ooh these posts really make me fume (not the writing but the idiots mentioned in them!) In the past 18 months I have twice been stricken with abdominal pains that made me double up in the foetal position on the floor and cry. I know what should I do? First time I called my GP went to the surgery, a quick examination (jumping the queue) and its was a hospital referal, straight to A+E in a taxi, hand letter in, then through process of investigation, treatmetn given, 14 hours later on my way home ( I went home after GP clinic, was hungry and ate a sandwich, thus delaying any surgey that may have been needed (i know I am an idiot hehe) The second time I explained to the receptionist and she quickly spoke to my GP, advised straight to A+E, had a think, jumped in taxi and went A+E, quick chat to ladies on the desk, sat down, 15 mins alter in the cubicles Cannula in my arm, 3 syringes of clear liquid, slight nausea and I was away with the fairies, back up to surgical assesment, another 10 hours alter, on my way home with more treatment. Honestly why is it so difficult to pick up the phone and speak to your GP? I have to say the only time I have ever been in an ambulance was when i got attacked on a night out and was knocked unconcious and the police radioed for one, other than that its always possible to make you way to hospital or seek medical advice, blimey, even my dad when he cut his fingers on a hedge trimmer jumped in teh car and drove himself why? My mum and a lot of my friends are all nurses in the NHS, Brought up on a strict no nonsense apporoach to illness