unspoken
04-09-10, 11:57
Last night my dad told me that my GP, the same one both my parents see, is retiring next Friday.
I knew she must be getting close to retirement age but I saw her a few weeks ago and she never mentioned it. I suppose it must be difficult as a GP to retire and leave your 'regular' patients. I think I am a regular - I'm there at least once a month. This GP has known me since we moved here when I was 9 years old. When I was at university (2006-2009) I still saw her in the holidays (I've not been 'healthy' for a long time).
At the end of last year when I was feeling really anxious and low but still working, I ended up seeing another GP at the surgery, who was dismissive and not helpful about my problems. So I soldiered on, till a couple of weeks later I saw my regular GP, who said I was severely depressed and really needed antidepressants and some temazepam to help me sleep. She seemed to actually care about how I was. I've been back there regularly and I'm on a cocktail of different drugs at different strengths which have been agreed with her.
So now I have to face a new doctor who doesn't know me, doesn't know my physical and mental health problems. I mean sure they have notes, but I've seen a lot of GPs in my time and I know they don't really trust the judgement of other GPs. I don't know whether a new GP will be coming in to replace her (there are 3 other GPs at the surgery) or whether I'll be put onto another GP there. I don't know if it's a good opportunity to get another opinion on the treatment I'm receiving and the number of medications I'm on. I've been considering moving to another surgery, where my sister goes. I do know local people with depression and/or anxiety who I can ask about which GPs take mental health seriously. I am feeling anxious about this whole situation though and I feel a bit let down by my GP. Has anyone else been through this, or got anything to suggest? Thanks for letting me get the worry off my chest, NMP.
I knew she must be getting close to retirement age but I saw her a few weeks ago and she never mentioned it. I suppose it must be difficult as a GP to retire and leave your 'regular' patients. I think I am a regular - I'm there at least once a month. This GP has known me since we moved here when I was 9 years old. When I was at university (2006-2009) I still saw her in the holidays (I've not been 'healthy' for a long time).
At the end of last year when I was feeling really anxious and low but still working, I ended up seeing another GP at the surgery, who was dismissive and not helpful about my problems. So I soldiered on, till a couple of weeks later I saw my regular GP, who said I was severely depressed and really needed antidepressants and some temazepam to help me sleep. She seemed to actually care about how I was. I've been back there regularly and I'm on a cocktail of different drugs at different strengths which have been agreed with her.
So now I have to face a new doctor who doesn't know me, doesn't know my physical and mental health problems. I mean sure they have notes, but I've seen a lot of GPs in my time and I know they don't really trust the judgement of other GPs. I don't know whether a new GP will be coming in to replace her (there are 3 other GPs at the surgery) or whether I'll be put onto another GP there. I don't know if it's a good opportunity to get another opinion on the treatment I'm receiving and the number of medications I'm on. I've been considering moving to another surgery, where my sister goes. I do know local people with depression and/or anxiety who I can ask about which GPs take mental health seriously. I am feeling anxious about this whole situation though and I feel a bit let down by my GP. Has anyone else been through this, or got anything to suggest? Thanks for letting me get the worry off my chest, NMP.