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?

[vodkancoke]

I have done that before MM if I have had to see him about a few things. Only because if I forget about something it could take me 3 weeks to get another appointment with him! lol x

[mccfluff]

lol, i go with a list, i can't be bothered to go unless im really ill or in pain, so i just save the annoying things up,l she doesn't seem to mind, mild exasperation possibly....

[excelsior-1]

personally, i would tackle them all at once

separate appointments seems like a waste of your time, and his

[yogasun]

I'd mention them all at once assuming they are not things that will involve lengthy examinations. If so that's not fair and you need to make separate appointments. I expect GPs have an average appt. time duration unless they know in advance it would take more time.

[237SJ]

I don`t think they like lists because they only have a limited time per appointment to make a diagnosis and do something about it. I actually asked a doctor recently about it and she said she doesn`t like lists. I have a couple of things I want to ask for me and I will probably mention them in one appointment (one is only a quick look at a mole so it shouldn`t be too lengthy). Apparently, you can book double appointments if you have something that is more time-consuming.

[MadMen]

Lol Thanks :-)
I'm just wondering if it'll be ok at a 'sit and wait' appointment (which is classed as 'emergency') or should I make a proper appointment with my own doctor, tomorrow?

[LazyGun]

I would definitely take in a list - and write down what the GP says/recommends about different ailments or recommended treatments or drug names etc...

[vodkancoke]

237 my doc just laughs when I bring out a list. He is always running late because he doesn't stick to the 10min appointment time. Every doc is different and I suppose it depends what's on your list! lol ;)

[arwyn]

Take a list, they are paid stupid money for not listerning to you..

[Robinia]

If you can wait to see your own doc then do that. Tell them on reception you have a few things you need to discuss.
I'm trying to pluck up the courage to do the same thing.

[sara3]

there are notices all over my doc's surgery "appointments are strictly 10 minutes!"

take a list!

[MadMen]

I have another question, but just as well put it on this thread. This may sound a bit... er... mental, but just bear with me.
One of the things I am going about is my anxiety. I've been a bit 'on the edge' all day today and keep getting this weird 'feeling' in my left hand. As I'm sat here typing away, I have to keep stopping and stretching my fingers out because it feels a bit like my hand is starting to seize up, or curl over - if you can imagine what I mean by that.
It's nothing to do with using a keyboard, cos I had it when I was in the shower too. The thing is, I'm not sure it's actually happening, or if I'm imagining it.
Would this be something to talk to the doctor about this afternoon, or do you think I should ask to be referred to a therapist or something about my anxiety, and leave this conversation for them?

I just don't know what's OK and not OK to talk to a GP about.

[MadMen]

LG, that's a brilliant idea - writing down what he says about each one!
I can then refer back to it when I'm feeling a bit anxious/worried.

[yogasun]

No, in my opinion you should mention it to show that it could be anxiety related because anxiety could be causing some of your other problems...whatever they are.

[arwyn]

My OH went with a cough he had had for over a year, Doctor never even sounded his chest, He also mentioned a headache and migraine that had become really bad and the Doctor never looked in his eyes, in fact she never moved out the chair. She said "You have stress thats causing all three" end of appointment that lasted 1min.

[bednobs]

at our surgery, they will only talk to you about the 1 thing if it's an "emergency" appointment. I am not sure whether sit and wait is the same thing. I would prioritise your list, and talk about the most pressing thing first - then if you find they won't talk about the rest, you have at least dealt with the important thing

[237SJ]

Well, if you want to be referred to somebody regarding the anxiety, you have to start with your doctor anyway so I would talk to them about it.

[LazyGun]

Honestly- If you are sufficiently exercised by something that it is causing you anxiety, or that it might be a symptom of that anxiety, you should mention it.

No one wants to bother a GP with trivia, or be seen to be a hypochondriac or whatever - but if you are bothered about it, you really should mention it- GPs are a portal and gateway to treatment, or maybe just the act of talking and reassurance might be sufficient

[MadMen]

Yeah, I'm definitely going to take a list. I'm writing it as we speak :)

That's the thing, I sometimes wonder if these other things could all be in my head! I do have a really weird feeling in my stomach, most days and nights, but it does seem to get worse the higher my anxiety levels are.

[MadMen]

Arwyn, it was a bit like that a few weeks ago when I went with my 'weird' stomach. He just sat in his chair and said "yep, that's IBS".

Useless.