Save the NHS? Why?

Well, been to see the doctor today. We discussed my current lurgy, and also my blood test results and the weird collapse thing after paintball. I must say I am extremely impressed by this new GP. He took the time to chat, and discussing everything, and listen. He explained that the blood tests I had would show up all sorts of hidden things, including things that we weren't actually looking for, but they were all absolutely fine.

We think that between us we've worked it out. My diagnosis is a simple one. I am unfit and overweight, my time as a smoker reduced my fitness further still.

The treatment is equally simple. More exercise and healthier diet. As I'm on the latter, I only need to change the former, and I had started to do so until I got the lurgy.

Oh, and I can't find the other thread now but its the one about getting fit at 40. The doctor says yes, yes you can get fit at 40.

 

Glad the results you got didn't dig up a nasty Clueless and it's something you can do something about. Good luck with the fitness regime.

I've had some sort of lurgy thing on and off for about 5 weeks now, nothing debilitating but a claggy chest, sinus problems, occasional sore throat and if I do anything physical I turn into a snot factory, seems to get better for a short while, then it gets a bit worse blah blah. Glad it's not only me. I went to the quack for something else and mentioned it and I've had some tests done and waiting for results.
I'm very thankful for the NHS however flawed it seems sometimes (Ive had a couple of poor experiences). I have family in the US and though they are not poor and have insurance, due to the shocking cost of everyday medical things (drugs, blood tests, xrays) they have to ration their visits to GP and dentist. My BiL recently had a small biopsy, several xrays and a full spectrum blood test and it cost $6000 (not covered on insurance unless you have equivalent of fully comp which is mega expensive).

GG

 

I think the problem with the NHS is because it is almost entirely privatised now, there is no consistency. The doctor's practice I recently sacked was good when I joined them, but they went downhill very rapidly fairly recently. The new one I'm in is so far excellent. I honestly can't pick fault with it. They are very well organised, you get to speak to an actual doctor the same day that you call them, and if they think you need to be seen, they will organise that, usually the same day. The initial phone consultation enables them to make best use of time by working out whether you need a doctor or if a nurse could do it, and knowing that many of their patients have jobs, they open late through the week and they even do saturdays. When I went in yesterday, for my appointment at 7:20PM, I was in the doctor's room at 7:20PM, where I remained for a good 10 minutes while he explained in depth the results of my various tests, as well as what options there were for further tests should I want them, but he also explained why he didn't think any further tests were necessary, until I was satisfied that he was right. Throughout, he maintain that it was up to me, and that if I still had any doubts, he'd book me in for a chest X-ray if I wanted it.

All the while, my car was parked in the car park, with plenty of spaces, and no nasty signs threatening to clamp my vehicle if I was delayed.