Being A Wimp ?

[hardy49]

Am I being a wimp ? I had a phone call from my surgery yesterday asking me to make an appointment for my annual health and blood pressure check. Since making the appointment I have been nervous. I have tried to be as careful as possible over the past months and if all goes to plan I should be having the vaccination next month. Am I silly to think that it would be dangerous to go to the surgery ?

[Zacs-Master]

There will undeniably be an increased risk. It’s whether that risk is greater than the potential one of not getting your check up.

[Vagus]

Why not give the surgery a call, explain how you feel and put off the health check, as it’s non urgent, till you’ve been jabbed.
I’ve done that with my dental check up.

[Paigntonian]

Silly.

[TonyV]

My own experience was positive, obviously limiting appointments to allow social distancing ( about 1/3 of normal number of seats in reception area.) & check your temperature upon entry.
Don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Bobbisox1]

Hardy , you're fortunate to be getting this check in the current climate ,as Vagus says, give them a call and if you're feeling that everything is fine and working, delay it till you feel it's safer to go

[naomi24]

I agree with bobbi - you are fortunate that you're being offered routine checks during the pandemic. I don't know of any surgery that's continuing with this sort of thing at the moment.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe that tells us something.

[Maydup]

We have been to our surgery a couple of times during this pandemic and I can honestly say its almost the safest place other than our home. Assuming you can drive there of course and that getting there doesnt involve either a taxi or public transport, then I think you will be fine.

They take our temperature before allowing us in, they insist on us wearing a clinical mask issued at the door and its virtually empty inside with max 2/3 in the waiting areas which normally hold 20 or so each.

The invitation shows that the surgery is not overwhelmed with Covid related issues, which is very good news, but as others have said, delay if its still making you anxious.

[ToraToraTora]

very sensible to be wary, believe me I'm not going anywhere near a medical place except for my vaccination when it's my turn.

[Maydup]

I say max 2/3 in the waiting room, but most of the time there is no one else there. Or you might see one other person arrive as you leave maybe.

[emmie]

the last time i went to the surgery it was early and there was no one there, no patients queuing up... if you are nervous about going then postpone,but these appointments don't seem to come up very often.

[10ClarionSt]

I hear about lots of people being contatced by their surgery for these check ups but mine hasn't phoned me in years. Actually, that's not quite true; they phoned me on Monday to tell me I could have the Covid vaccination this Saturday. I politely declined, which means someone else will get theirs quicker. You see how thoughtful I am? :o)

[woofgang]

I have no idea whether it would be dangerous for you or not. If its a routine check up then I am surprised that your surgery is still doing them. If you have got a health condition that needs monitoring then I am a bit surprised that annually is enough....odd all round really....
Me? If its routine would call the surgery and reschedule for at least 3 weeks after the vac. But then I decline "routine" check ups. I do poo sticks and mammograms and that's it.

[maggiebee]

I had an appointment in early December for my annual health and blood pressure check. Quite honestly didn't give a second thought about attending my GP surgery. No waiting, nurse and myself masked up and had my flu jab at the same time. I'd go for it.

[eleanor2]

Paignton, with respect .. it's not for us to label hardy as silly. There's a lot of anxiety about at the moment.

[Barsel]

I have no hesitation in going to my GP's surgery as it is very well organised. There are arrow marks on the floor showing the way in and out, seats have big stickers on a lot of them saying do not sit here, all staff wearing the appropriate attire.

[gness]

Hardy, of course you're not being a wimp or silly. If you have medical issues and a check is very important do go. Otherwise I'd think twice.

I've just returned from having minor surgery in hospital. Like you I was worried, considered postponing but couldn't be told when I'd be seen again.
Knowing how high our rate is here I was very concerned and still will be for a while.

[EmilyAdkins1]

Of course your not a wimp. It’s just what happens when you get older. You start caring cause it’s not a carefree world anymore. It’s totally fine to feel like it’s dangerous cause there’s no one to make those decisions for you anymore so you just need to trust your gut.

[hardy49]

Thank you all for your opinions

[gness]

Not sure we've helped, Hardy... :-). Decided what to do?