Thank you so much, all of you who left a comment on my last post. It seems you are all struggling with the same issues with regard to seeing a GP too. Did the surgery get back to me on Tuesday? Of course they bloomin' didn't.....not a peep out of them.....
Out of frustration, I went on to their Facebook page (I hate Facebook but wanted to check out their information regarding the new system) and left a comment about my non-appointments. I was polite, didn't rant, but stated that the new system doesn't seem to work. The next day, Wednesday, I received a text in the afternoon giving me an appointment with an ANP (Advanced Nurse Practitioner) at 4.45pm that day 👀Wow!
When I attended, the ANP was kind, respectful and actually listened to what I was saying. She examined my ear and said that, although she couldn't see the eardrum, it was perfectly possible that I have an inner ear infection. She prescribed antibiotics 👍I'm on the second day of tablets and already feeling a bit better.
Yesterday, I went back to their Facebook page and noticed that the surgery had read my comment and apologised. Is that how I got my appointment then? Maybe it pays to complain nicely......
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I was so glad to be seen by someone at last because we had our Gardeners World Live/ Good Food Show tickets for yesterday and I couldn't have gone there with a pounding headache.
The journey on the M6 was horrendous; so much traffic and the speed down to 40mph in many places. We got there after a 90 minute journey and headed straight to Gardeners World Live before the rain set in, as it was all outdoors. There was so much to spend money on! although we didn't......just stored up ideas for later 😀
Monty Don was there although we couldn't get close.....
I left Gray there perusing the gardening tools and suchlike and visited the Good Food Show nearby. So much to see....and taste!
They had mounds of street food which was very expensive (£14.99 for Scampi and chips, £6 for a tray of chips £8 for a hotdog special 😖) but I went to the Food Forum where I could sit and eat my HM sandwiches and watch the celebrity chefs being interviewed. I bought a can of delicious ice cold Rose Lemonade for £2 from a lovely friendly vendor, who gave me a taste first, and really enjoyed my picnic on a very comfy padded bench seat 😋
The only other thing I bought was a bag of cinnamon rolls for £2 to take home (after tasting a sample first, of course 😊) but came away with a few ideas to spice up my cooking.
By 2.30pm we were both shattered as well as full and took the courtesy bus back to the carpark as it was pouring with rain. I had pre-paid for parking @£8 and I'm so glad I did because the cost would have been... £18.95 😟
It took another 90 minutes for the drive home in the rain. Gray's neck was killing him by then due to the concentration required to drive safely, and my headache had returned, so we were glad to be home. Ready prepared meals were the order of the day and we both slept like logs last night.
I don't think we will ever be going to the NEC again but we both enjoyed our June treat. Now what can we do in July?
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Speaking of complaining nicely...the renewal for the insurance on my washing machine came in last week. It will increase next month from £6.99 per mth to £7.99 which is £12 per year extra. I rang them this morning to query if they could reduce it back down to £6.99 as I have never called them out. We compromised at £7.10 per mth therefore a saving of £10.68 a year. It all helps, doesn't it......
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Thanks for popping in and do stay safe and well wherever you happen to be,
Angie 💗
I'm so glad you've been seen about your headaches. Very restrained not to rant! I feel for the receptionists having to face an endless stream of angry, upset, hurting patients...
ReplyDeleteSounds like your day out was WONDERFUL -photographs to remind you, many things to 'feast' on in the future.
I feel for the receptionists too which is why I didn't want to rant on Facebook, just get my point across. It seems to have worked!
DeleteYes, we really enjoyed the day,Kirsten, despite the journey 😀
That is good you have been seen albeit not by an actual doctor! What exactly are the doctors doing? Playing cards, reading the newspaper, twiddling their thumbs? Because they sure aren't seeing patients. Grrr! Glad you enjoyed your June treat days despite the journey. I look forward to seeing what your July great is😀. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wonder if any actual GPs are on duty 🤔 Where are they all?
DeleteThank you Sue 😊
I'm glad you have the antibiotics to help and got to the NEC and back safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteOnly been there once and only for an indoor thing but I know the site is huge.
Something quiet and restful for July?
Yes, Sue, something definitely quieter for next month, I think. Maybe closer to home 🏡
DeleteSo glad that you got to see someone about the headaches. Your June treat sounds awesome, even after the horrendous trip there and back. Hope the headache finally leaves.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you, Jackie, my headache is definitely getting better , thankfully. I hope you are well my friend 🧡
DeleteWe are on the M6 regularly ... well we live almost alongside it, but up North now... it has always been one of the worst motorways for traffic jams, accidents and bad driving. You did well to survive a day at the NEC so soon after feeling so poorly. Thank goodness for antibiotics, and complaining politely. I always find that works better than getting in a strop on social media. I hope you continue to improve over the weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteAs we had paid for our tickets in advance I really didn't want to miss it, but I paced myself whilst there, sitting down when I could and drinking plenty of water. The antibiotics seem to be working as my headache has almost gone today, thank goodness. Thank you for your good wishes, Sue Xx
DeleteI hope Alan is continuing to recover well too. He has a jolly good nurse on site! xx
I'm so glad that you were seen after complaining nicely. Sounds like the antibiotics are working. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Bless, they seem to be :)
DeleteGlad to hear that you were finally able to see someone who listened to you and that the antibiotics seem to be helping. Complaining in a polite way seems to have done the trick this time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to the Gardeners World Live for a couple of years now but I did pick up ideas for my garden each time I have visited. It is only 30 mins away from us so I don't have the horrendous journey that you had. Despite that I hope you had a great time.