"Something unexpected but something great!"

My annual med review. Over the phone, not with my GP, not even with a doctor trainee. Needless to say, I had very low expectations.

Firstly, I got an apology for running late and he asked whether it was still convenient to speak. As the call went on, I could tell he had clearly taken the time to look through my notes as he knew my current meds and main issues. The review felt very broad and open, we both laughed several times on the call, and by the end I realised I had spoken candidly about my mood, diet, exercise and with it felt comfortable to give true alcohol, blood pressure, weight and exercise stats.

Instead of the usual disapproving speech about my lifestyle, I found that he really listened to my situation and gave me realistic goals for someone of my weight, confidence and social anxiety – he called me out on my list of excuses too. I haven’t had CBT in over a year, and it felt like I had one of those one on one breakthrough sessions. An actual worthwhile med review with the pharmacist. If you get to read this, I have signed up for the voluntary thing that used to make me feel better about myself! Thank you!