Re: What a surprise ! GP related

Have to admit, that was a long time you waited on that day! Hope you get sorted out.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

Me too I don't like to moan but it's been really painful (ear) since late October. Can't sleep with it some nights. All because the NHS no longer syringe ears as a cost cutting measure. It has meant instead of one visit of 5 minutes to the nurse, I have taken up 5 doctors appointments, had 4 lots of antibiotics and ear drops, and this last longer appointment where I am now being referred. So I will now take up hospital time ! A real money saver this idea

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

Did you used to have them done regularly and now can't havevthem done Julie, I would have thought that of it was actually painful you could have them syringed or do they think there may be another problem?
Hope you get it sorted.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

I produce more wax than normal apparently so I have every October since I was 14 had my ears syringed, it's a quick procedure and stops me getting ear infections was what the nurse used to tell me.

I completely agree NHS may need to make cuts just this one seems to have cost them so much money and left me in pain and deaf for months. A false economy IMO.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

In your case it certainly is, I would have been tempted to see if they could make an exception, the NHS is struggling but economies can lead to problems too.
Are you now seeing an ENT consultant?

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

Yes I believe so, but seems totally OTT for what should just be a syringing. My GP says that is likely what will be prescribed anyway so it seems odd they don't just do it and save the time and money it will cost to get this consultation

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

It's probably because it's now developed into recurring infections, so needs more thorough exam etc.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

You may be right just seems daft it had to get this far.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

It's a difficult call, though, Julie. If there is ear pain syringing is usually contraindicated because without knowing what is behind the wax it is possible it can do more damage than good. But you should have been referred long ago IMO.

Re: What a surprise ! GP related

The trouble was when I initially asked for my usual syringing I had wax but no pain at all. It's the reason they set up the annual appointments to have it done. So all this could have been avoided.