"Disappointed"

I'm not one to frequent the doctor's surgery unnecessarily. I can't actually remember the last time that I was there but it was a long time ago and that was to pay for a jab to go abroad.

I phoned today to ask to see a doctor. I explained my symptoms to the receptionist, who clearly didn't listen to a thing I said. I told her that I'd started with a cough, cold over a week ago; I had a high temperature on Thursday, Friday, Saturday (I was actually awaken one night because of sweat rolling off my body and the sheets were actually sodden); I feel like I've been hit by a bus and several days later, I feel exactly the same, except that the fever has reduced. I have no energy and the cough/cold persist.

She said 'you've got a cold, go to see the pharmacist'. I asked her if he/she would be able to prescribe antibiotics as I felt this virus isn't going anywhere quickly and she said that she didn't know - that was an obvious lie.

I've paid into this system for nearly 40 years and I really expect better. I dare say that many attend the doctor's surgery, who shouldn't, but she didn't even take my name or my age to see if I was a regular offender. I went to see the pharmacist who said he wasn't in a position to give strong medication and gave me some over the counter drugs that I could have picked up anywhere. I've actually been on them for the week and if I thought that I needed more, I've have bought more!

I do appreciate that receptionists have been 'fed' lines and procedures but what concerned me was that she 'diagnosed' my illness, though she didn't actually take note of what I'd said. I was very disappointed by the whole affair. So here I am, still feeling ill and no doubt, because of a receptionist will have to remain so for some time. Is there not a better way?