Blood tests

[bowler]

I had 3 stents fitted 8 weeks ago, does anyone know if regular blood tests are required, ? [ I did have a kidney function test done after 3 days but's that's all ] I don't recall being told to have regular blood tests, but as we take so many meds. I thought it would be necessary.

[Zena166]

Hi Bowler. I had blood tests fairly frequently as my medication was constantly being changed. So I was getting them done every couple of weeks post HA and stenting. I now have them done 6 monthly for cholesterol checks but Liver and kidney function as well. Certainly I have them done at an annual check as well. The rehab team may well order them for you if you are under their care at the moment. Talk to them about it. Best wishes. Zena

[bowler in reply to Zena166]

Hello Zena166

Thanks for your prompt reply, I will talk to the rehab team, didn't think to ask them, but nice to hear your experiences

Thank you.

[Qualipop in reply to bowler]

Heart attack 3 weeks ago; lot os new meds. Needed one blood test for kidney after 2 weeks and one for lover after 4 weeks. Depends on yoru meds.

[bowler in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks for your reply, I did get the kidney function test 3 days after my stents, but that's all.

[Qualipop in reply to bowler]

I had 2 stents but only had instructions on discharge letter to go t o GP and arrange the two blood tests. GP tried to tell mehey weren't necessary. The liver test after 4 weeks is because of statins.

[bowler in reply to Qualipop]

I suppose all Dr's have their own ideas when blood tests are necessary, I will check with the cardio nurse

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Bowler,

I have annual blood tests at the very least, also like Zena, when meds have been changed this is usually preceded by a blood test as well

regards

Mark

[bowler in reply to skid112]

Hello Skid

I thought perhaps being on Clopidogrel for a year it would require regular blood checks.

However I will check with the cardio nurse.

Thanks for your reply.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to bowler]

Hi Bowler, my knowledge of clopidogrel use is its in use for a year post heart attack to lower the risk of another. I was on it for 12 months post mine, does make you bleed quite badly and adds to the lovely bruise pattern when you knock yourself!

I assume you are on a statin as well, a kidney function test annually is important as this is a common problem. Overall, an annual blood test also makes sure things are working as they should, both meds and any other issues can be detected here

[bowler in reply to skid112]

Yes I'm full of bruises, made worse by the long term use of steroids for another health issue, they made me bruise easily anyway, and now I look like a battered wife [ as my husband said ] yes I am on statins, and aspirin, Raneex, Ramipril.

and of course the steroids [ Prednisolone } I'm on them for life, for adrenal insufficiency. I now have a urine infection, its never ends, does it.?

I did say to the Locum that in the info on the Clopidogrel it says " can cause bleeding in the urine" he shrugged his shoulders, I wonder!!! however there was definitely an infection when he tested the urine, so now on antibiotics.

We have a small surgery in our village run by Locums, and they don't seem as "keen" as having a regular Dr, so I have to go through the whole caboodle when I see one, We did have a Man and Wife Drs, for 28 years and they have retired, Pity.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to bowler]

I sympathise with the GP situation, I try and see one at my practice as he has been on the 'ride' with me from the start. I did see another, twice, but they were more intent on prescribing more meds, one of which would have caused me problems, than actually listening to what I was saying. As in all walks of life there are some that take that extra step and others who just wave you through.

I would advise you to go to your surgery and ensure they give you regular blood tests, even if you have to explain about the drugs you are on and their side effects.

good luck

Mark

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

It's nearly impossible to get an appointment with my own GP but the one I saw (could be locum as not on practice list) was very through. I had the full set of blood tests after just under three weeks with LFT (liver function test) and FBC (iron level and haemoglobin) being repeated three weeks later as first ones out of range. The only one outside range now is haemoglobin that is slightly low rather than worryingly low.