Problems with the Pill.

I know I seem full of little problems today, but I only post because I get really useful advice!  Sorry to annoy anybody!

I have the pill shipped to me from my mom every month in the US.  It's costly to ship it, but I found it easier than going to the GP here (which is out of the way) and having an exam.  My perscription ran out last month, and I have an appointment with a GP at my university (not my official GP in the UK, by the way) as a guest/temporary patient.

I have my NHS card and documents from my GP in Derby (I've not had an appointment there, though) and a letter from the A&E following a visit that I had back in November.  I forgot to bring my passport and my old case of birth control pills, which I feel really stupid about (I was in a rush this morning).  I live in Derby and commute to Nottingham so going home just to get the pill case and passport is out of the question. 

I am on a specific type of pill (Loestrin FE) as I'm anemic and have bad side effects when taking a high-hormone pill.  I was told over the phone that the uni GP would take me on for the day as a temporary patient and give me a perscription.  Is it possible to request a specific type of pill (without having the case of pills or any medical records with me) at this appointment?

I'm really worried that I won't get the type of pill that I need. 

On a side note:  My mom was able to renew the perscription for two more months in the US, but she hasn't shipped it yet (and I need the pill to start taking again on Sunday).  This is quite last minute, but I wasn't informed about the lack of medicine until earlier this week.

When I went to the GP about my birth control, she just asked me what I preferred. I think if I'd have asked her for a specific birth control pill (assuming it was available) she'd have scripped it for me.

Since you have access to a computer, you can research a bit to figure out what the brand name for your pill is over here, if it's different, so you'll have some specific information to take with you. If you explain why you need it, I don't see why your GP wouldn't listen to you.

Thanks.  The name seems to be the same in the UK.

Birth control is free over here if your eligible for NHS... so it would seem to save a lot of hassle to see a GP over here.  I'm sure there will be suitable options for you available over here as there are women who are anemic in the UK as well.  You can probably find the same exact thing.  You just need to see the GP, thats all. 

Birth control is free over here if your eligible for NHS... so it would seem to save a lot of hassle to see a GP over here.  I'm sure there will be suitable options for you available over here as there are women who are anemic in the UK as well.  You can probably find the same exact thing.  You just need to see the GP, thats all. 

As a Uni student, I'm eligible.  I just had huge amounts of difficulty getting a last minute appointment at my GP in Derby, which isn't bus accessible.  I would have had no way of getting there for an actual appointment.  The one at my university didn't seem all too enthused about taking me on -- but seriously, £9,000+ year and no medical treatment when needed?  A bit silly, I think.

I'm hoping that I can get the perscription today.

Honestly, you shouldn't have any problem with getting a prescription in the UK. As far as I'm aware, they don't examine you either. When I went on the pill, the doctor weighed me, took my blood pressure and then wrote out the prescription - I was in and out within 10 minutes. Now, when I go back for repeat prescriptions, it just involves a quick blood pressure check and that's all. Also, you should easily be able to get a prescription for more than 1 or 2 months. They usually give them in either 3 months, 6 months or 1 year prescriptions (I get 1-year prescriptions currently).

The one at my university didn't seem all too enthused about taking me on

That seems a bit off - at my UK university all students were required to register with the university health centre - especially international students. In fact, you weren't properly registered as a student until you had signed up at the health centre.

I live with my boyfriend in Derby, which is out of the sector that treats students.  Unless you live on campus or on university accomodation owned or very close to the campus, you aren't covered.  I honestly don't understand that, as I'm a student and I'm paying international fees, so I should be able to see a doctor where it is convenient.  The one in Derby is completely out of the way. 

If you explain why you need it, I don't see why your GP wouldn't listen to you.

Except for if you're fat - somehow, the fact that I've been on one pill for ten years without any adverse side effects whatsoever (and have been approximately the same weight as I am now, give or take twenty pounds, which is a drop in the bucket when you weigh over 200lbs, as I do) means NOTHING to my GP, who switched me to a low-dose pill that killed my libido and seriously screwed up my cycle against my vehement protests, and refuses to reinstate my original prescription.

Not insinuating anything 'cause I've never met you, but if any of this might apply to you, watch out! 

Except for if you're fat - somehow, the fact that I've been on one pill for ten years without any adverse side effects whatsoever (and have been approximately the same weight as I am now, give or take twenty pounds, which is a drop in the bucket when you weigh over 200lbs, as I do) means NOTHING to my GP, who switched me to a low-dose pill that killed my libido and seriously screwed up my cycle against my vehement protests, and refuses to reinstate my original prescription.

Not insinuating anything 'cause I've never met you, but if any of this might apply to you, watch out! 

Oh lordie. Can you change GPs? I have serious beef with doctors who won't listen to their patients when it comes to birth control.

Go to a family planning clinic if your GP won't listen.

Oh lordie. Can you change GPs? I have serious beef with doctors who won't listen to their patients when it comes to birth control.

Yeah.  *sigh*  I probably should look around a bit - the same one put me on blood pressure meds, based, I guess, on the fact that I'm fat - despite the fact that I've only ever had two readings over 122/82 in my life.

Yeah.  *sigh*  I probably should look around a bit - the same one put me on blood pressure meds, based, I guess, on the fact that I'm fat - despite the fact that I've only ever had two readings over 122/82 in my life.

I'm gonna guess he/she has mentioned dieting a time or twenty. 

You should send your story to this site http://fathealth.wordpress.com/ 

I hate it when all doctors can see is your weight.

I was switched to a low dose pill after I turned (the magic number of) 40.

Despite the fact that I moved to the UK, signed on with a GP, and was put on my previous pill when I was 39 and 8 months.

I think they just do things by the book without thinking.

I think they just do things by the book without thinking.

I absolutely agree - take the myriad problems that many UKYers have had obtaining Wellbutrin for depression in the UK, despite having been prescribed it in the US!