update re full blood tests and 24hr Holter fitted at my GP surgery

[fairyfeathers]

My GP should have telephoned me on Friday to discuss both issues, call never happened. I have spoken to Receptionist today who checked my notes and said bloods no further action. I have asked for a printout of my results for my file. As far as the ECG was concerned the Receptionist said she didn’t really understand the terminology but it looks as if you had etopics whatever they are?? But GP said no further action. Good it only showed etopics which is a relief. It would have been helpful to know if my unsteadiness is when my heart is misbehaving, ie etopics?

I am thinking of changing my GP as I have said in a previous post I haven’t seen him for years and he is not “user friendly” if you get what I mean 😃 x

[Hidden]

Hello

I am glad you got your results in a fashion as we say and they seem positive that everything is going well

I think there are quite a few "user friendly " doctors nowadays

If you are thinking of changing surgeries ask around your friends to see if they can recommend one or you can put in Google Doctors surgeries ( in the area you want ) they will come up and usually most will have reviews from patients which helps

Good Luck x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your response. Luckily our GP surgery has just taken on two new female GP's who have just qualified and I have been told I can transfer to either one if I wish. So that is my easy option. Yes my results are good and what I hoped for so I am grateful. x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

That is really good news and sometimes you find the newly qualified one's are really good or I have in the past

Hope you find a big improvement now x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

I hope so. My current GP will do the minimum he can and the support is missing too. x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Fingers crossed these will be a lot better you will have to let us know x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

I hope you are doing ok today? But just in case you need it I’m sending a hug x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

Thank you I will take the hug I do need it and appreciate it to

I hope you are ok x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

I’m a little anxious about my biopsy results tomorrow. I remember being told that the best cure for the body is a quiet mind, so I’m working on that. Easier said than done🙂 . Pleased my hug helped x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

You would not be human if you were not feeling a little bit anxious of those results and this waiting has to be the worst bit , I think once that is over no matter what we then seem to cope more

Try and tell yourself and it is not easy and I have stand need to talk but whatever those results maybe getting anxious is not going to change them but whatever those results maybe if it was the worst scenario they would treat you and if it was the best scenario then you can get back on with life as you were

Getting a quite mind that is a good one mine works over time it is a shame it does not get paid I would be a millionaire by now if it did

I do go on some apps though I find they can help ,getting into a good film even though I struggle to find one and I have recently started doing a bit of crafting decorating gift boxes and cards which I do enjoy except I have that many now my Husband says stop !

We will be thinking about you and be here for you so no matter what you are not alone

Sending a big hug back to you 🤗

Please let us know how you get on x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

thank you for your lovely reply and wise words your support means a lot so a big thank you. I used to read lots but just recently my silly old brain won’t settle to a book. I did try knitting once it should have been a little matinee jacket for my son, never did finish it and my son is 48 years old now 😂 so don’t think it would fit him now! I will keep you posted x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

I used to read a lot and found now with everything I just cannot get into it anymore my brain will not relax enough

Well one thing is you have still got your sense of humour trying to knit the jacket but never finished it and I agree I think if you did now he might just be a little bit to big for it

I wonder what he would think if you did finish it and gave it to him saying I started this for you 48 years ago but only just finished it

Whatever happens you are strong and you will get through what feels like such an anxious time

Will look out for you posting or replying x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

I can’t see me finishing the jacket which is probably a good thing, I have a feeling I have knitted one arm longer than the other 😂. Lovely to chat with you x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

You could have always rolled the longer sleeve up you might have set of a new fashion you will now never know

Hope it has just given you a little smile talking a while and will be thinking about you x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

Yes, thank you x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

Just to say I am thinking about you x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

Hello I have been called in to see my breast surgeon this Thursday, no further info at this time. x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

Hope you are managing to keep that mind clear

A day at a time

Look out for you on Thursday x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

Hello. I'm looking for my big girls pants at the moment! I read somewhere that you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. I am trying to keep calm as my heart has been all over the place this afternoon which is not helping. You are correct, a day at a time. Thank so much for your support, means a lot. x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

Not sure if I ever got any big girl pants to be honest but could do with some and I am sure you will find yours

Keep looking a day at a time x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

yes calming positive thoughts . A day at a time is the way forward . A hug back to you for your support x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Thank You x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

hello. Not the news I wanted breast cancer in my other breast. I’m booked for MRI, CT and bone scans in next 3 weeks followed by surgery, radiotherapy and chemo if scans indicate it’s the way to go. My poor hubby has been here before in 2019/2020 with me bless him. x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

Bless you I was really hoping this was not going to be the reply you would be saying as well

Now your Husband he has been there before with you and he will get through it with you again and it is not your fault that you find yourself in this position and he knows that even though this must be a blow for you both at the moment

I hope you can think positive and you have got through this once you can do it again and they have caught things quick and acting on it so I know you will get through it and we will be here to try and help as much as we can

Sending the biggest hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 your way

You have can do this I know you can x

Just to add I want you on here with us but have you seen these Communities I will put the links on so you can have a look and see if they would be any good as I want to think you are getting all the support you can x

healthunlocked.com/breast-c...

healthunlocked.com/share-me...

healthunlocked.com/share-br...

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

a little update. All my scans and MRI’s and ultrasounds plus biopsies are finished and it looks as if my cancer has not spread to other organs. Operation on 21 April with radiotherapy to follow one week of this and then pills for life. So I feel I have been lucky. There are a few things to sort out with my arrhythmia issues and anticoagulant and I will prob need to stop Edoxaban 3 days prior to op. It will be general anaesthetic as will not do op under a local. Hope you are well? xx

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

As far as good news goes with this then I will say this is great news even though I know you still have to have the ope and treatment you must feel relieved to get that news

You are a strong lady and I hope you will have time to keep updating us how everything is going and how you are as I shall be thinking about you

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

yes I feel lucky that it’s been caught early.

You didn’t say how you were feeling? xx

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Hello

I know I feel compared to what you are going through that how I am feeling is nothing and wrong of me to complain

I am not coping very well and struggling as usual but as I said compared to you it is pathetic I am feeling this way

Thank you though as it is so kind of you to ask x

[fairyfeathers in reply to Hidden]

I’m so sorry you are struggling, you are certainly not complaining. You support us all on this site with your kindness and wise words. You certainly helped me when I was anxious and needing support. So I am sending you a gentle hug with my wish that things improve for you very soon xx

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Thank You x

[Hidden in reply to fairyfeathers]

Added some links on to my last reply hope you see them and maybe some might help but worth taking a look if you have not seen them before

They are all Communities on Health Unlocked x

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

It was only when I saw a NQT at our urgent care centre that anyone had ever asked about my family history of heart disease. I also saw a young female doctor in training at our practice that for the first time ever she actually asked how I was coping.

[Hidden in reply to Qualipop]

Hello

My Doctors knew my family History regarding heart attacks and I had been complaining and they still did no checks and then I went on to have my first heart attack !

Sometimes the training Doctors and the newly qualified Doctors can be better I think those that have been Doctors years sometimes become complacent

I am glad you were finally asked how you were doing x

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

Complacency is very common like the one last week wh o yet again said my chest pain "Will only be your spine" like the other one who had said that for a year when I had a heart attack. I think the e ones tend to be more careful. My grandfather was the only one of 13 siblings to live beyond 50. My mum died after 3 heart attacks. Had my G P asked, it could maybe have been avoided

[Hidden in reply to Qualipop]

Hello

I agree and yes the younger one's seem to be so much better

I had pneumonia and the Doctor that has been there years who now thinks she literally knows everything kept telling me I had a virus even though I kept saying no this is not a virus I am struggling to breath

Next minute I am been blue lighted into resuscitation my Husband been told it was touch and go but you come across stories like ours nowadays a lot

I am so sorry for your loses must have and still very hard for you

You never get over it just learn to live with it don't you x

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

Continuity of care is essential where GPs actually know their patients and know when they are not exaggerating.

Np problem, only my mum's death affected me. I was too young when the rest died

[Hidden in reply to Qualipop]

Hello

I watch Call the Midwifes this series has finished now but it is like back in the 50's and 60's so I can remember what things were like and the Doctor and Nurses know all their patients , their History and everything and that is what it was like and agree it is important but I do not think we will get it back to that again x

[Qualipop in reply to fairyfeathers]

NO point here transferring to a specific GP because when you want to see them you can't. you only get to see whoever is on call t hat day. I need to discuss my pain relief with my named gp but here's a 2 month wait to see him and then only if i happen to phone on the right day when there happens to be a vacancy with him. I haven't seen him now for two years.

[fairyfeathers in reply to Qualipop]

hi thank you for your response. At my GPsurgery you can in an emergency have a same day apptment with a nurse practitioner or duty doctor. So I agree you rarely see your own GP. You can book ahead to see your own GP for routine appointments this is usually 4-5 weeks ahead. As for meds you can ask receptionist to put a note thro to your own GP listing the issues you wish to discuss. The GP sees the note and replies and the receptionist will ring the patient with the answer usually within 48 hrs. None of this is ideal.

[Qualipop in reply to fairyfeathers]

IF I 'm discussing medication I have things to ask the doctor- not a receptionist and like you a routine appointment is weeks ahead but usually fully booked. No continuity of care.

[Mountwood in reply to Hidden]

Good to see you back!!! You have been missed.

[Hidden in reply to Mountwood]

Hello

Thank you that is kind of you

I hope you are keeping well x

[10gingercats]

If you sign up to Emis you can get almost all of your test results online. I did not organise it for my computer but asked someone who is more techy and computer savvy than i am to do it for me. You willl not necessarily get Echocardiogram results on emis and possibly not ecgs but you will get blood tests and x rays and usually scans. I also got a bone desity result. Then you can pretty much independent of your doc. giving your results unless you want an explanation of the results.

[fairyfeathers in reply to 10gingercats]

Sounds like a plan. Thank you for the helpful info. x

[Lezzers]

I find that GP's generally mark most if not all results as no further action & then we get a phone call from the surgery as Dr has asked for further tests. I don't understand why dr's do this but the Dr at our previous surgery also did this. As an example, my husband recently had bloods taken & the next day the surgery phoned to say GP has requested further blood tests as his kidney function result was showing as very low so appt was made for a week later. The next day we phoned surgery to say we're coming in to pick up a copy of the results ( we always have our own copy) and was told by the receptionist that the results had been marked 'no further action'!! Strange way of working! I would ask to speak to the Dr. Good luck 🤞

[fairyfeathers in reply to Lezzers]

yes you are quite correct. My GP doesn’t really like me having a copy of scans and results but I am provided with them if I ask! I am changing my GP as I am getting little support from him and I haven’t seen him in years.

[Lezzers in reply to fairyfeathers]

Good idea. But bear in mind another GP may do the same with test results, we've had 2 surgeries in 2 different health authority areas & they've both done this. I don't think they're keen on results being given over the phone particularly by someone untrained (receptionist) in case of misunderstandings etc

[fairyfeathers in reply to Lezzers]

our surgery has a designated results phone which is manned by a receptionist who just reads out what the GP has told her to tell the patient. Today the receptionist really didn’t understand the ECG result so no chance to discuss. As you say to save causing misunderstandings the receptionist can only read out what is written. If you need a chat with the GP it’s usually 4-5 weeks for a chat over the telephone at our Surgery.

[Mountwood]

The fact that your results were ok doesn't mean you should have received them from the receptionist who didn't understand them herself. Some GPs don't seem to think the patient might need some explanation and I don't believe they are too busy to speak to you themselves. They have never had so much support. My surgery has around 30 admin staff etc. for 8 doctors, most part time.

[fairyfeathers in reply to Mountwood]

Hello. The Receptionist admitted she didn't understand whether the fact I had etopics showing on my ECG were important or not as she didn't know what etopics meant. She just read out what GP had written down for her to tell me. I could not discuss whether the diary I kept over the 24hrs nothing times of my unsteadiness coincided with the etopics or not. My GP did not want to see me or discuss things further. The "no further action" with my full blood test is the normal response if your levels for things being checked are within the levels NHS set. I am being provided with a copy of my blood report. My GP surgery is fully staffed and is a good surgery so I am transferring to a new recently qualified GP who has recently joined the Surgery in the hope things improve.

[Confused01]

Hi,

Are you signed up to Patient Access website? It should show your health records, test results etc if you are (nhs). It’s very helpful.

Also it maybe a good idea to invest in a smart watch giving you heart bpm. Not necessarily exact but close and you can track it then.

X

[fairyfeathers in reply to Confused01]

Thank you for your advice. I'm not signed up to Patient Access Website, I will look into that. As for the smart watch I do have one which I have not set up as I thought it would make me more anxious?? I do have a BP monitor that shows if I am suffering with arrhythmia which is helpful. I have a lot going on health wise presently so am trying to concentrate on one health issue at a time. I have just transferred to a new GP so am hoping for more support. I am very lucky in that I have the contact details for my EP who has said I can ring his secretary to set up a chat to discuss any concerns I might have.

[Beatle45 in reply to Confused01]

My patient access doesn’t allow me access to my results

[Confused01 in reply to Beatle45]

You need to request your gp upgrades so you can see results, history, referrals etc. My partner had to do this. Mine had been upgraded, his not.

[Beatle45 in reply to Confused01]

Thank you, I’ll try that.

[Afibflipper]

Hi fairyfeathers, having worked in a GP set up for a number of years I know that receptionist should not be giving out any information about results other than to say what the GP has written eg “everything is satisfactory no further action book telephone consultation for patient to speak to Dr

[fairyfeathers in reply to Afibflipper]

yes, I agree. The receptionist I spoke to just read out what the GP had written down. I felt sorry for her as she apologised for not being able to explain any further.

[fairyfeathers]

thank you x