Someone please help me get NHS blood tests

[Kirby_]

It's not a case of you get what you're given, you do know you have the right to see another doctor dont you? Speak to another GP. Or alternatively go to boots, speak to the pharmacist about the hair retention program, they will write you a propecia perscription if you are suitable and they will notify your doctor you are taking finasteride. It costs 90 quid for 3 months supply. But if you want to get it through your doctor then speak to a different GP about fin and blood tests.

I was with Boots, couldn't afford fin via them any longer. They didn't know what they were doing, can't give me blood tests or medical supervision. It was dangerous to use them.

EVERYONE is ignoring my problem. It is not lack of means to get finasteride,there are plenty of semi-illegal means like Inhouse Pharmacy and so on. The problem is 1. lack of GP recognition for MPB, or that it can be treated 2. GP refusing to give me the blood tests the non-NHS private dermatologist said I NEEDED, and can't get AT ALL without GP approval 3. I need GP recognition because I take loads of medications and worried about the finasteride interacting with other medication 4. I would like to see a dermatologist on the NHS, as I can't afford to see private sector doctors again, but the GP refuses to give me a referral so I can't see a dermatologist.

SUPPLY ISSUE IS *NOTHING* TO DO WITH MY PROBLEM!!!!

[Kirby_]

This thread exemplifies why, as an American, I am terrified of moving to nationalized health care.

My girlfriend is from a country with universal healthcare, but not like the British NHS. She says over there you can go straight to a specialist, and never have to wait. I would have to wait 6 months to see a specialist, and only if a GP agrees. I've had digestion problems for 4 years, IBS symptoms, and my GP refuses to let me see a speicalist or get blood tests, even though I'm in a lot of pain and can't live properly as I need the toilet at awkward times.

[Kirby_]

What????? I had an appointment the following day when I called a clinic to see a GP about hair loss.

I made another appointment with my GP, the date was six weeks away. That's what I said. As I wrote before, you take what you are given.

The problem is that I CAN'T choose a GP on the NHS, no one can. You can choose a GP practice surgery/clinic THEN get assigned a GP. Everyone from the UK is saying, go to another doctor, BUT HOW CAN I TELL IF THE GP ISN'T ANTI-FINASTERIDE BEFORE SIGNING UP? I *CAN'T* just use up all the GP surgeries in the catchment area I live in just to make sure!! You're NOT allowed to "shop around" and be consumerist on the NHS, you have take what you are given.

[Kirby_]

It really isn't the picture this fellow has painted. All my doctors have listened to my concerns, back in my twenties I approached my doctor in regards to finasteride and he sat with me and discussed it, then wrote me a prescription. I've never had this "you get what you're given now be off with you" treatment. It sounds to me like the OP just needs to get a second opinion from a doctor who is prepared to listen to him.

You got lucky!! That's it! Anyone on these forums who is from the UK and had a good experience with NHS GPs and hair loss, you are in the minority! No wonder most UKers who use hair loss treatments seem to get them semi-illegally from online pharmacies and the like.

[Exodus]

You got lucky!! That's it! Anyone on these forums who is from the UK and had a good experience with NHS GPs and hair loss, you are in the minority! No wonder most UKers who use hair loss treatments seem to get them semi-illegally from online pharmacies and the like.

We're not. We just seek other GPs. I hear what you're saying, getting Fin is achievable, it's the routine appointments which aren't. To be honest, you're rants are pointless Kirby. No one on here can change the NHS, no one can give you blood tests.

You've had info from Spex about a GP in Derbyshire who is happy to help. You're up North right? Surely where-ever you are, there must be more then 1 GP Surgery in your area? You know what you need to do, complaining won't change it.

[BigThinker]

I made another appointment with my GP, the date was six weeks away. That's what I said. As I wrote before, you take what you are given.

The problem is that I CAN'T choose a GP on the NHS, no one can. You can choose a GP practice surgery/clinic THEN get assigned a GP. Everyone from the UK is saying, go to another doctor, BUT HOW CAN I TELL IF THE GP ISN'T ANTI-FINASTERIDE BEFORE SIGNING UP? I *CAN'T* just use up all the GP surgeries in the catchment area I live in just to make sure!! You're NOT allowed to "shop around" and be consumerist on the NHS, you have take what you are given.

Yeah, I understand the whole "gate keeper" concept. Manged care exists in the US, and it used to be popular in the 90's. Like everything else, people really dislike have their choices limited. It's supposed to keep costs down, and it might do just that -- but probably for the wrong reasons.