Too old for treatment?

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

So sorry didnt realise caps was on

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

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.

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

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

I agree with all the posts. I am 74, DH 76 and we are treated with the utmost courtesy and never dismissed. Please change your GP, Watermeadow, you deserve better. [flowers}

Change doctors straight away. 70 is no age. I went for blood test results yesterday as I am getting pains in my lower legs. My doctor said the results were 'excellent' and I added 'for a woman of my age (73)' and he said he would never say that, and that he would be proud to have the results as good as mine.

I have swollen ankles and take water tablets to get rid of excess water. My GP told me if there is excess water in ankles it is a sign your body is producing too much water and it could gather around the heart so need to get rid of it. Also sent to see consultant at hospital to check circulation in legs with portable scanner. Change GP to get a better one. Don't put up with inferior treatment.

It is hard to fight back when we are ill and without energy but that’s what you must do. Good advice here. An appointment with another doctor in your surgery and a meeting with the practice manager. If necessary change surgeries, ask around to see where neighbours and friends go and which GP they recommend. I suspect many of us consciously avoid one or more doctors at our surgery, I know I do. I avoid two of ours. One doesn’t listen the other prescribes over enthusiastically but I know I get excellent care from the rest. Don’t give up. Your health is important.

I'm with Nanabilly. He is paid a fat salary to look after you -and that attitude is a disgrace.

Your Dr needs a kick up the jaxie.

Exactly!!!

I find our doctors, we are 72 and 75, are more concerned about any ailments we have than before as more serious things are more likely.
I was at the hospital last night with my mother aged 97. She had a large laceration on her elbow and they got a plastic surgeon to put a couple of stitches in it immediately. Waiting for an ambulance to take her home was another matter, however.

How awful !!! I have a G.P. who didn't want to do anything. I was in pain and sat in his room in front of him and cried - he then said "Oh well, I suppose I'll have to do something".

PLEASE see another doctor at the practice or change, giving the reasons why.

Sorry , that should say
One of the doctors where I go,

Predictive text drives me nuts

See another Doctor,
One of the doctors here is go is really bad.
I just make sure my appointment is never with her, the others are ok.

However my Mum is 94, she has had excellent care from the NHS.

Change your doctor