"Went down with suspected COVID"

Was self isolating for 3 weeks in January. Blood pressure through the roof for 5 days, with racing heart rate and headaches beyond belief.

Called from doctors requesting that I make an appointment for annual appraisal, this to allow me to obtain a further prescription.

I just managed to get an appointment for end of the month, to allow further prescriptions to be obtained. While with the doctor I advised him of my fear that I had contracted Covid but he passed it off by saying that there were many viruses around and it could be any one of them, Also added that there was no reliable test at that time.

I continued suffering severe chest pains, headaches and after a few days totally lost my senses of taste and smell. After the above visit I took a casual walk into the town centre (about 300 Yds).I met my wife there and while she was attending to other matters I decided to get a coffee. I only vaguely remember the scenario when coming round surrounded by an ambulance crew. These people are amazing. Cardiogram/blood pressure checked, when at that point my wife strolled in. Luck was on my side as the crew advised "as we had our car parked nearby get yourself home.

About 9 days later my wife again called 111 as I had another passing out session at home. Admitted immediately to A&E. Spent 5 hours at RSH Shrewsbury for blood tests and monitoring.

That afternoon I was almost thrown out of the hospital. Actually escorted outside by a member of staff. It was luck that I had my mobile phone, contacting my wife to collect me, quite chilled through after my wait in the winter chill for over an hour.

Several tests were arranged at later dates for both heart problems and ongoing breathing problems, the latter being for spirometry tests which were then cancelled due to (alleged) Covid reasons. I have since had no contact with the Caxton surgery since early 2021 where I had my annual bloods checked. Only courtesy I had received was from some unknown locum who had arranged my first Covid Jab.

Other poor services have been rendered to at least two fellow patients at Caxton I know of. It appears to me seems out here in the stick get the poorest support. We had one young trainee doctor for a few months in late 2020 but she moved on after about 4 months. Probably disillusioned with the poor performance of her peers.

Luckily in my opinion,  the cohort of  GP's have done the honourable thing and taken early retirement!

Personally I would not see another doctor unless life threatening, or needing a prescription. Problem is None of the other local quacks are performing any better, so a change of practice is not an option for most of us. Added to this is is the lack of response from E.N.T (Telford) as I have constantly occurring, severe breathing difficulties due to a half century nasal blockage, remnant of a nasal  operation of no effect. Still mouth breathing for 80% of the time leading to throat/mouth ulcers. Had a contact from a Mr Scott at Telford who, back in  April 2021 said he would arrange an appointment for me which never materialised. Typical abysmal performance from a poor (always griping about underpaid, under funded NHS). What would we the patients expect, miracles?