Post by Thunderboltsandlightning on Nov 9, 2017 16:19:55 GMT
Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time posting. I'm currently going through a bit of a kerfuffle and it's got me stressed, so I thought I might as well write about my experience (if for no other reason than to make myself feel a bit better). I hope I've posted this in an appropriate place (it felt more like venting than genuinely asking for help, although if anyone wants to offer any, I'm all ears).
Back in 2011 I was fortunate enough to have a tremendous GP. When I talked to her about my problems and my suspicions that I suffered from ADHD, she immediately agreed to refer me to a specialist. Her own son was going through similar issues as a child so she seemed to understand.
I then got an excellent specialist who worked out pretty fast that I did have it, and wrote up a report for my GP. Unfortunately, while he had funding to diagnose the condition, my PCT wouldn't initially provide funding for stabilisation on medication, despite him deeming me suitable for it.
My GP was amazing and wrote a letter to my PCT urging them to provide the funding, and through her dogged determination, they agreed to provide the funding and I went back to the specialist. He then prescribed Concerta XL, and after titration to find the right dosage, he discharged me back to the care of my GP surgery with regular 6 monthly BP and heart rate checks.
In the meantime my GP moved to a different catchment area and I was handed off to a new GP. He said he'd spoken to my specialist and they'd agreed a treatment plan, including regular treatment breaks once a year, especially in light of underlying issues with my blood pressure (I was on blood pressure medication but mostly as a precaution before starting Concerta). All was good for the next four years or so.
Then, not only did he leave the surgery in question, but the surgery changed management and had a total overhaul of the staff. Nonetheless I figured I'd stick with the same GP surgery unless I had good reason to move.
After my last treatment break, I dropped off a repeat prescription request for my Concerta. When I went in to pick it up, however, I was told it had been rejected, because too much time had elapsed since I last had it filled.
The receptionist arranged for the surgery's clinical pharmacist to call me for a consultation about my medication. When I spoke to her, I explained the situation and that I had been on a treatment break and this was why I hadn't filled my prescription up for a while. She said there was no record on my file or any notes about a treatment break, and according to their records I'd been taking the meds regularly without interruption (which I know for a fact isn't true as I'd taken treatment breaks before) and just stopped suddenly, so they concluded I no longer needed them.
Now she says I may have to go through another referral process, to have another assessment for ADHD, even though she admitted they have my diagnosis on file. I have an appointment with another GP at the surgery (who I've never seen before) to decide next steps and I'm beginning to worry.
I have a copy of my diagnosis, as well as a letter from my consultant psychiatrist advising that I be prescribed Concerta XL (and listing the dosage). If I show this to them, surely they have to continue my treatment?
I don't mind a consultation with the new GP (it's probably a good thing as they'll be handling my care going forward), I'm just dreading that they're going to make me jump through hoops again.
Long time lurker, first time posting. I'm currently going through a bit of a kerfuffle and it's got me stressed, so I thought I might as well write about my experience (if for no other reason than to make myself feel a bit better). I hope I've posted this in an appropriate place (it felt more like venting than genuinely asking for help, although if anyone wants to offer any, I'm all ears).
Back in 2011 I was fortunate enough to have a tremendous GP. When I talked to her about my problems and my suspicions that I suffered from ADHD, she immediately agreed to refer me to a specialist. Her own son was going through similar issues as a child so she seemed to understand.
I then got an excellent specialist who worked out pretty fast that I did have it, and wrote up a report for my GP. Unfortunately, while he had funding to diagnose the condition, my PCT wouldn't initially provide funding for stabilisation on medication, despite him deeming me suitable for it.
My GP was amazing and wrote a letter to my PCT urging them to provide the funding, and through her dogged determination, they agreed to provide the funding and I went back to the specialist. He then prescribed Concerta XL, and after titration to find the right dosage, he discharged me back to the care of my GP surgery with regular 6 monthly BP and heart rate checks.
In the meantime my GP moved to a different catchment area and I was handed off to a new GP. He said he'd spoken to my specialist and they'd agreed a treatment plan, including regular treatment breaks once a year, especially in light of underlying issues with my blood pressure (I was on blood pressure medication but mostly as a precaution before starting Concerta). All was good for the next four years or so.
Then, not only did he leave the surgery in question, but the surgery changed management and had a total overhaul of the staff. Nonetheless I figured I'd stick with the same GP surgery unless I had good reason to move.
After my last treatment break, I dropped off a repeat prescription request for my Concerta. When I went in to pick it up, however, I was told it had been rejected, because too much time had elapsed since I last had it filled.
The receptionist arranged for the surgery's clinical pharmacist to call me for a consultation about my medication. When I spoke to her, I explained the situation and that I had been on a treatment break and this was why I hadn't filled my prescription up for a while. She said there was no record on my file or any notes about a treatment break, and according to their records I'd been taking the meds regularly without interruption (which I know for a fact isn't true as I'd taken treatment breaks before) and just stopped suddenly, so they concluded I no longer needed them.
Now she says I may have to go through another referral process, to have another assessment for ADHD, even though she admitted they have my diagnosis on file. I have an appointment with another GP at the surgery (who I've never seen before) to decide next steps and I'm beginning to worry.
I have a copy of my diagnosis, as well as a letter from my consultant psychiatrist advising that I be prescribed Concerta XL (and listing the dosage). If I show this to them, surely they have to continue my treatment?
I don't mind a consultation with the new GP (it's probably a good thing as they'll be handling my care going forward), I'm just dreading that they're going to make me jump through hoops again.