GP & being given a hard time getting jabs - over a blood test

[scorpiojo]

Hi, well today as predicted, I was phoned & told I have really high B12 & to come in & see the GP! I have an appointment with the nicer one on the 12th anyway, but this was said to be an emergency appointment I needed...I’m really fed up & have such brain fog after sending a letter in, I’d assumed I’d get the jab back... Any thoughts on what to stay, as the brain fog & the blues are really stopping me thinking 😢 This is just a joke what shuts these people up? Tanks for any help in advance... Jo

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

It is very difficult to argue your case under this type of pressure, particularly if you only have 10 minutes. I remember trying hard to prepare for consultations/ GP appointments in the past, being unable to fully comprehend what was being said, unable to reply coherently to questioning or find the relevant paperwork and ending up in tears.

So now I would keep it simple- don't take too much research with you, although there is plenty that would support your need for ongoing treatment. Hidden 's suggestion should be enough evidence.

Can you take someone with you for support? It can help even if they do not say anything. If you feel confident enough, you could try turning the tables by asking why they think you might have become so very deficient in the first place; in their opinion, what was the cause ? Try explaining that your concern is that there you have a history within immediate family of diagnosed Pernicious Anaemia. This after all should be their main concern too.

My GP has not found a consultant able to give me any answers in 4 years, beyond her initial diagnosis of functional B12 deficiency, but she long ago stopped including B12 testing in any blood tests planned, and concentrates her investigations instead into how my ferritin and folate are looking - as well as how I'm looking. She knows full well that my B12 levels will be through the roof, as it is on my record that I am self-injecting every other day to control my symptoms.

If it is impossible to get through to the GP that you are seeing, concentrate on the nicer one on the 12th. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Tell us how you get on, and best of luck. All such a waste of your valuable energy !

[scorpiojo in reply to Cherylclaire]

Thank you both for the reply... I told the receptionist that I’d got the appt on the 12th so, I’d wait... I intend printing the bits that were suggested, I made the mistake of emailing them to the Practice Manager who sent a snotty email back, saying the email address wasn’t for clinical issues 🙄 I had wondered if I should ask to be referred to a consultant... I go to the thyroid guy, I’m waiting for the aggravation there, sooner or later! He’s super & on board with T3... He was surprised I was being supported by the GP re T3 (cost) ... I see him in April, so may see if he can refer... It’s a worry, in terms of rowing over the most important issues (saving your battles & I have a supply of viles etc etc) ... I’ll definitely let you know.. All thoughts appreciated...

[ellj in reply to scorpiojo]

I would certainly mention your issues ref b12 to Thyroid consultant . Can't hurt and maybe could help.

In my case it was Endocrine consultant who got my PA diagnosis after ordering some blood tests. Of course this was before I had supplemented with b12 so I was lucky I guess. He organised my loading doses with the gp by phone then go took over care which meant 12 weeks injection. I have since had arguements about more frequent injections and he agreed 10 wks. Then got forced into tablet form which of course I did not absorb so argued again for 8 week injection and he agreed to 9 weeks. So daft I think if I had asked for 6 weeks I might have got 8.....it seemed he wanted the last word !!!! All this is awhile back and now I have my 9 weekly injection and self inject between because I can't face any more begging even knowing I have research on my side, just not worth the angst.

Good luck with your app. Like already said don't have too much paperwork with you it will be dismissed in all probability but one piece of compelling info as beginner1 suggested might get his attention.

Ellj

[scorpiojo]

Thank you both for the reply... I told the receptionist that I’d got the appt on the 12th so, I’d wait... I intend printing the bits that were suggested, I made the mistake of emailing them to the Practice Manager who sent a snotty email back, saying the email address wasn’t for clinical issues 🙄 I had wondered if I should ask to be referred to a consultant... I go to the thyroid guy, I’m waiting for the aggravation there, sooner or later! He’s super & on board with T3... He was surprised I was being supported by the GP re T3 (cost) ... I see him in April, so may see if he can refer... It’s a worry, in terms of rowing over the most important issues (saving your battles & I have a supply of viles etc etc) ... I’ll definitely let you know.. All thoughts appreciated...