Still not happy with the title but this thread is to show the problems I have just encountered in trying to seek help for an existing condition. No doubt there are other members who have found it difficult and may want to share their experiences.
I would like to add that I fully appreciate and understand the difficulties that this pandemic has forced upon the medical profession and this is not a criticism.
Some of you may recall that I had part of my tongue removed last year. I have been battling Thrush (Candida) ever since, taking various medications for it. I am immuno-compromised so not really winning as yet. Last Sunday I noticed about 60% of my tongue had changed to a very dark, almost black colour.
I rang the surgery Monday morning and after a barrage of different covid warnings was informed a GP would ring me in the afternoon.
He asked me to describe it but I told him he really needed to see it, if not in person then by videochat or similar. He agreed to this but it meant I had to download an app called Whereby. After doing so I was able to go ahead, video from my side only. I think he probably blocked the camera his end. I live alone and found it extremely difficult to position the phone in good light to let him have a decent view of my tongue. My tongue barely reaches my lips, lol.
He also gave me an email address to upload a couple of pictures of my tongue.
He called me back some time later saying he didn't like the look of it and he was referring me back to the Head and Neck cancer team. By the very nature of the disease they are supposed to see the patient within 14 days which may not be possible during this crisis. My thoughts.
Anyway, to cap off this rather long post. I'm well up on technology but a lot of people my age aren't. How would they have fared in my position?
Anyone experienced similar?
By the way I will not be needing the hospital appointment. I stopped taking the latest medication and reverted back to the previous one. My tongue colour has noticeably started to lighten over the past 2 days Yippee!!
I would like to add that I fully appreciate and understand the difficulties that this pandemic has forced upon the medical profession and this is not a criticism.
Some of you may recall that I had part of my tongue removed last year. I have been battling Thrush (Candida) ever since, taking various medications for it. I am immuno-compromised so not really winning as yet. Last Sunday I noticed about 60% of my tongue had changed to a very dark, almost black colour.
I rang the surgery Monday morning and after a barrage of different covid warnings was informed a GP would ring me in the afternoon.
He asked me to describe it but I told him he really needed to see it, if not in person then by videochat or similar. He agreed to this but it meant I had to download an app called Whereby. After doing so I was able to go ahead, video from my side only. I think he probably blocked the camera his end. I live alone and found it extremely difficult to position the phone in good light to let him have a decent view of my tongue. My tongue barely reaches my lips, lol.
He also gave me an email address to upload a couple of pictures of my tongue.
He called me back some time later saying he didn't like the look of it and he was referring me back to the Head and Neck cancer team. By the very nature of the disease they are supposed to see the patient within 14 days which may not be possible during this crisis. My thoughts.
Anyway, to cap off this rather long post. I'm well up on technology but a lot of people my age aren't. How would they have fared in my position?
Anyone experienced similar?
By the way I will not be needing the hospital appointment. I stopped taking the latest medication and reverted back to the previous one. My tongue colour has noticeably started to lighten over the past 2 days Yippee!!