GP's, how do you feel about patients that visit several times a year?

tosspot15

I've been to my GP at least 15 - 20 in the past 2 years. Most of the time it was for legit problems, and most of the time it was pretty vague and I either had to go back for revisits or see a specialist.

I've also had several vaccines and at one stage felt a bit paranoid I may be diabetic as a result of several symptoms I had already been in about before. Looking back it was stupid but I just wanted to be 100% sure.

However, I feel like every time I go in they think "oh heres this person again :rolleyes:". I feel like they think I'm a hypochondriac or something, which I'm not.

I now have been wanting to visit my GP again because I'm struggling with mental health issues for quite some time, but I really dont want to make that appointment, as I promised myself Id stay out of it for a good while.

I just hate how they know me so well at this stage. Am I over reacting? Do they really care if I visit once every few months? I wish I could avoid visiting, but I have several small but legitimate problems that are impacting my life.

Most people I know seem to only visit their GP once every year or 2 at most. I feel like I'm clogging the healthcare system, especially since I have a medical card.

So how do GP's feel about this? Am I an annoyance, or is it regular for people like me to show up?

RoverZT

If you had to pay 50 euro a visit would you go 20 times a year?

Several vaccines?

Think your diabetic?

If you have mental health issues visit a psychologist, but you will have to pay for that.

Or you won't have to pay if your lucky and GP refers you, they don't like doing that though.

Edit : I expect some kind of ban for this:(

tosspot15

RoverZT wrote: »

If you had to pay 50 euro a visit would you go 20 times a year?

Several vaccines?

Think your diabetic?

I would visit yes.

2 vaccines, 1 flu and one for my job

yes I have several symptoms of diabetes, which I had been to the GP before for each individually. A handful of which still persist. One of which became a larger problem for me and had to be referred on which Ill write about below.
(I was going to list symptoms but I dont think I need to justify why on an internet forum)

I've been told I'm hypothyroid and to keep an eye on it

Also 15 - 20 times in the past TWO years. Including 2 surgeries I've had, one of which was unsuccessful, both for things that had me in severe to moderate pain and impacted my quality of life, and still does to this day for one of them. I've also paid for my specialist at a private hospital as the waiting time in public was too long, and I genuinely couldnt handle living with it.

Was diagnosed with depression before and a whole boatload of other crap the past few years.

Also is the GP not the first port of call for mental health issues?

Sorry if I sound like I'm answering my own questions here, but I'm feeling a bit sick and tired of visiting doctors and hospitals at this stage. I REALLY dont want to, but I have something eating away at me inside telling me to go again, but I keep telling myself to wait another few months to make it seem like I'm not some crazy idiot.

Driveby Dogboy

Whatever about the other issues, don't let the depression go untreated. If you feel you need to, by the sounds of it you do, go and have a chat with your doctor. They'll know where to go from there

Karl Stein

RoverZT wrote: »

If you had to pay 50 euro a visit would you go 20 times a year?

15 to 20 times in 2 years which works out about once every 5 weeks maximum you genius. Considering the problems this guy's had it seems more than reasonable.

Just go to your GP and talk to him about how you feel OP I reckon. Tell him what you're telling us.

Little Acorn

Absolutely go to the doctor if you are suffering from depression, and don't for 1 second feel bad about it! You were diagnosed with depression I'm guessing by your doctor?

It doesn't matter how often you go to the doctor as long as you have a genuine reason to each time -and from what you listed you did have genuine reasons for these visits so I don't see why any doctor would think you were a hypochondriac.

Depression is not something to be left lying for fear of what other people might be thinking - this is your doctor's job, I'm sure he/she would be much more annoyed if they knew you were putting of seeing them out of self consciousness.

Go to the doctor and ask them about what counselling options are available to you. I know the HSE has a mental health service which I think may be free one to one counselling, and there are also different types of group meetings you could attend like AWARE meetings. You could also ring the Samaritans. Definitely go to your doctor and don't feel bad about it.

RoverZT

Cathal Cloch wrote: »

15 to 20 times in 2 years which works out about once every 5 weeks maximum you genius. Considering the problems this guy's had it seems more than reasonable.

Just go to your GP and talk to him about how you feel OP I reckon. Tell him what you're telling us.

Every 5 weeks is normal enough I suppose.

Would probably be better to schedule a monthly appointment, reasonable enough considering the list of problem's OP has had.

singsong321

tosspot15 wrote: »

I've been to my GP at least 15 - 20 in the past 2 years. Most of the time it was for legit problems, and most of the time it was pretty vague and I either had to go back for revisits or see a specialist.

I've also had several vaccines and at one stage felt a bit paranoid I may be diabetic as a result of several symptoms I had already been in about before. Looking back it was stupid but I just wanted to be 100% sure.

However, I feel like every time I go in they think "oh heres this person again :rolleyes:". I feel like they think I'm a hypochondriac or something, which I'm not.

I now have been wanting to visit my GP again because I'm struggling with mental health issues for quite some time, but I really dont want to make that appointment, as I promised myself Id stay out of it for a good while.

I just hate how they know me so well at this stage. Am I over reacting? Do they really care if I visit once every few months? I wish I could avoid visiting, but I have several small but legitimate problems that are impacting my life.

Most people I know seem to only visit their GP once every year or 2 at most. I feel like I'm clogging the healthcare system, especially since I have a medical card.

So how do GP's feel about this? Am I an annoyance, or is it regular for people like me to show up?

Ultimately, its not important how your GP may or may not feel, as a medical practionier they are meant to be objective. The service is provided to be used, from general enquiries to concerns. In my experience, the GP is a great way to gain access to further treatments, so don't hesitate in reaching out. Best of luck!

Breezer

There are people who attend several times a week, with several children in tow each time. If you need to go, go.

HeadPig

The first thing to do is don't listen to the imbecile in the first response. As a student I can tell you many GPs see the same patients almost biweekly in some cases. Every 5 weeks is not extreme. If a visit is justified, it's justified, and that's it.

Unlike the person who recommended a psychologist, the correct professional to see about mental health concerns is a psychiatrist. However, it is a GP who will decide whether you need to be referred. Most likely, the GP may manage you without referral.

Gael23

My GP changed one of the prescriptions I use and for a while I was seeing him monthly until he was happy it was working and I wasn't having any unwanted side effects. Going forward it's going to be every 3 months for that but there have been occasions where I have had other reasons to see him.
And yes, I have a medical card .
I think if you have reason to see your GP you should do so without hesitation.