Decapeptyl injections - how much leeway?

Hello ansteynomad 

We have had this chat before and the results were:

* A few days leeway + or - 3 days is the generally accepted rule.

* My G P says as it's a slow release treatment 1 - 2 weeks shouldn't matter.

* Then there's the big debate is it 6 months or 24 weeks. My GP practice use 24 weeks my consultant says 6 months.

I know I am not much help but that's how the last debate ended. I am sure others will contradict me but I've been wrong before .

Best wishes - Brian.

Now they've moved it back again. It will be 28 weeks.

Helloansteynomad 

In that case I would be contacting the Practice Manager at the GP practice to ask for the appointment to be moved back as it's a "time critical" injection.

The GP practice will have a "Shared Agreement" from you oncologist where they agree to undertake these injections. If you have no joy with the GP's speak to Oncology.

Best wishes - Brian.

Following on from Millibob's expert words, also talk to Healthwatch for your locality. 

Seek their advice on the next steps you should take. It may fall to you to take whatever actions they recommend to ensure that this bunch of jokers get their act together.

Hi ansteynomad , I honestly don’t think it matters much but I do try and get my 12 weekly jabs on time.  If you imagine how the release of hormone is achieved, I can’t think at the end of the period the drug just stops but it must start to run down over a period of time, so actually HT will be being delivered for longer than 26 weeks.  It is just annoying that something as simple as administering a drug every 26 weeks can’t be achieved.  We know that when HT is stopped it takes months for recovery so I suspect it really isn’t that definite.

So he went in on the postponed date only to find that it hadn't been ordered, although he was told last time that it is a stock item.

He's going back tomorrow,  when they hope they will have it in. That will be 28 weeks or 6 calendar months plus 7 days since his first injection,  but there's still no guarantee that it will actually happen!

Hello ansteynomad 

Personally I would be having a word with the GP Practice manager.

Our GP surgery give me the prescription 2/3 weeks prior to the injection date and an appointment with the practice nurse. It's then up to me to pick up the prescription - - collect the drugs usually the week before the injection and take it with me on the day.

Best wishes - Brian.

Logically I can't see that +/- say 7 days a disaster, BUT GPs should be pressed to follow the protocol. I had few brisk words with mine and put my views, indeed demands, in writing. Still confused reception people  -  no, can't make sn appointment more than a week ahead, no. we can't fill the prescription.

Luckily, practice nurse saw it differently. She sticks to 12 weeks and told admin in no uncertain terms that the decapeptyl WILL be sourced and that all I have to do is turn up.

GPs are very much the weal link in all NHS care.

Good luck, Dave 

Apart from my first injection. I was told by the hospital  to order via a chemist in advance,  then  make the appointment as close to six mo ths as possible. 

Six moths?