Medichecks

[CanIHaveYourJuiceBox]

What is everyone’s experience with GPs taking Medichecks results seriously ? I have had an active b12 test with them as GP would go no further. My result was 39 (ref range 25.1-165). Medichecks GP has said this is the low end of the reference range.

I have ordered the pernicious anaemia test. I have been thinking this for months but not being taken seriously. I have neurological signs now (eye and muscle twitches, neuropathy) but my MRI was clear. I already have Graves Disease (autoimmune thyroid disease). I have had sores at the corners of my mouth for over a year. Nothing shifts them.

It is not dietary as I eat meat/cheese on a daily basis.

All experiences welcome

[Hidden]

It’s very hit or miss , some gps are fine others have their heads stuck up their a...e about anything done private.Medichecks will send you info if you email them ,they are very good and respond quickly,best of luck

[CanIHaveYourJuiceBox in reply to Hidden]

The response I got from the practice

[Hidden in reply to CanIHaveYourJuiceBox]

Conveniently hiding behind numbers rather than diagnosing by symptoms.I experienced the same so had firstly my mma checked by medichecks then because it came back quite high they recommended further checks so I had the intrinsic factor tested which came back positive for p.a , I then got myself a good endocrinologist and discussed these results after sending him copies,they were good enough for him to send a report to the gp recommending I start loading doses immediately. At this point I knew nothing about b12 deficiency or P.A but I did lots of learning and the members here were fantastic at supporting me and advising.I now find when I need anything done it’s quicker to go private where I can,£90 for a scan for my kidney stones results there and then with copies of scans for gp,indisputable,or £45 for blood tests can be life changing because it’s all about quality of life at the end of the day and of course not everyone can afford to do this but if you can I’d say go for it and get your answers as soon as you can so you can start treatment as early as possible,it’s your health at the end of the day ,no one else’s ,so do what your comfortable with and print off copies of bloods to take to gp.best of luck.

[CanIHaveYourJuiceBox in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. It sounds like we were in the exact same situation I have paid for the Medichecks PA test, and for a private GP as I no longer trust these idiots.

My active b12 is low yet they’re saying “well our test wasn’t low”. Yes, my total serum b12 was in range but low end of normal ! I’m a veterinary nurse so know how to interpret blood results.

[Hidden in reply to CanIHaveYourJuiceBox]

It’s really how you decide to deal with it now isn’t it? You can either battle it out with them using your expertise or you can say stuff you and have the private testing done.The best thing I’d say in its favour if you get a negative I.F test result from medichecks which many people do,you can retest as many times as you want, that won’t be the case with the gp. It’s unlikely they’d retest.If you get a positive test then they can’t dispute that result although I know some do try.It’s down to your resources I guess too but you do what’s best for you and if you’ve found a good private gp I’d stick with him/her.Remember to get your co factors tested too( folate iron d vets potassium etc) because you know a lot of symtoms can overlap so medichecks do some good well woman packages too.Have a browse on their website they’ve been a godsend for me.My gps told me I was fine that’s how I discovered I was far from fine.best of luck

[Sleepybunny in reply to CanIHaveYourJuiceBox]

Have a look at this NHS link under heading Blood Tests...

nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b...

Link below is about writing to GP if symptomatic for B12 deficiency with an in range serum B12 result.

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

My experience is that private blood test results may be enough to nudge GPs into ordering the same blood tests if the private results show something significant.

I've just written a detailed reply with lots of info about B12 deficiency and folate deficiency in the thread above yours which may be of interest.

Here's a link to the thread...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[CanIHaveYourJuiceBox in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you I have quoted the NICE guidelines via email to them on the back of them ignoring my low active b12.

[Sleepybunny in reply to CanIHaveYourJuiceBox]

If you haven't already done it, I suggest tracking down the local guidelines on treatment and diagnosis of B12 deficiency for your part of UK and comparing them with NICE CKS/BNF and BSH links below.

Each CCG/Health Board and NHS hospital trust will have local guidelines.

Some of these local guidelines do not appear to follow the guidance in BSH/BNF and NICE CKS links.

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

Summary of above document

pernicious-anaemia-society....

BMJ B12 article

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

Emphasises need to treat patients who are symptomatic even if their B12 level is within range.

BNF Hydroxycobalamin

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

NICE CKS B12 deficiency and folate deficiency

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

I hope you are not in the area of UK discussed in blog post below.

b12deficiency.info/blog/202...