MY doctor's Retired !!!

[nanny]

Hi all
Just needed to write this down really to get it off my chest.
i'm really anxious at the moment as my Dr has now retired, she knew me inside out as i have had her for years. she knew exactly how i am with this anxiety and also out of all the meds i take i am addicted to diazepam and she knew and would help.

Now i'm worried that whoever replaces her will not understand my issues or addiction and they'll refuse to give me my diazepam. Most Dr's nowdays won't prescribe them at all especially in my surgery.

What do i do if they absolutely refuse to give me them, i'm getting myself into a right state over this.

Any advice anyone please

[anxious]

Hi there,

i'm sure you'll be fine, everything will be noted down on your records. Explain your fears when you see your new gp. You might find you like the new one more.
I've had a few changes over the years through moving etc and it always worked out ok in the end.
I'd go and see the new one pretty soon then you are not stressing over it,
anx xx

[nanny]

Thanks for advice

Like you say, maybe i ought to go see him/her and explain how i feel. May put my mind at rest

[Alabasterlyn]

Hi Nanny, oh gosh I'm sure we can all sympathise. It's really hard to lose a Dr that understands you so well I am sure.

I had to change Dr's about 8yrs ago when I moved out of the area that my previous Dr covered. As you know I am also addicted to tranquilisers and was worried that the new Health Centre Dr's would want me to come off them.

However I found the new Dr's to be very helpful and understanding and although the guidelines for prescribing benzos are now very different to what they were years ago there is no way they would refuse you a medication that you are addicted to.

I think the medical profession is totally aware that there are a lot of patients addicted to benzos and it's easier to let them carry on taking them than to try and help them come off them.

My mother has been taking Nitrazepam since she was 38 and she is now 84 and has obviously had lots of different Dr's over the years and has also never had a problem with a Dr trying to stop her medication.

[clickaway]

On the broader subject of having to change doctors when your old one knows you so well, remember it is not all bad news.

I have found very understanding GP's but then they have left or gone on maternity leave. But then I have found a new one who has been just as good and have taken a fresh approach - in fact that has improved my treatment and I hope that whoever you find to replace your old doc will do you good too.

Take Care

[nanny]

Thank you everyone
you have made me feel a lot easier in my mind.

Who knows, perhaps the new doc will help get me OFF the things

Thanks for being there

[Alabasterlyn]

Thank you everyone
you have made me feel a lot easier in my mind.

Who knows, perhaps the new doc will help get me OFF the things

Thanks for being there

Well the good news is that when tapering off a benzo it's recommended to first crossover to Valium and as you are already taking that you are at least in a good position in that respect if you do decide to taper off

[nanny]

Fingers crossed Lyn

[lildutt]

i totally can sympathise on this nanny
one of my docs who basicllay knew the ins and outs of me had t leave cus of personell reasons
and i was worried i would get the help i was getting when she gone
so happens i didnt until the beginning of this year when another doc took me under his wing
im starting to get better now
hope you will find another doctor
bellxx

[nanny]

Thanks Foxybell

I haven't seen my new Dr yet so don't know what he's/she's like.

I will let you know when i have reason to see them, i get all my tabs on repeat prescription at the moment and i can get a couple of lots more before i have to reauthorise them. So unless i have to go for other reasons i won't have any need to see the new Dr yet........... Hopefully