Had booked a telephone call for today with the GP, who previously signed me with no problem, as my certificate ran out yesterday. She promptly called, sounding rather frosty.
I explained that I needed to be signed off still, New medication being considered, flare recently etc etc. Well, she told me there was nothing on my file from rheumy to that effect and as I was a PA, instead of sitting at home, no doubt making cups of tea, emptying the dishwasher etc, I could just as well be at work!
I tried to explain again, thinking she had forgotten I have HAD, but no, she said that in fact she would have to sign me back to work, and I must realise that sick certificates are legal documents (not sure about that one!).
So, I have left a message with rheumy' s Secretary, asking him to fax the surgery telling them I need to be signed off. It's enough to make me weep, or scream!
The trouble is my rheumy us due to be away and I'm not sure exactly when that is. Will give it until tomorrow.
What a $*&^% - I'd be reporting that pronto. Totally uncalled for. Does she say that to patients who have had a stroke/heart attack and so on?
Call the Practice Manager and explain what has happened and that you are very upset. They should help you.
If it is a practice with more than one GP, one of them will be the head honcho, ask the PM for his/her name and I hope it is not the GP you are dealing with.
Do not wait till Friday, it will be too late. Phone your Rheumy's Secretary or the main switchboard of the hospital.
I agree...complain about her and ask to see another GP. They do seem to love the power dont they...and they always at some point tend to misuse it!!!!
So sorry its happened to you. I had a run in with my GP...different reason but till it was the same 'I have the power' type conversation.
This is getting worse. Call from Secretary.. he has faxed the surgery, but apparently asking them to review my return to work, still suffering from fatigue etc. That doesn't help at all. No doubt GP will call me later and..say I'm fit for work.
They are ganging up on me. This is the third GP I've seen. I had the audacity to say that serious errors had been made in my diagnosis and treatment by first inexperienced GP
Jenni, Ser my reply above to lodger.
tell her you do not agree and wish her to consult your rheumatologist before she signs you off. Tell her you are not well and cannot possibly work.
Also, ask them to put in writing about the errors by an inexperienced GP and I feel you should now write in as you will need evidence if you make a complaint. Often if there is a hint of complaint they back off. Just saying.
I'm keeping notes of everything in my GCA "diary". Will wait and see what happens. Seriously stressed, pass the gin please!
In the meantime, visit the nhs website and look for http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/patient-advice-and-liaison-services-%28pals%29/locationsearch/363 (PALS) and find the number for those in your location.
Then call PALS at the hospital the Rheumy is working at, explain the situation and ask them for help. That is what they are therefore.
Find a new practice, but in the meantime call the Commissioning Group in your area and tell them your experience.
What medication are you on Susanne M?
You are entitled to a second opinion.
Hi Susanne, here we go again! Even if your rheumatologist has asked the GP surgery to review your fitness for work. That task requires more than an appointment phone call. They should have asked for a face to face assessment. God what a surgery! Christina
Susanne, you're definitely overdue an appointment with the Practice Manager. I wonder how many more patients they treat in this disgraceful manner. Make the appointment and take your husband with you, plus an email from the rheumatologist if you can get hold of him. You cannot work with the illness as it is at present, and they are aggravating your recovery. I would be changing practice, but they should not get away with it.
Pred, currently 35mg, Alendronic Acid, ad-cal-D, colecalciferol, aspirin. Rheumy currently considering methotrexate or Azathioprine also.
Hi Christina. That happened after I spoke to GP this morning. So await call from GP tomorrow who will no doubt ask me to come in. He only faxed request after I had spoken to GP on phone.
There is one at my local main hospital, never realised that!
Yes, I think New practice might be in order.
In the meantime, have had long discussion with hubby about the whole situation and I am pretty sure I am going to resign from work soon, it's all too much. Not just this last set back, but generally with my GCA. This has just added to the stress.
We will also cancel our holiday in Italy booked for end of May, as both stressed about how I would cope/pick up infection/fatigue to the point where holiday becomes a problem
Lots to think about right now.
I'm just tired of it all! See my reply to lodger just now. Xx