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Health

Do I go behind DH back

(24 Posts)
Coolgran65 Tue 18-Jun-19 20:35:45

This morning I rang my husband's Health Centre and requested an appointment for my dh. DH has been putting off making an appointment for two months.
The system is that Dr rings back to discuss and if necessary makes a same day appointment.

When on the phone with them I gave a brief comment as to what the appointment would be about. For call back I asked that Dr rang my dh directly and gave dh's phone number.

I then went and told dh that Dr would be ringing him shortly about an appointment. DH just said OK (thought he might be a bit put out at me doing it but I didn't care). Dr phoned him, then saw him this afternoon and is referring him to the hospital.

Job done.

Luckygirl Tue 18-Jun-19 20:28:22

I went to see OH's GP (also mine at the time) when I thought he had PD - he said he would bear it in mind when he next saw him. But I guessed from the look on his face that he agreed. )H also happened to be his medical partner.

kittylester Tue 18-Jun-19 19:15:07

I spoke to the gp by phone about my mum. She was brilliant and asked all the right questions without mentioning me, although I was there with mum for her routine asthma check.

whywhywhy Tue 18-Jun-19 19:09:55

I would go along to the GP and put him/her in the picture with regards to your husband. They are not allowed to tell you any information about another patient, even if it is your husband but you can tell them all you know.

BlueBelle Tue 18-Jun-19 19:03:29

I sent a letter about my concerns with my mum and the doctor took it seriously I d do that as others have suggested

BlueSky Tue 18-Jun-19 18:14:57

Doctors cannot discuss a patient with anybody else even if it is your partner unless the other party has given permission beforehand.

Witzend Tue 18-Jun-19 13:57:46

Although the GP cannot discuss your dh with you without his permission, there's nothing to stop you sending a note in advance, with the info.
You could add that s/he must not reveal that you've done it!

This strategy is often recommended for people with dementia, who may well be able to put on a very good front for a short while, for any professional.

Grannyknot Tue 18-Jun-19 13:10:27

I'm in a similar situation at the moment where I wish I could tell the doctor something that I think my husband may be in denial about. It's so annoying (and sad) that the "family doctor" has all but disappeared and we have to tiptoe around sharing concerns about our family members and we have to operate according to an "unwritten code".

When I was a child, our family doctor (I can still remember his name, Dr Morton) knew all about everyone in our family. Much better than all this smoke and mirror action.

Marilla Tue 18-Jun-19 12:59:23

Sorry Humptydumpty, just seen your post as I posted!

humptydumpty Tue 18-Jun-19 12:48:17

Great minds, Marilla!

Marilla Tue 18-Jun-19 12:40:03

Sorry Humptydumpty, just seen your post as I posted!

Marilla Tue 18-Jun-19 12:39:12

I agree with NanaMacGeek. I would ensure the envelope is marked confidential and is clearly for the GP only.
I’m sure the GP will appreciate getting the full picture and can ask your husband appropriate questions regarding his symptoms.

humptydumpty Tue 18-Jun-19 12:35:47

When this issue arose for me, I wrote a letter to the GP explaining and asking that he not reveal that I had sent the letter, so that he could ask my husband relevant questions.

NanaMacGeek Tue 18-Jun-19 12:16:52

I would write a letter to the GP, the GP can chose whether or not to ignore it but at least you will have tried to raise awareness, and it will be on record. If you try a face to face meeting, the GP will be in a difficult position regarding patient confidentiality.

Liz46 Tue 18-Jun-19 12:04:05

I have a lung problem and my husband always comes to the consultant with me. Two brains are better than one for remembering things. My husband rarely says anything but listens quietly.

Cherrytree59 Tue 18-Jun-19 12:02:03

Hi Graygirl is it possible that your DH has already confided in his doctor, but does not want to discuss with you.
It maybe that he doesn't want worry you or he may want to decline any procedures.

When I needed to discuss my father with our doctor I always started with hypothetically......
The doctor understood and acted accordingly.

You could make an appointment with your doctor explain to the Doctor that you are under stress, he will invariably ask why and then go onto explain re your husbands illness and how it is affecting you.
Or have hypothetical discussion.

Good luck shamrock

sodapop Tue 18-Jun-19 11:56:03

FarNorth is right, your GP cannot discuss your husband's illness with you, he can listen to what you have to say and then decide what he will do with the information. Face to face is better than the phone if possible.

FarNorth Tue 18-Jun-19 11:47:35

GP will keep what you have said confidential and will understand if you explain why that's very important to you.

You have no right to insist on going with DH to the appointment, if he doesn't agree, so I'd recommend talking to the GP beforehand.

FarNorth Tue 18-Jun-19 11:44:01

GP can certainly listen to what you want to say, but can't enter into any discussion with you.
A visit, in person, would be best but a phone conversation could be better than nothing.

jaylucy Tue 18-Jun-19 11:34:09

Simple. Go with him, doesn't matter if it's raining or not! He may not be happy, but his GP needs to be aware of anything that may be affecting his condition , so he can give your DH the correct treatment.
Like all of us do, DH may be in denial, but surely the best thing is to be honest, be given the correct treatment and hopefully feel better as a result? Stick to your guns and don't let DH put you off - it is for both your benefits after all!

EllanVannin Tue 18-Jun-19 11:32:00

It is far better to go and speak to the GP face to face about your concerns. There's no guarantee that the GP will break confidences between himself/herself regarding your H's visit though but perhaps on your H's next visit the GP will surreptitiously add what you've told him/her.

I'm not sure that the GP would speak of anything over the phone concerning someone else even if it is your husband.

Meanwhile go and try to see the GP before H's next visit.

dragonfly46 Tue 18-Jun-19 11:27:37

I am not sure the doctor will discuss your DH with you anyway without him being there.

dragonfly46 Tue 18-Jun-19 11:27:02

I always go with my DH these days. It has become a habit so he accepts it.

Graygirl Tue 18-Jun-19 11:23:55

He is not telling his GP the truth about symptoms I am in two minds about trying to contact GP in confidence and saying what is really happening.This is relating to a chronic lung disease, also will the GP keep my information private or tell him could not cope with his reaction. I have tried to get him to open up in fact last time he went it was raining so he insisted he went alone so I would not get wet and it has taken a few week to get details of consultation out of him. Next appointment in 2weeks have a feeling going to be a problem