Issue trying to get apppintment at doctors

[DaveH23]

Hope somebody here can point me in the right direction.

I have really severe hayfever. Due to my job I unable to get an appointment at my doctors due to working away midweek and them being closed on a weekend.

What are my options?

Can a pharmacy issue stronger than over the counter anti histamenes without anything from my GP?

Can I go to a walk in centre or is there anything else?


Thanks in advance.

[Audicab]

I'd just go to a walk in centre, there is usually a Dr or senior nurse who can prescribe.

[Paul Dishman]

Depends which hayfever remedies you're looking for. Pharmacists can sell you most antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and sodium cromoglycate eye drops. Can't think of any particularly "stronger" antihistamines that are prescription only

[DaveH23]

Paul Dishman said:

Depends which hayfever remedies you're looking for. Pharmacists can sell you most antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and sodium cromoglycate eye drops. Can't think of any particularly "stronger" antihistamines that are prescription only

Thats the thing. Ive not found anything over the counter that works nor anything the doctor has prescribed in the past so would like to know what to try next.

They used to offer the injection but the NHS dont allow it anymore. I do know a few people who have managed to get this whilst on holiday etc in spain though.

I am very very tempted to book a cheap flight for the sole purpose of this.

[Paul Dishman]

DaveH23 said:

Paul Dishman said:

Depends which hayfever remedies you're looking for. Pharmacists can sell you most antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and sodium cromoglycate eye drops. Can't think of any particularly "stronger" antihistamines that are prescription only

Thats the thing. Ive not found anything over the counter that works nor anything the doctor has prescribed in the past so would like to know what to try next.

They used to offer the injection but the NHS dont allow it anymore. I do know a few people who have managed to get this whilst on holiday etc in spain though.

I am very very tempted to book a cheap flight for the sole purpose of this.

When I was working I would always emphasise to patients that they had to take/use the medications faithfully every day, even if they had no symptoms on a particular day. Many people try something, but don't persist with it, and then come back saying that it hasn't worked. Personally I wouldn't want a steroid injection for hay fever

[DaveH23]

Paul Dishman said:

When I was working I would always emphasise to patients that they had to take/use the medications faithfully every day, even if they had no symptoms on a particular day. Many people try something, but don't persist with it, and then come back saying that it hasn't worked. Personally I wouldn't want a steroid injection for hay fever

I totally agree with you and do.

Every year I normally start taking them in April and religiously take them at the same time every day. Very very rare I forget and I would love to have a day with no symptoms.

[Granville]

Evidently local honey is supposed to be very good, taken daily.

Has to be local for the area you live / work in though.

[Paul Dishman]

Granville said:

Evidently local honey is supposed to be very good, taken daily.

Has to be local for the area you live / work in though.

Doesn't work. Clinical trials found honey to be no better than placebo

[Pickled Piper]

`walk in centre or dial 111. Explain your situation and they will direct you to the nearest place you can be seen.

[DaveH23]

Pickled Piper said:

`walk in centre or dial 111. Explain your situation and they will direct you to the nearest place you can be seen.

Will try a loval walk in centre. Thanks.

As per the honey comment, I work all over the country so I am never 'local' anywhere for more than a few days.

[gingerbeard]

I'd go to a walk in centre and ask for fexofenadine 120mg and avamys nasal spray

combination works really well

[DaveH23]

gingerbeard said:

I'd go to a walk in centre and ask for fexofenadine 120mg and avamys nasal spray

combination works really well

Walk in centre didn't even entertain me.

Before I even sat down with the 'doctor' she told me nothing she could do and to ring 111.

My otherhalf suggested explaining to my doctor over the phone my issue of not being there during their opening hours.

Asked for a call back from my doctor who after a quick call going through symptoms and what I have tried so far is faxing a prescription of a steroid as well as some nasal spray and eye drops to the chemists in the Asda store near me so I can pick them up tonight.

Result.