Going To The Docs - With A List!

[MadMen]

I don't often go to the doctors. I have a bit of a phobia (white coat syndrome apparently) and prefer to ask on AB and then self medicate. I have been just recently, but generally I tend not to.

Anyway, I've got myself an appointment for this afternoon. It's a 'sit and wait', unfortunately, but I really do need to go and whilst I've plucked up the courage, I shall go.

My question is, do you think it's OK to take a little list with me, or do you think he'll just think I'm a crazy hypochondriac? It's not major stuff, but there are about 5 different things.

Would you think this is alright, or should I just deal with one at a time, on different appointments?

[MadMen]

Good idea bednobs. Thankfully my own doctor wasn't available (there's no way he would have gone though a list!) but I am seeing another doctor who I've seen before and is very nice.

Anxiety is going top of the list.

[MadMen]

But I don't actually know what causes my anxiety in the first place.
I've kept a diary and stuff, but there is no connection with anything.

Anyway, thank you very very much for all your answers. I will go at 5.30 with my list and see how far down it I get.

[Connemmara]

I am just in from doc's too - my appointment was for 4 and was seen at a quarter to 5 - in with her - 5 mins - diagnosed my shoulder as frozen - told her I have been very cold and lightheaded - she said make arrangements with receptionist for tests for thyroid and blood count - also has put me down for cortisone injection. Asked how long physio wait could be - she said 3 months. So am going ahead with my own private physio. I am afraid we will all have to resort to self-medicate. I asked for painkillers - no do me no good. Out I went like a lamb to the slaughter.

[Old_Geezer]

When I took a list it was a complete waste of time. The GP decided he didn't have time for it and just handed out the same garbage advice I could have given him.

I guess one or two items are ok, but you sound a bit like me, not wanting to be seeing the doctor in the first place so ignoring stuff until there is enough to create an incentive.

[Eve]

Hope it goes ok. I take a list in sometimes as I usually forget things. I find it helps and I tend to get more out of the consultation and having the list in front of me tends to make me a little more assertive :) More consultants than GP for me though as my GP is great. If it's an emergency appointment I stick to the one issue though unless other symptoms seem relevant.

3 months for physio! That seems like a really long time Connemmara.

[Connemmara]

Yes Eve - even my next door neighbour went private too - he was told 3 months for physio and he was in extreme agony. One of the best neighbours I have. All great neighbours in my wee cul-de-sac - sorry for digressing Madmen

[coccinelle]

I just want to ask if any of you have thought of going to see an osteopath? We often have pains and other problems which can be sorted; but it HAS TO BE a good osteopath so somebody who recommends him/her. These doctors who sit behind a desk and hardly move from their computer screen aren't worth it, they can only prescribe medication and yet more medication. Give it a go.

[woofgang]

Take the list, its a very good idea but if you are going for a long chat, it can be helpful to make this clear to the receptionist as then they can make sure that enough time is allowed. You don't need to go into any detail with the receptionist, just say that its a bit complicated and you think it will take more than the 10 or so minutes allowed. its also worth making notes of what the doc says and checking anything that you don't understand then and there, it will save you and the doc and the NHS time and stress in the long run.

[mrs.chappie]

There's a notice in our surgery, asking patients to make a separate appointment if they wish to discuss more than one problem.

Personally, I'd probably feel okay about bringing up a couple of problems, but any more than that and I'd ask for a double appointment.

[Connemmara]

coccinelle you are right about getting a good osteopath - had a wonderful one for years - she was great - retired last year and I don't know no other - the physiotherapy is definitely different to osteopath.

[MadMen]

Quick update (should anyone be remotely bothered) :-)

I went to the docs - armed with my list. The waiting room was absolutely packed, so when I went in I said "well I did have a list but I can see you're really busy so I'll just stick to the one thing". It wasn't my usual GP, but a GP I have seen before. Anyway, he asked what the problem was and I told him about feeling anxious quite a lot of the time and not really knowing what to do about it. He put his pen down and sat back in his chair and started asking me questions about things that maybe could have triggered it, asked me what the "odd" feelings are, asked me about my life.
I'm not a good talker, which is probably why I never stuck with the CBT, but he made me feel so comfortable and at ease that before i knew it, I was telling him everything. Things that only I know and things I would have taken to the grave (not as dramatic as that sounds!)
I told him how when I go to bed I force myself to stay awake because I have this overwhelming fear that something bad is going to happen if I fall asleep. I told him how I have to check every door handle three times, how I have to switch switches a certain number of times (depending on what day it is), how I have to kiss the kids on the cheek three times before I go to bed, how every door in the house must be open to 5cm. I laughed and said "I know I sound absolutely crazy", and he just smiled and told me to carry on.
I told him about my weird obsession with checking my pulse, and how I get really panicky if my veins look like they're protruding. I told him about the postnatal depression I had with my son, and how I felt like I lost a year of my life through being monged-out on drugs and constantly fighting the urge to do myself harm, I told him how every night time is a battle, and every night time I think I'm going to have a heart attack and die.
So yeah, I laid all my cards on the table... and as soon as I stopped talking, I instantly regretted it.

He said anxiety is "extremely common" and that I'd be surprised by the number of people that sit in that chair and say similar things - and all think they're "crazy".
He said he would refer me to a treatment centre, and they would be in contact very soon.
Well, I went away feeling strangely happy. I've suffered with anxiety (on and off) for the past twelve years. I've had CBT in the past, but never seen it through. I always 'think' I'm ok, and then think I can do without it. I'm not a good talker, at all. That was the first time I have properly spoken to someone and told them exactly what's going on in this head of mine.
AB is great, because you don't have to look someone in the eye, but this felt almost like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Well, nine o'clock this morning the phone rang. It was a lady from a local treatment centre that deals solely with mental health.
She asked if I had time to talk, and I went through the whole thing again. She said she was a former OCD sufferer herself, and that with the help of therapy she's been "well" for over a year - so there is hope.

She went through lots of other things, such as what support network I have around me. I told her this was very limited but I do have my family who are well aware of the 'situation'. It's not really something I talk about with them though, as I feel stupid about the whole thing.
She said she'd pass everything on to relevant person, and I can expect a call within the next 5 days with an appointment for a more detailed assessment and with a view to "starting treatment as soon as possible".

For once, I feel like there's a light at the end of this very long tunnel...

[woofgang]

Delighted to hear it MM and yay for a listening doctor...please don't back out or think you don't need it now, you have taken such a huge step....well done, I know from experience that its not easy.

[anneasquith]

well done for taking the first step. take any assistance offered.

[MadMen]

Thanks woof :-)
I am remaining positive and keep telling myself I've got to stick at it for the sake of my children.

[jno]

lucky you, you got a patient and attentive doctor. I hope this is the start of the path taking you further away from your problems.

[Connemmara]

I will jutt in Madmen - I have been anxious all my life -butterflies in my tummy - worrying who is next to die in my family what will I do withou them - I have sat on that surgery chair and you will find Madmen other OPs will have had to. Rather than facing talking to people - I would rather stay in. Took the dog out at 10pm last night - although had been at my voluntary job. The anxiety can literally put you away in the head for me cos when I get the anxiety all the bones in my body my tighten up so you have to deal with. My saying to myself is now AS LONG AS I CAN STILL BE MOBILE - that'll do me. Great success to myself just now struggled to get a king-size duvet cover on with a frozen shoulder. And as a friend used to say Conne don't trouble til trouble troubles you. Hope you feel better soon.

[LazyGun]

Interesting to get your feedback, Madmen and its great to hear that the visit has given you optimism and what looks to be the start of a treatment plan :)

[MadMen]

Thanks jno. I forgot to say actually, once I'd finished with all that, he then said "right. What else was on the list", and went through the other 4 'issues'. I was in there for 45 minutes and not once did he seem uninterested or like he was fobbing me off. Best doctor I have ever seen, without a doubt.
The guy who was behind me in the waiting room didn't seem to happy when I made my way out though... :-/

Conne, frozen shoulder isn't good :-(
Yeah, I get that with my muscles. It's usually my hands that start first, like a pins and needles, but then it gets so bad that they'll almost seize up. Horrible.
You sound like you have a really positive attitude though, which is great. Well done with the duvet! They are a nightmare! lol xx

[MadMen]

Thank you LG, and thank you for all your help and advice. It's much appreciated :-)

[Connemmara]

i was lying under the clean duvet itself for a week and I could stick it no more - just exhaled and said to my self be calm conne be calm and I think I got a bit of karm with arm hahaha bye for down to get a bit of brekiie. Talks to llater.