Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

I would probably have to start the process all over again. I have a slot for the 29th and it's not that far off, so I have accepted that. The problem I have now is that it's almost impossible to contact the breast surgeon and my anti inflammatories have run out, due to the length of the overall process. I don't want to have to travel all the way to Portico just so she can re-issue a prescription. They have not reduced the swelling but they have helped with the pain and discomfit. I'm taking ibuprofen at the moment. Helps a bit but not as much as what I had.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

At least you have a date for next week so not too long to wait.

Re the prescription, if it's anything like a private prescription in Spain, the pharmacy hand the prescription back to you so you can reuse it. Failing that, if you take the existing box of anti inflammatories to a pharmacy they might let you buy another box. You could try a few different pharmacies.

It's worth a try.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

I'd agree with trying the pharmacy, I can but both my statins and thyroxin over the counter in Portugal....... and it's actually cheaper than were I to pay for a prescription in the UK! Analgaesics seem to be expensive in comparison.... aspirin costs as much as the thyroxin!

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Thanks both. I have spoke to the Doctor's receptionist and was offered an appointment on Saturday for a prescription - I turned it down as it is a long way to go. Apparently, the Dr had anticipated that and instead suggested that I up my does to 600mg of ibuprofen.... so giving that a go, but will pop into the pharmacy next time I am out.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Also, I have managed to wrangle an evening appointment for after my MRI. So, that's positive.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

This may seem a "duh!", but take the prescribed medication package with you - I can't say this will work in the Algarve, but out in the sticks the pharmacists seem to recognize the issues with arranging repeat prescriptions. Then again, I haven't heard of anyome mainlining statins or thyroxin!

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Idiot that I am, I threw the packaging away....:unsure:

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Then that might be more of a problem, unless you know the name and dosage of the medication....... or can get it from the original prescriber.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Fortunately, the huge dose of ibuprofen, seems to be helping.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

My pharmacist says that she can renew most prescriptions for her patients herself; only without the SNS prescription from a doctor or hospital, we have to pay the full price without subsidy.
As Maclaim said, the cost for most meds is less than the fuel cost of driving to the doctor.
For these reasons, we always use the same pharmacy. They know us now, we have a relationship, and we don't need to run to the doctor for simple renewals.

There are exceptions; anything narcotic has to have a current SNS prescription, and some meds are really expensive without one.

Anyway, if you want to renew your anti-inflammatories then ask at the pharmacy where you got the first prescription filled.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

The pharmacy where I got the first prescription is in Portico...quite a way to go. The prescription itself was a text message with a code, not a written prescription.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

If you're just interested in the name / dosage of the medication, you can sign in to your SNS account using utente number, DoB, mobile number and a code they send to your mobile, and you can see your prescription history in there (Os meus Registos / Percurso de Saude and then probably easiest to use the Visualisar em Tabela tab). If it's a spent prescription, you won't be able to re-print it in the usual format for paper prescriptions but it'll give the details as regards the medication.

Re: Mammaogram/Scan
 

Thanks Red Eric. Useful to know.