DEAR DEIDRE: I am in so much pain waiting to see my doctor but can’t get an appointment.
I’m a 68-year-old man and I could well need a hip replacement. I can hardly walk.
It’s become worse over the past year so I phoned my surgery and they told me unless it was a medical emergency, I would go on a waiting list for an appointment.
One week later I called them again as I hadn’t heard anything and the receptionist asked me to fill in an online consultation form.
The reply was almost immediate, saying that I’m now on another waiting list for a telephone call from my doctor.
It’s been another week and I’ve not heard a thing.
I’m supposed to be going to my daughter’s for Christmas but the thought of the train journey with a suitcase fills me with dread.
It seems you have to be at death’s door to see a doctor these days.
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DEIDRE SAYS: It may seem that way, but I’d suggest that you do fit the criteria for a medical emergency.
Write down exactly how debilitating your condition is and insist that being in constant pain puts you at risk and ask your GP for an urgent referral.
Regarding Christmas, perhaps a friend or relative would help you with transport arrangements or could you meet your daughter halfway?
You can get further help through Pain Concern, (0300 123 0789, painconcern.org.uk).
