermeadow, please don't stand for such treatment. It's not only ageist but negligent. We're lucky here where out community has a large number of older residents. Our GPs are thorough and invariably take us seriously. A few weeks ago, I was seeing my GP about my knees and, going through the notes on the computer, he noticed that I should have had a thyroid function test and told me to book a blood test. When I went for the test, I learnt that he had ordered a whole battery of other tests as well. All turned out fine. He is as caring for a 77-year-old as for his younger patients.

I booked a doc appointment a few years ago as I had a swollen ankle and foot, but was side-tracked to see a nurse, who did not look at my feet either, but took my blood pressure and prescribed me some ointment " to rub into my knee" !!! When I pointed out my knees were fine and it was my ankle/foot she said oh well, just use it anyway.
I too have heart disease in the family and already had/have high blood pressure .
There are good and bad people inside all establishments and of course they didn't all pass top of the class, so really I think we do have to be a bit pro-active and just look out for ourselves.

My surgery offers a yearly check up for over 70's. This picked up a possibility that I could be offered statins (refused) and a need for some folic acid-treated. You should move to another GP.

I'd see another doctor. Most of us have worked for years, and paid into the service, so tough luck if they have to spend a bit of money on us as we age. Like most, I have worked for nearly 50 years, and have kept really well (so haven't cost anyone much at all), and even if I'd had bad health would have no hesitation in having meds I need.
Be assertive with your G.P....make sure they do some proper checks and have a good look at those ankles.

It was practically impossible to get an appointment at my swamped and overworked town centre surgery. I thought that it was the same for all GPs. It isn't! I passed another surgery further out with a banner advertising that it was recruiting new NHS patients. I switched - really easy - and now my experience with this splendid practice is completely different.

After seeing numerous GPs, having an MRI scan (privately) which showed nothing wrong, I told my GP if he didn't do something about my neck pain I'd be off to Switzerland on a one way ticket. Woke him up! And the latest drugs actually work.

It's harder than you think to change GP. We moved to our current home about a year ago and real problems finding any GP to take us on. All their lists were full.

Must have more then one doctor at your practice go back, that’not good enough. Mine started to swell up a few years ago my doctor did a test and I had high cholesterol so take a statin now.

Before I reversed D2 I went to doctor with pain and pins and needles in toes, especially biggest. They say seek medical help immediately with feet when you have D2. Doc just looked down at feet and said there was nothing wrong and I left feeling I had wasted my time.
I don't go more than 2 or 3 times a year but worry that I can't remember the last time a doctor actually touched me. Felt glands, took pulse, listened to chest with stethoscope etc. I have blood pressure done but last time even had to put the cuff on myself. Which of course I don't mind but is there some sort of new movement to non touch doctoring these days?

Sue162 your messages only appear highlighted on your own page

Thank you so much hallgreenmiss! I was feeling quite embarrassed!

Last week I visited my doctor because my skin had become very itchy, leaving welts behind. After checking side effects on my tablets that are fairly new that said itching can be a side effect. She told me all old people get dry itchy skin and to put more cream on. She didn't take her eyes off the computer screen for one second of my visit, until I walked out hurriedly and slammed the door behind me. I was so angry She was the only doctor available that day, n
ot that I was in a hurry. But I see now why she didn't have a queue waiting. Urgghh.

It really does appear to be a postcode lottery. Its easy to say change your doctor, demand whatever... not so easy in practice. Unfortunately many of us just have to resign ourselves to what we get and use the internet. Last week my doctor said I can do your blood test this afternoon and I said I'll come in the morning. That would be a fasting test That would be better wouldn't it? And he said yes I suppose it would. I ask you!

My dear Mum has recently had surgery for bowel cancer. She’s doing great!

Totally agree with Kittylester Change your Doctor.
We used to see a bad doctor until I realised that doctors could be bad! He never examined anyone including my 16yr old when she had repeated awful throat infections. He didn't even look at her throat!!

You must go to a proper doctor.

I get very angry about bad doctors. They get paid a lot. They have a responsibility not just to their patients but to their colleagues and the profession. I have seen some pretty awful things in my work and it upsets me a lot. There are so many wonderful doctors, working so hard.

I have had fantastic treatment by the NHS in the past year and I am 72. I did have trouble getting referred to a consultant but after I had made a bit of a nuisance of myself with a GP, I was sent for a CT scan and then all hell broke loose! A year later and I am hopefully on the mend.