I didn’t do a very good job of explaining… and did only get time to describe my funny moments and crushing pain, but i did leave the list on her desk… so hopefully she won’t bin it… she said she wasn’t really that worried, if I’ve been bad for this long and things haven’t got worse. i mentioned neuro and she said that would be along way down the line… i suppose this isn’t a dismissal. she put in for blood tests for vitamin d, thyroid, blood count and muscle inflammatory??? i think thats what she called it, said it was something that could explain the pain. and some others. i won;t be getting them done for a few weeks anyways, cos i’ll need to sort someone to come with, especially if they are fasting cos she didn’t say which kind. I just feel so odd… happy/sad/scared/overall confused!
Hugs Jules. It’s so hard keeping focused when you’re feeling quiet overwhelmed and emotional about everything. I almost burst out crying on my GP last week when I want to ask for a second opinion. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
It’s certainly positive you’re being sent for blood tests. You by no means have been dismissed. Get the tests done and go back with the results. If nothing is found you’ve grounds to push for a neuro review. If something is found then you never know it could be the answer. Remember MS is just one of many things that could cause neuro symptoms.
Good luck Jules - let us know how you get on.
Reemz
X
Hi Jules,
Sorry, I’ve already tried to post this once, but stupid internet connection hiccupped.
It’s not just nosiness, but do you mind me asking how old you are? I mean, you sound young, but I think you said before you are working, so I’m guessing 16, maybe 18?
The reason I’m asking is I’m concerned that you talk about not not being able to have a blood test for “a few weeks” due to having to organise someone to accompany you.
If these tests are important, and you need answers, they need to be done sooner rather than later.
A blood test takes moments, and it should be perfectly safe to pop in and get it done, without having to wait for an escort.
If you’re squeamish, and think you might faint or something, then tell them before you have it done, and the nurse will make sure you’re well looked after. You’ll be sitting or lying down anyway, so you won’t collapse to the floor or anything.
Also it’s only a very small amount they take (sorry if you already know this), so you won’t be weak from blood loss. It’s not like blood donation.
I’d press on and get it done, if I were you. You’ll be in and out in minutes, and free to go home.
You don’t want to be delaying weeks, while you wait for somebody to come with you.
Tina
Hiya jules Im back.
Having the blood tests is the next step on your journey and again you cant move forward until you go.
I know you are scared of needles but unless you have the tests you will have to stay where you are, and the gp will think if you dont go for the first ruling out things tests there is no point trying to help you and that your symptoms must of passed.
As I have said before it could all be the result of an easily treatable mimic and that you can be treated and then you can get on with the rest of your life.
Uncertainty is no good for anyones mental health and I really think you need to take the bull by the horns and press on…and these few basic blood tests are the starting point.
The journey to diagnosis is long enough as it is,so please dont drag it out longer than it needs to be because of fear.
Have a look at the form and it will tell you if it is fasting or not,I think its in the top bit above where they write what type of tests they are asking for.
As a new patient you could always tell whoever you could get to go with you that he wants baseline bloods as you are new to him. Which is true .
You have changed gp, you have made an appt and been to see him.You made all that happen so deep breath next step blood tests…so when are you going?
Take care
Pip
Hi Jules,
The blood tests are definitely a step forward - not a dismissal.
Your new GP has to start somewhere and this is it but whatever the results come back as, you’ll be better off for having had them done.
If something does pop up in the results it’ll help to tell the doc what’s going on or they’ll be the launch pad for a referral to someone who can find out. Either way blood tests are the starting point.
I’m assuming that you have a fear of needles, so I think you should do whatever you need to do to get the tests done, dusted and be able to move forwards. Plus you’ll be able to give yourself a pat on the back for facing your fear - either with or without help.
Keep telling yourself that it’ll be over in a matter of minutes and that it’s a means to an end - something you have to do that’ll only benefit you.
Good luck
Debbie xx
Hi Jules, no, it’s not a dismissal. Blood tests are a normal way to start trying to find the cause of the problem.
Try to take it a day at a time… and yes, get that blood taken as soon as you possibly can.
Take care,
Pat x
Hi guys, tina im 24, the reason im scared (minus what the possible outcome could be), is cos my body is higly reactive to any little thing, even if they only took a pinprick, something would happen. i was not given any form but i found out today that its non fasting so i’ll be going up soon to get it out the way. i hope i do not sound ungrateful. as i know there are still so many people not being taken seriously by doctors and i know how lucky i am, i really do.
xx
Hi Jules, I don’t think it would a good idea if you did not go through with having the blood tests done. I do not know the reasons why you maybe reluctant or need someone to accompany you for a routine blood test.
The GP has made the correct decision to rule out some other conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms, if the GP did not request them and just referred you to neurology, one of the first tests they would request is bloods to rule out other conditions.
If it is down to fear of needles then I agree with Tina that suitable arrangements will be made by the nurse responsible for the bloods if you notify them of any concerns you may have.
Good luck.
I am going through with them tho.
Good for you - go for it. Just look away and don’t see the needle. I’m sure for kids they have some numbing gel for injections. Maybe they could give you that too. Also for consultants appointments make sure you request a copy letter that they send to your GP. So you can keep track of what’s been said and decided Good luck Hugs Min xx
[quote=“Juleslovesmusicals”]
Hi guys, tina im 24, the reason im scared (minus what the possible outcome could be), is cos my body is higly reactive to any little thing, even if they only took a pinprick, something would happen. i was not given any form but i found out today that its non fasting so i’ll be going up soon to get it out the way. i hope i do not sound ungrateful. as i know there are still so many people not being taken seriously by doctors and i know how lucky i am, i really do.
xx
[/quote] I wasn’t offended with you at all. Ultimately, it’s up to you what you have done. I have refused some tests (specifically the lumbar puncture) and some treatments. So I wasn’t meaning that " You should be grateful". I was just concerned that the outcome of these tests might be important - for YOU, not for the efficient running of the NHS - so delaying for “a few weeks” whilst you wait for someone to be free to come with you might delay both diagnosis and treatment. If the results show it was something that should have been dealt with promptly (I’m not necessarily thinking MS, as that doesn’t show in blood), you might feel upset you didn’t get the tests sooner. Tina
Yeah sorry guys, i guess i was reading things wrong, i do that.
xx
Hi Don’t worry. The compilation of a list is good, I did this when I saw the specialist as I would loose it, and I did, it was a shock to me. Please see your doc as persistence as well as a good doc will help. Originally I went 3 yrs ago, got prescribed pain killers and didn’t go again as I was a number. Recently I saw a different GP, he was good, had 1st adapt, I wasn’t that clear (list would have done here) and got painkillers. Went back 2 weeks later told him the facts from my list, he called in a 2nd GP and they referred me to a consultant phyio. 2xGPs 40 min (not the normal NHS 10 min) The consultant referred me to a 2nd same day, who sent me to hospital 8/5/12. I then saw a 3rd had 2 x brain and 1 x back scan, I was then DX. Came very quick but not a shock, the final DX was. Just push on as you know you and do not be scared of it. There is a great family ( as I was told earlier) that will help, give support and info. Mike