So in December 2023 I had an nstemi (have a stent fitted).Today I went for a blood test to check my cholesterol levels, kidneys and liver function. I assume because of all the meds I'm on.
This evening I get a text to say to book a "routine appointment" with my GP to discuss liver bloods.
I rang and the Receptionist said to call back in a day or two when new routine appts should become available. I asked if it was urgent but she said no and used the word "satisfactory" about my results.
I know I am panicking but I do suffer from health anxiety. The results came back quickly (unless it's an automated message from the hospital) but there seems to be no concern or urgency about my seeing the GP.
Has anyone else experienced similar please?
C
Written by
Comfycousin1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
as I see it: You had a cardiac event, and as a matter of routine your doctor wants to follow up. You had the usual blood tests and your doctor wants to discuss them with you but it’s not urgent. Have I got this right?
If so, you can make a routine appointment and confidently wait for it. Before you go, write down exactly what you want to say to the doc so that you are well-prepared and get everything covered.
It’s not usual for receptionists to comment on the result of tests, as they aren’t medically trained. The test results are available to you if you have the NHS app, or indeed your surgery’s own app, but unless you are medically trained it’s not always a good idea to read and understand them.
You've got it right. Thank you 😀 for some reason I can't see them on my app. I did say to the Receptionist I was concerned about the speed at which they'd come back and she said "it just says routine appt" and then she said that she could understand my concern but they say (or look..I can't recall) satisfactory.
I was told I'd hear in a week. They came back in hours. Then told I could book a routine appointment to discuss. Mixed messages. I've been up most of the night with ibs (stress most likely). Thanks for your reassuring message. X
I think it’s a terrible system that GP surgery’s use. I usually get a text message to say that my blood tests have come back normal. No context about the results , then I have to chase up to get the results sent to me every time. I recently had a text telling me I was pre diabetic and the offer to join a lifestyle program ! No context , just the text . I had to make an online submission explaining my lifestyle ( running 5k 2-3 times a week , yoga twice a week , physical work around my farm daily , walk dog 4k daily , daily step count ranging from 10- 22k , nutrition and I am like food police , even make my own bread medication following Nstemi heart attack , quadruple bypass . My GP called back and she was shocked at the result and arranged for a second blood test as she thought it was a false positive. It came back normal.. what a palaver
I know. I HATE text messages at the best of times plus you can't reply to them. I had one in the early days from a GP who told me to stop taking my heart meds to see if the nausea improved !!Uh. No! I rang them and complained. No personal interaction. Its appalling really.
I’ve just come off the phone with my pharmacist, she was great. She understood how I’ve been feeling and told me to stop taking my statin for 2 weeks to see if I feel any better. I feel like it’s a life victory 🤦🏼🤣🤣
Exactly the same. My liver enzymes have been raised since a few months after my first heart attack 5 years ago. At first I was in a mad panic but I've gradually relaxed! I was recently sent for a liver scan which was normal so take some comfort from that. I'm very grateful for the medication I'm on but they do create a lot of problems.
Yes, indeed they do. I don't know if you saw my update post but the Cardiac Nurse had a look at the results and said it was likely nothing significant but they might try adjusting my statin.It's not one thing it's another. I'm getting huge problems with my stomach too and she reckons that atorvastatin is bad for tummy issues.
If there is one thing at all I've become savvy with it's Liver Test results. I had an NSTEMI end of September and placed on a raft of drugs that can all be detremental to Liver function. Now I was diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis 10 years ago so as you can imagine alarm bells started to clang. I've treated my Liver like a demi god since my Cirrhosis diagnosis so was insistent on regular LFT's. If I don't get them when due i pester until i do. Would be interesting to see what your results were but if they are marked as Satisfactory I wouldn't worry too much. Normal is better and would suggest the satisfactory is the trigger for the GP to explain the results more thoroughly to you. Mine have bounced about from satisfactory to normal for a decade. A Routine appointment is most certainly not a reason to be concerned
The GP said there was no cause for concern but she lowered my statin dose anyway because I've been experiencing diahorria. She said it will reduce the liver enzymes issue too.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Still very anxious following NSTEMI
Skiing/ mountains after a NSTEMI
NSTEMI and BP / Heart Rate
Statin and liver damage? 
Recurring intermittent chest pains after NSTEMI heart attack
