Help with Blood Test

[Shhilo]

Hi everyone, some of you will know me under a different name: LUTL but I'm having trouble with Blood test results. I had high Calcium in my last test. I do have Hypothyroidism. I've also been having TIA symptoms. I take Thai Cal3. GP is happy with results. Obviously I don't want something more wrong, but should it or should it not be looked into further?

Be as well as you can be 🌼🧚‍♀️🌞🧚‍♀️🌞🌻🌷

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

My recommendation is to ALWAYS discuss your concerns with your own doctor. No one can or should give you medical advice & certainly never take anything or stop any medication, without talking with your own doctor!

Be well!

Ros

[Shhilo in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank You Ros, I have asked my GP and she says it isn't anything to worry about and my swollen legs, she literally said she just didn't know what was causing it.

I've gone to another Dr in the surgery and they've said that I really need to speak to my regular Dr.

It's very difficult because she is so very nice. But my legs don't feel as sweet...

🌼🌻🌞

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Shhilo]

You need to know what this is! Is it water retention? Have your kidneys been checked? Have you had a CT scan of your heart? Have you been referred to a cardiologist?

Is it lymphoedema caused by inflammation of the lymph glands, seen in lupus.

Being dismissed with platitudes isn't a diagnosis. She admits she doesn't know so why doesn't see refer you to other specialists!

Nice or not, your GP has a duty of care!

With good wishes,

Ros

[Shhilo in reply to lupus-support1]

I know very frustrating. But as all my bloods are in 'normal parameters' it appears that nothing is wrong. But I do have swollen glands in neck and groin on a daily basis. Some days aren't that swollen but still swollen.

I'm hoping that the investigation into the metal spherical object showing on xrays will open up this can of worms. Surely there must be an investigation?

Thanks so much once again.

🌼🌻🌞

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Shhilo]

It's your decision but the swellings must be investigated!

I won't be around much until Sunday so if I don't reply, you will know why!

Have a happy weekend!

Ros

[Shhilo in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you Ros, I'm just not sure how I else can ask for a referral if my bloods aren't showing anything abnormal, other than calcium. The GP noted this but felt because I was tolerating Thai Cal3 things/I was fine. Another GP I saw at the practice felt because my blood pressure etc was fine I didn't have TIA symptoms... So mayby it's all in my head. But it sure doesn't feel it. Leg pain is undiscribable but it is masking all other joint issues. So I am just not sure where to turn. I'm told it is Fibromyalgia so maybe I just need to suck it up and be brave.

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom.

I am taking action with metal ball.

ENJOY your time off! 🌼🌻🌞

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Shhilo]

Just because your blood tests are "normal" means nothing! As Professor Hughes says: sero-negative blood tests are not uncommon! Often blood tests need to "catch up!" In any event, you have symptoms that need to be investigated. IMHO, they must be investigated. It isn't normal to have swollen glands. It isn't normal to have swollen legs. Swollen legs don't have a blood test!

You must insist on seeing a specialist. You have every right not to trust doctors - look at the metal disk. Does this have anything to do with the swollen glands. Your GP doesn't know. If necessary, change your GP to someone who shows some care and support. I wouldn't leave it!

Ros

[Shhilo in reply to lupus-support1]

The Rheumatologist has refused to see me because my bloods are normal. I paid £300 for a private Rheumatologist and he suggested investigating AI disease. This was disregarded, in my opinion, because I went outside the NHS and the Rheumatologists were colleagues at one point. Simple nose put out of joint.

I had gone private out of frustration but it seemed to make things worse. So where to turn?

[Shhilo in reply to lupus-support1]

Hi Ros,

I've asked to see the Rheumatologist yet again and yet again he has said he couldn't help me before and won't be able to help me now. So where to turn now?

I've also just linked another symptom of raised cholesterol levels, not high just raised. Now nausea is a symptom, not usual. I do suffer from GERD but not on a regular basis as I have been. Increase in urine. Increase in tinnitus is driving me crazy. Headaches have increased.

But who else do I tell these symptoms to if GP is unable to get a referral to Rheumatologist? Can the GP refer me to a Rheumatologist at a different hospital? Being from the states, here since 95, I'm not familiar with all policies.

Obviously not looking for diagnosis just throwing my thoughts out there.

Thanks so much for your time

🌞🌷

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Shhilo]

Theoretically, the GP can refer you to a different rheumatologist. I am sorry you are having such a terrible time! I am sorry too, I can't suggest anything unless you go privately.

With good wishes,

Ros