Being ignored by GPs

I started feeling unwell December 2024, general cold/flu symptoms that won’t go. I’ve been back and forth to the GP throughout the year and have currently seen 6 different doctors. Since the start of September, I’ve started itching relentlessly all over my body, I have no rash or lumps or anything. The worst areas specifically are my groin, armpits and chest but also in my arms and legs. I started getting night sweats around the same time and my fatigue has just gotten worse and worse. I went back to the GP again at the end of October and saw again, a new doctor, however this doctor who was actually only temporarily covering at the surgery for that day, straight away said this sounds like lymphoma and she straight away requested an urgent chest x-ray, blood tests and said I was being referred for an urgent 2 week pathway. The chest x-ray came back clear and the blood results were mostly “normal” despite a lot of the results being borderline high and my liver function was 4 times higher than what it should be. Now that that doctor has left and I’m back dealing with the regular doctors, I’m back to being ignored and what was originally urgent, apparently isn’t anymore because I haven’t got any visible lumps or had any weight loss despite having every other symptom associated with lymphoma. I’ve now been told I’ve got to wait another month for an ultrasound. I’m at that point now where I don’t know what to, the symptoms are just getting worse, especially the itching which is excruciating and I can’t deal with it for another month. 

  • Hello mikeoc1509, 

    Oh poor you, 6 different doctors and it's almost been a year since you started having these persistent cold/flu symptoms. The relentless itching must also be hard to bear and that combined with the night sweats and the increasing fatigue, I can understand why you felt you needed to go back to the GP and get some answers. It's good that the doctor you saw then requested an urgent chest X Ray and wanted to rule out lymphoma but it's unfortunate that they since left and you found yourself back to square one having to deal with a doctor who doesn't seem to be concerned by your current symptoms. It must be so frustrating for you to have to wait another month for an ultrasound especially given that the symptoms and the itching are getting worse. 

    It sounds like you were getting somewhere when that temporary doctor looked after you and perhaps it would be worth getting yet another opinion and seeing if you can speak to someone you haven't seen before. You could explain that you did see a doctor who was concerned about lymphoma and that your symptoms are getting worse and you feel you need answers urgently and treatment to alleviate this excruciating itching. 

    I hope that you get somewhere and have a definite diagnosis soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator