No blood tests

[Froggie70]

Hello

My last set of methotrexate monitoring bloods were done on 8th March. Everything looked normal except for raised ESR and CRP and this is normal for me of late as the methotrexate isn’t controlling my lupus as well as I have pretty regular flares. In October I was told that a new drug would be added in at my next appointment however with everything that’s happening the appointment was cancelled.

Anyway that’s the background on to the point of my post.

I called my GP surgery in April and they said they weren’t doing monthly blood monitoring for the time being and it was ok to go without for a maximum of 3 months. I phoned on Monday to see about arranging an appointment for beginning of June and receptionist said she would refer it. When I didn’t hear back I phoned again to be told I didn’t need to get my bloods done and I had another prescription for MTX. I never asked for a repeat prescription and I’ve now got a full 2 months of MTX tablets.

Is anyone else not getting their bloods checked? A bit surprised as normally they are super strict about not giving a prescription if bloods haven’t been done (was once a week late with phlebotomist appointment due to holidays). Seem to be giving out MTX like sweeties as well.

Has anyone else experienced this with their GP?

Thanks🤗

[kthorners]

Hi! I’m also struggling with this. My bloods aren’t being done and my specialist isn’t replying to any of my messages. My GP said they can’t help because they aren’t doing routine testing (?!). I do feel it’s getting into the neglect category now.

[Froggie70 in reply to kthorners]

Hello, thanks for replying. I understand how busy they are and I’m not overly keen to go out but I do think that over three months is a bit much now. I hope your specialist gets back to you soon and it’ll be interesting to see what experiences everyone else in this community are experiencing. Stay safe 🤗

[tillie]

I'm in the same situation, March was my last one. Rang surgery re district nurse calling to be told same. To be honest kind of chuffed but still be happy when done June. Not too long now. Have a good day x

[Froggie70 in reply to tillie]

Hi tillie, sorry do you mean you are getting your bloods done in June? 🤗

[tillie in reply to Froggie70]

Sorry, yes getting bloods done June gp said, mind you have no date as yet

Better start checking next week. Hope all goes well and you get yours soon.

[happytulip]

If your LFTs have been OK some GPs have been moving to 3 monthly checks.

I don't necessarily agree with it but that is what they are doing.

I think if you are uncomfortable with this you should ask for a telephone conversation with your GP.

On another note...how is your Dad?

[Froggie70 in reply to happytulip]

Hello, he’s a wee bit better thank you. Anti nausea tablets have helped, he still feels seedy but no longer lying on the floor😟. He’s just off the phone and his blood results appear to be ok, neutrophils still low at 1.1. He should be seeing his haematologist in June but not sure if this appointment will go ahead.

I might phone the Rheumy line later and check with them as the surgery haven’t said when I should get bloods checked.

Thanks again, take care🤗

[Oshgosh]

I h e had my DMARDS bloods done in my GP surgery on March,April and May. I feel really lucky reading the other posts on here.inow don’t have to have them done for 3 months now.

They do ask you not to go if you have Covid.

Went for BP check today,not my choice.

She.asked if I was fit and well before she opened the door ! I told her I wasn’t well,but didn’t have Covid symptoms. Strange to es

[Froggie70 in reply to Oshgosh]

I reckon from today’s conversation that my next bloods will be due in September. Just seems too long from March but what can you do. I hope you feel better soon. Take care. 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Froggie70]

I think you should speak to a GP on the phone as beyond 3 months is too long and GP’s have duty to monitor if they prescribe. What are they doing with diabetics and those taking Warfarin? As prescribers they have a duty of care. Also, if you aren’t being monitored at all then how can you be sure MTX is safe -especially at such a high dose and it’s not been controlling your disease? This needs urgent discussion with a GP or practice pharmacist I would say. Especially if rheumatology input isn’t there either. GP should be able to make direct contact.

[HazelW]

I'm the same - got a phone call from the nurse after my last blood test in March to tell me not to make another appointment for 3 months. Not too worried since I only had 3 monthly tests at my last surgery and MX does control my symptoms .

[Barbara17]

Hello, Froggie. I’m on mtx and have been having regular blood tests throughout lockdown. GP surgery is very well organised and only ‘essential’ blood tests are going ahead. I’m in Scotland.

[Froggie70 in reply to Barbara17]

Hello I’m in Scotland too and sorry to say my GP surgery has been pretty awful. It’s such a shame as they were a great community practice but since lockdown they have been hopeless and not just with us having spoken with various friends and family it seems to be the new norm.

[Barbara17 in reply to Froggie70]

That’s really not good as my GP stressed the importance of regular blood tests while on mtx. Could you bypass the receptionist and speak to a doctor about this?

[Froggie70 in reply to Barbara17]

I spoke to my Rheumatology department at the hospital and they said the same thing 🙄

[Barbara17 in reply to Froggie70]

Well, that was helpful of them! 😡

[Nickymck]

I was going to say maybe it is the Scotland England divide but you are Scotland too. I have had Dmards done 4 weekly as normal. I went them morning for full blood check including g dmards as I have developed a lump in my neck and feel lousy.

Take care and try not to worry.

[Froggie70 in reply to Nickymck]

Hello, I’m so sorry to hear that. Are they going to do more tests? I hope you feel better soon.

Take care of yourself🤗

[Poshcards]

Hi, I will find out next Monday, as I am due on 3rd June for my metho bloods, not had any done for 3 months either. Really do not want to go to docs to have them done as been shielding for over 10 weeks, not been out of gate x

[Froggie70 in reply to Poshcards]

Hi, I know I wasn’t sure how I felt, realised how important it was to get bloods done but didn’t actually want to go to get them done. Let me know how you get on. Take care🤗