Thank you for everyone for the replies - it does seem quite scary at first but having recently suffered the inquisition at the reception desk, then the telephone consultation before actually getting to see a doctor, then being told I can only discuss one symptom, I don’t think I will be trying to see a GP in the UK again. They did finally refer me for tests as they now seem to think I might have cancer - strange how things suddenly got quicker when they mentioned the ‘C’ word. I should have all the results by Monday and then I can plan the rest of my life!