Can’t get a GP appointment for the life of me to get my liver checked
For £39 I can get a finger prick test sent to me and get the results back in 2 days. It measures 7 biomarkers - including GGT, bilburin, ALP and ALT. No idea what any of this means.
Is it worth a go? £39 seems like a small price to pay
I thought you were getting bloods done tomorrow. NHS tests will be more accurate (and if anything flags on them will lead to follow up which private bloods won't).
Nope. They cancelled as apparently I need a referral.. no idea why they let me book it
Sorry to hear that, I would keep persisting in trying to get an appointment with your GP. Just wondering if there is an NHS walk in centre near you, might be worth trying in light of niggling pains and inability to get a GP appointment. First step to get checked out is those bloods. Sadly, the private ones rarely come with much explanation as to what they mean (we get a few folks joining the forum asking for interpretation of private bloods) and as I said NHS won't act on them even if they were off so it really need you to get NHS bloods and follow up afterwards.
If it goes on too long that you can't get an appointment write a letter to the practise manager - polite but assertive explaining your worries and the inability to even get onto step one of finding out what if anything is wrong. I've found that putting things in writing to doctors surgeries, consultant secretaries etc. does get the ball rolling.
Best wishes, Katie
I have managed to book a blood test via my surgery’s online portal… will call them tomorrow to clarify if I need a referral.
Earliest appointment isn’t until 11th October. I also read online that blood tests don’t rule out liver damage so I’m confused on how I should proceed?
In very stable cirrhosis where there is no ongoing inflammation and liver isn't really struggling then bloods can be relatively normal BUT when liver is inflamed or is damaged and struggling to function then it generally will show in bloods. First step is always bloods then potentially an imaging scan.
Yes, I have used Thriva and they were excellent. I wanted reassurance that things were heading in the right direction. They also came with advice about potential next steps.
Good luck.
I've used the company I think you're referring to twice before and found it very useful. They give you doctor's notes on the results and there's lots of info about each marker that they test for. I find it a useful way to keep an eye on things yourself, in-between times that you might have bloods done with your gp.
Hi,I always have had to have a referral from the GP and subsequently the Hepatology Consultant or Liver Nurse at the hospital. I think because you’ve got a blood test booked through the Surgery portal you may have the Practice Nurse at the Surgery do the blood test. I would get it done there rather than privately, for the aforementioned reasons your earlier replies state. Speak to the Nurse about your concerns.
Try not to worry until you have the Test results.
hun64_D0chIk
Dear 99uplight
If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)
Best wishes
British Liver Trust
Hi,
I’ve used home blood tests for many years, well worth the money so you can keep track.
If you get an abnormal result then go and see your doctor.
I take these home blood tests as a means of an early warning.
Liver function tests
Abnormal Liver Function Tests 
Anyone had the flu with liver disease?
Liver Transplant Support Home
Liver pain with clean tests and scans. 
