Advice needed and a bit of a moan...

[Bumpity]

Due to other problems my Practise Nurse sent me for a scan last year during which it showed that I have a fatty liver. I have asked for tests (as suggested by BLF Nurse)but these were turned down by the GP who said if anything gets worse it will show in the annual blood tests. I would change GP but there are only two whose catchment area I fall into.

Anyway, in recent months my skin has dried out and become flaky not just hands but arms, legs, face and back. I get strange bouts of itchiness where it feels like I am being bitten or stung hundreds of time but no marks other than where I scratch. The kind of itch you might get after walking through long grass. I mentioned this to the GP and was told to change my shower gel, and it's not a liver symptom, I use Simple so not sure what could be less harming. I have constant pain behind my right ribs which feels like something is rubbing inside and have been told it's inflammation inside the ribs, take painkillers. I have asked for a referral but that has been refused. My recent blood tests are said to be ok but I've no details, I did ask but was told that they do not do this, the GP will have checked the results and he decides if ok or not. Things just do not feel right.

Any ideas of what I could no? I am loathe to change GP as the other practise seems to be linked. I did ask my GP about going private about another matter and he replied that if I did I could find myself another GP.

[bleeny]

You have every legal right to see your blood test results. You do not have to explain why. You have the right to see someone privately as well. I get itchy skin (nothing to do with my liver) and use Sanex Atopicare which is moisturising. I think I would change practice and see another doctor - he sounds very obstructive. Good luck!

[Bumpity in reply to bleeny]

Thanks bleeny. I know I have the right but the GP also has the right to take me off his list which could make life very difficult, it's bad enough having to go private for a Dentist 😒 I have tried Sanex but went back to Simple, I don't know if it was Atopicare though, so will have a look for that to try.

[Lollypop89]

sorry you seem to be having such a hard time with your GP, this shouldn’t be like that. You can normally see blood test results on the NHS have you set this up ? I would definitely look to change doctors.. good luck x

[Bumpity in reply to Lollypop89]

I am to have an annual blood test for my Liver which was done but all I'm told results wise despite asking for more info on that an other tests is, everything's ok. I'm hoping it is but, just feel a little bothered that I don't know.

[Schnoodle2017]

Hi,

Does your GP Surgery have the “systems online” service? I think all surgeries are meant to have this. This is where you can look at your patient record online. I’d ask at reception about this. You have to go through to start the process of getting online access. You can book doctors app. Online, request repeat prescriptions and see your patient records and view test results.

Sounds like you have small surgery with the old style family doctor.

[Bumpity in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Our doesn't allow online booking nor does it show results. The only thing patients can do is order repeat prescriptions. I have asked but they just don't do this.

[Schnoodle2017 in reply to Bumpity]

Oh, that’s a real shame. I’m amazed not all surgeries are linked to systems online. Should I be surprised? 🙄

[Bumpity in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Ha ha I was for sure.

[Bumpity in reply to Schnoodle2017]

Actually, the more I think of it having read your reply, although quite modern, it is an old style practise. The GP is about my age so must be retiring soon (hopefully) and things may well change 😃 There is hope, Yay!!

[Schnoodle2017 in reply to Bumpity]

Thry do sound a bit sold fashioned. Mind you, a lot of GP surgeries are large and they’re called medical centres. These medical centres are made up of two or three surgeries mergers to farm a medical centre. I’m guessing that’s why they do link up with systems online and offer more services. Mind you, my original smwllish GP surgery offered systems online before they merged with the other surgery to become this medical centre.

[Bumpity in reply to Schnoodle2017]

I moved from a town out into the sticks, my old GP had 12 GP's plus nurses etc., and was brilliant, I also had a really good NHS Dentist. If I could afford to move back, I'd be back like a rocket. I love where I live but not having the things I now need most is a bit of a worry. Thanks Schnoodle2017

[TheLWord1]

I too have a fatty liver and it’s a thing that seems to run in my family. I’ve been told to lose weight and it can’t be reversed but can stop it in its tracks. Your dr sounds horrendous and I think you should change too, you should be able to get your results online.

[Bumpity in reply to TheLWord1]

TheLWord1 Thanks because of where I live, there is little choice. I've looked at the nearest GP's but am not in their catchment areas. I'm beginning to wonder if he see's NFALD as a self inflicted health issue and that maybe makes him obstructive. With other dealings he has been fine, if a little curt.

[TheLWord1 in reply to Bumpity]

That really sucks, my hepatologist suggested Mediterranean diet, yet all the things she told me to cut out are on that diet ie avocados. Sounds like you’re on your own as far as your doctor goes. Do you have a route where you can complain? This is not right.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Bumpity

We’re sorry to read of the challenges you feel you have faced. Here is the link to our Patient Charter which states clearly the rights you have, in terms of your care, as a patient with a liver condition.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) in England & Wales, Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) in Scotland or Patient and Client Council (PCC) in Northern Ireland may be able to support you further and we have attached the links below.

nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...

careinfoscotland.scot/topic...

pcc-ni.net/contact-us/

In Wales, contact the PALS department in your local health board area

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Bumpity in reply to BritishLiverTrust8]

Thank you.

[Readlots]

Hi Bumpity, you could ask the receptionist or practice manager for a print out of your blood test results. Tell them it’s for your records.

[Bumpity in reply to Readlots]

Thank you.