Are you a Self Carer?

I quite agree tanith. A few years ago I did not realise I had such a serious problem with my eyes and it took my optician to spell it out to me that something needed to be done rapidly.

I am more inclined to self treat. Unfortunately many people go to their GP because they will not pay for eg Paracetamol, they expect a free prescription and many do come under that category for free prescriptions.

tanith whilst waiting in the doctors' waiting room I have often wished people would keep their germs warm at home rather than spreading them around!
DH and I self medicate, as much as is sensible, as a first recourse before even considering going to the doctor.
Our problem is in recognising when it is more sensible to consult a doctor as it can cause more problems if a condition is not 'nipped in the bud'. We are fairly tough and tend to shrug our shoulders and generally get on with it if we can and just use the surgery when it clearly is not the same old 'same old'.

I've been to my GP twice in the last 10years and the second time was because I had to produce a letter to say that I was disabled!

I am a great advocate for asking the pharmacist. I have worked in a pharmacy and found out that pharmacists are just as, if not more, qualified than your GP to advise on minor ailments and medications. They can also do general health checks and give flu jabs etc. It is possible to get a lot of this free.

Last time I saw my GP (about 6 years ago) I was so thoroughly tested, they found all kinds of medical conditions that were symptomless so cause me no problems and require no medication but need to be stated on travel insurance and insurance forms that I haven't been back since.

Oh yes, the symptom that took me there? Nothing to worry about, it will go away - and it did!

I had to go with my knee as I couldn't walk. It had been many years before that visit and like charleygirl my AMD was diagnosed by the optician. Our GP's leave so often that I seldom see the same one twice. However I know I am very lucky that my health is so good. Others aren't so blessed.