Regular blood tests

[Madmusiclover]

Any thoughts on monthly blood tests? I’m immunosuppressed and due one next week. My GP not sure if they will be offering face to face appointments next week and reluctant to go to a busy hospital which is what I normally do. Fortunately I have 3 months stock of drug but don’t want to be blacklisted. Any one else faced this? I know the answer will be yes!

[net2012]

I have booked an appt for blood tests 6th April I am on mtx and Humira, been on mtx since day one so hence blood tests. My bloods have been good on treatment so asked if I could stretch the blood tests , and expecting him to say 6 weeks, he said 3 months. I believe it is for myself only the mtx needs blood tests. Re-ask your GP if they are doing blood or ask at pharmacy that dispenses your medication.

[Madmusiclover in reply to net2012]

Thanks yes. My bloods have been fine all along. Maybe I can stretch it to 3 months.

[Pat9442]

GP cancelled mine yesterday. I explained I could not have biologic infusion without it. Told me go to hospital! I asked if getting a bus and then sitting a crowded waiting room would be a good idea. Eventually she agreed to do it just this time but in future I must go to hospital. I shall consult with rheum Department when I next go

[Madmusiclover in reply to Pat9442]

Indeed. I can walk in to phlebotomy which is what I normally do. Crowded with people!

[Recorder500L in reply to Madmusiclover]

I am due a blood test at the end of the month. I see a Rheumatology Consultant outside of my area (a ferry journey away) but usually have blood test done at the hospital nearby. Hence, I am going to telephone the hospital near me for an appointment, so that I do not have to sit in the waiting room for a blood test. See what happens. Take care.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Pat9442]

Ooph! My gp not refused me. They have a meeting tomorrow to decide on whether they are holding any face appts. I’ve to ring back Thursday.

[AgedCrone]

Have you asked the unit where you have the blood test?

[Pat9442 in reply to AgedCrone]

That’s the GP who is refusing it! To get it done at the hospital means buses and waiting rooms! Can’t be safe

[AgedCrone in reply to Pat9442]

Maybe they will delay your infusion until things settle down? Or do you have a friend please who could take you by car?

[Madmusiclover in reply to AgedCrone]

I’m well, I can walk there. Thanks

[Madmusiclover in reply to AgedCrone]

I can go there’s but it’s in a busy hospital. Trying to avoid.

[AgedCrone]

Can’t work out who is replying to who here....sounds like you (?) go to hospital for blood test next time or postpone next infusion.

[Lizard28]

Hubby had a phone consult with his doctor yesterday, she told him our tiny surgery is not seeing anyone but there is a practice in another village which will see us if absolutely required. She said they have a room getting fully cleaned after each patient which I suppose is some comfort. My brother on the other hand has just finished chemo, has flu like symptoms and has been told to stay in and self isolate, he is worried.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Lizard28]

I’ll bet he is. No easy solutions are there?

[Peacox]

I’m in Avery similar situation. I cancelled mine this week. They’ve pushed it back to April but I doubt I’ll be able to do it. I get mine done at the hospital, it’s a train and then a tube ride from where I live. I’m self isolating as I’m freelance so am able to. There’s no way I’m trying to get to the other side of London with my low immunity. Sadly I have had problems with my bloods quite recently low WBC. I have stopped taking the Sulfasalazine anyway (two weeks ago) as I couldn’t tolerate it. I tried and tried to speak to the rheumy nurse, no luck though. It’s not ideal, of course, but then nothing is right now. Strange times. Stay as safe as you can, that’s my motto. For me right now, staying away from the crowds seems the safer option.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Peacox]

Poor you. I couldn’t deal with Sulfasalazine either! Hope you get something soon.

[Eternity6]

Won’t be having it done at my drs, only alternative is hospital, two buses and a packed waiting room no doubt

[Hamie]

I don't understand why GPs refusing as here in Scotland anyway it's on the list of things we must still do. I am a PN (almost 60 due to retire this year and on MXT). We are phoning patients and bring them in for bloods as we have stopped all routine stuff patients that need be seen can come in staggered . One of my patients yesterday after I had done her blood told me she had just come back from a weeks holiday abroad- slight panic from me can't believe people still put themselves and others at risk for a holiday. Fortunately she was at a low risk country not Europe so we were advised ok and didn't have to close of room or me self isolate.

I also had telephone consultation with my rhuematolagist as hosp clinic closed she advised that if you been on MXT for a while bloods stable 3 monthly bloods ok which I am already having. She also said don't stop them and to phone specialist nurses if needed. We have myself a doctor and a receptionist all on DMARDS advice is vague health board say keep working but avoid ill people, the government and family beating we should be considering self isolating but that would put extra pressure on colleagues so for now we are still going in. Sorry it's such a long post but I would tell anyone refused that Thier gp still has an obligation to ensure you blood monitoring is taking place .

[Recorder500L in reply to Hamie]

Interesting last sentence Hamie. By choice I see a RD Consultant out of my area ( a ferry journey away) so I attend my hospital for a blood test with a blood form which is not my area. This hospital will not send the results of my blood test to my GP and my GP will not ask for the result. My GP is not ensuring that monitoring is taking place of my blood tests. They did until data protection came in last April/May. Working in the NHS I readily know that this is possible. Take Care.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Hamie]

They are not refusing. Managers meeting to decide about f2f appts. Then they decide. Fingers crossed

[Hamie in reply to Madmusiclover]

Hopefully they will see you then the same as we are doing good luck and take care

[Hidden]

I don't know what is going to happen either. I am due one the week after next and I have to go to the hospital to have them done because I have very difficult veins. The place is always packed with people, so much so that they are sometimes queuing right out of the door. This will hardly be good for me when I am staying in isolation for the rest of the time.

[Scottishlad in reply to Hidden]

I think you will find the place very quiet with appointments being handled by phone if at all possible.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Hidden]

You can have some of my veins. They love me! I’m phoning helpline tomorrow. They have extended opening hours.

[Scottishlad]

I saw my Rheumatologist yesterday. She said I would be okay to stretch from 8 weeks to 12 if necessary. My bloods have been stable so this is okay. Apparently the new NHS guidance is 12 weeks is okay if there have been no problems.

Anyone who is on monthly tests is likely to be in the early stages of treatment or have some marginal results. I'm sure that your surgery will want to spread out tests if possible.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Scottishlad]

Thanks.

[Bully915]

Mine were due last week but been told to stay away for now

[Madmusiclover in reply to Bully915]

Thank you. Rheumy helpline is open for longer hours. I’ll try and get through tomorrow.

[Madmusiclover]

Good news! Nurse from GP surgery will do blood test on Tuesday. Still want reassurance I can go to 3 monthly but no chance of getting through to nurse helpline even though they have extended the hours. Be safe everyone.

[Madmusiclover]

AND had I seen my rheumy in February as I was due to do (on a ‘waiting list’), I wilts have been moved to 3 monthly blood tests so that’s what they’ve done following a phone call today. Phew.