Possible change of doctor attitudes to B12D sufferers?

I would imagine that this case will probably have a profound impact on all doctors responsible for patients with PA or B12D who ignore, either wilfully or through ignorance, the "standard medicines reference book for all doctors"..........

"Dr X has admitted he was in breach of his duty by failing to properly monitor his patient by arranging the full blood tests, recommended in the standard medicines reference book for all doctors. BBC News has established that Dr X is under investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC), which regulates the UK's doctors."

[JMN2017]

Hidden

I presume you are referring to this article?

bbc.co.uk/news/health-40818027

I've just read the article but am doubtful that doctors are likely to become more aware of B12 deficiency and the issues in not treating as a result. Maybe I'm just not seeing what you're seeing in the article?

[Hidden in reply to JMN2017]

It's about the principle of actually reading the GMC reference "bible" and applying it to PA and B12D sufferers, which frequently appears in this forum.

After being diagnosed as B12D with severe peripheral neuropathy, I myself advised my GP to read the relevant sections on B12D and look at my treatment accordingly. When I next saw him he clearly did not, or was not prepared to apply the clinical advisories, and when he asked why he should, I just said that I would require his reasoning in writing as to why he considered them to be not applicable, as I would hold him, and the practice, responsible should my condition deteriorate. His manner and attitude totally changed upon reading the sections and my treatment regime has totally changed to the better.

This case is not about any specific treatment it is about acting responsibly and being held to account, something that seems to occur fairly regularly with regards to PA and B12D, and why so many sufferers end up SI. This case will probably result in more "guidance" to all GP's to refer and apply the guidance in the GMC reference "bible".

[GavinUK]

One would hope so perhaps, although it appears to be a civil case with a private GP, so whether it will have such a profound impact on NHS GPs remains to be seen, given that the NHS or trust is the one that pays out in such cases I imagine.

It might encourage them to be a bit more careful about ensuring that national guidelines are adhered to nationally though, without the regional variation that seems to occur - that might be a start!

Gavin

[Marz]

All the more reason we should not rely on Docs - as it would seem the root cause of his illness was not sought. Obesity - diabetes - psoraisis - possible auto-immunity going on - even Hashimotos. Am betting those basic thyroid tests were never done. Prescribing Methotrexate for a skin disorder instead of healing the gut is beyond me - but for a busy private Doc the prescription pad earns big time !

[Frodo in reply to Marz]

Money is the root cause of many healthcare issues in my opinion! Cheaper to treat a symptom than try and diagnose the cause. Cheaper to treat with anti depressants than thyroid meds (I assume).

I have a relative with the issues you mention and much, much more, who had most of their thyroid removed in their early 30s. No thyroid treatment since. Lifetime of suffering. Took an experimental drug for psoriasis - maybe the one mentioned, not sure. I mentioned all the auto immune problems to their GP in a last ditch attempt to get help in a major crisis but got nowhere. He said that there was no treatment for auto immune disorders.

[Marz in reply to Frodo]

That little butterfly is responsible for so much ! I know of people who had their thyroids removed without treatment - barbaric or what ? One has only just been diagnosed as Hypo after 50 years since removal ( I did nag ! ) - the other had constant heart issues and died of a heart attack in her 60's.

No treatment for auto-immunity - ummm ! No wonder we turn to the internet

[Frodo]

"I've been specialising in healthcare since 1985, and I'm clear that this is the worst case of repeated, persistent, negligent care that I've ever come across."

Tip of the iceberg. Most people don't have the resources or knowledge to get to the bottom of things and sue.

There's good care as well, but it's very variable in my experience. What this does seem to show is that going to private doctors is no better and may have a worse outcome than going to NHS doctors.