Hi all. I need some advice please. I have a diagnoses of CML. and take inteferon once weekly. I have had all my covid jabs and boosters. My flu jab and my pneumonia jab, however have come down with a terrible chest infection. I think it needs a course of antibiotics to clear. My problem is i have been unable for the last week to get an appointment with the GP. I am unable to reach anybody on 111. The only advise they can give me is to go to the walk in clinic. As my immune system is already compromised, I do not want to risk been around other ill people. Is anybody else struggling with this and any advise is welcome .
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Hi @Chook welcome to this forum! Sorry to hear you’ve come down with a chest infection and that you’re unable to get a GP appointment. Are you struggling to get through to the GP surgery? Are you able to fill in an online forum or email them? You might find it useful to contact the GP practice manager. It’s important they’re aware of the difficulties you’re having as it’s really important that the surgery are able to give immunocompromised people the care and treatment necessary when they have an infection.
May I ask if you have contacted your clinical nurse specialist/key worker? If not, we would really encourage you to do so as it’s important they’re aware of what you’re experiencing. If you don’t have their details, you could try giving the haematology dept a call where you’re seen for appointments, and they can try and put you through to someone.
You could also try calling a local pharmacy and seeing how they might be able to help and whether they have any advice. It’s totally understandable you have concerns going to a walk in clinic, but if this is the quickest option for you to receive any treatment you may need, then perhaps you could give the nearest walk in centre a call and see if there’s any infection measures they could put in place for you, to help you feel more confident about attending.
Please don’t hesitate to give our support line a call here if you’d find that helpful - the number is 0808 2080 888.
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Hi @Chook I am so glad you have posted on here, especially at a time when you are feeling so unwell.
@Alice_BloodCancerUK has really answered your question comprehensively, but your frustration and exasperation really shows in your post.
I have found that I got a response quite quickly by filling in my GP’s online service. They have staff that deal with them first thing in the morning in my surgery.
I find it is useful for me to write down all my health and medication issues and symptoms, their severity and impact on my life.
That is ready for an email or phone call as @Alice_BloodCancerUK advises.
Be ever so kind to yourself and really look after yourself. Please let us know how you are getting on.
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Hi @Chook how are you doing now? I hope you managed to get what you need!
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