advice

HCAcomm1

I've had OA for many years in most of my joints. A GP who I've never met has done a medication review without discussion with me and has stopped my anti-inflammatory medication. I rung the surgery, a week ago the receptionist said she would speak to him but couldn't promise he would reinstate them, which he obviously hasn't . I've tried everyday to get an appointment but by the time I get through, they've all gone. I've now run out of my medication and I'm in a lot of pain. I don't like to make an official complaint, but it may have to come to this, any advice please.

Trish9556

That is awful treatment!

Firstly if you can, get an appointment with a GP and discuss it with them. I know how incredibly hard this is.

Secondly, does the practice has a pharmacist? If so, it may be easier to speak to them to discuss.

Thirdly, email the practice manager, tell them what has happened and that it was done without speaking to, or contacting you and you are not happy. Tell them that you need to speak to whoever did this and get the meds reinstated, preferably face to face.

Finally, tell them that if action to help you is not taken you will proceed to a formal complaint.

I had a similar incident where a letter was sent by a consultant over 6 months post appointment which changed my meds - I picked it up and told them that the letter was obsolete and no action to be taken. Hey ho, 2 days later, the pharmacist changed all my meds! I was not happy and told them. The pharmacist was told to contact me and apologise.

I hope you get it resolved soon but stick to timelines and take action if they dont. The email for the surgery should be available on their website.

Good Luck

Trish

iwannerbeme

I am sorry you are in so much pain. It isnt a legal right, but its generally accepted in health care that you are entitled to a second opinion. The GMC states that patients have a right to another opinion. As your GP has stopped your medication and you are now in pain, its perfectly resonable of you to ask for another perspective. You can ask to speak to another GP at the surgery or request to see a specialist for a more indepth look at whats best for you right now. I hope you get it sorted soon.

claudsl

Hi @HCAcomm1

I'm sorry to hear this, I would call first thing on Monday morning and speak with the practice manager to explain this whole situation and say it needs sorted because you are in a lot of pain. Even if all appointments are taken they usually leave a few slots for emergencies so I would request one of these appointments if there are no regular slots left.

Really hope you get sorted

All the best, Claudia x

HCAcomm1

Thanks

HCAcomm1

Trish 9556

Thanks for your good advice. Yes I think there is a pharmacist at the practice, the worse thing is I wasn't consulted, and the GP who did it has never seen me and clearly did not read my notes before doing it. I only found out when I tried to reorder my repeat prescription, so by not telling me he's caused this problem . I will definitely email the practice manager.

Trish9556

@HCAcomm1

Please let me kniw how you get on and stick to any deadlines you put on your email.

Good luck

Trish

HCAcomm1

Thanks Trish, I will do

HCAcomm1

Hi Trish 9556,

I've heard back from the practice manager, apparently it was a clinical decision after having routine blood tests, my results were out of range and the medication could be affecting my kidneys, therefore that's why it's been stopped. I have a repeat blood test in 3 weeks, and then she said to speak to the GP when the results are back, to see if they can give me anything to help with the pain/swelling. If this had been explained to me before, I would have understood. Thanks for your help.

Jane18

Hi @HCAcomm1, glad you've finally had an explanation, although they really should have discussed this with you at the time, and talked through alternative options for pain relief. I hope you get something satisfactory from your GP, but 3 weeks is a long time to wait if you are in pain, so might be worth trying to get an earlier appointment to find out whether there is anything else you can do in the meantime to manage your symptoms, even if it's just creams rather than tablets to alleviate the pain and inflammation, or advice on anti-inflammatory foods. Good luck, Jane