Blood Tests denied

[Nonameme]

Having started loading doses of B12 after long history of being told B12 low last year I have now received my final quarterly shot. Condition solved no further treatment.

I am 77 female with Type 2 Diabetes Diverticulitis and confirmed and untreated IDA for many years

Under private Gastroenterologist GP not willing to refer for uncontrollable diarrhoea nothing found so far.

I have reported various symptoms toGP but all fobbed off as being ‘well you do have Diabetes’. These include extreme fatigue brain fog stumbling sight problems pins and needles and more worrying worsening pains in feet and travelling up both legs and restless legs. I had some hair loss and my finger nails are disintegrating. I also suffer recurring UTIs.

I have requested access to my blood tests which has been denied but managed to obtain my last set of results from Gastro.

I would much appreciate any insight that can be given as to my next steps.

B12/folate levels (XalS) nothing

Serum vitamin B12 level (XE2pf) 463ng/L

(180.0-900)

Serum folate level (42U5) 4.8 ug/L (4.0-20)

Serum ferritin level (Xe24r) 55ug/L IDA confirmed

Other notes of interest

Serum urea level above high reference level

GFR calculated abbreviated MDRD Below low reference point

Also showing as below, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit

Obviously I just need comments as only a gp can diagnose but a point in the right direction would help I have already submitted the letter to GP Suggested on here but that was just filed under ignore!

[Jillymo]

I do feel for you.

I am sure that when we reach certain year's they simply write us off, it shouldn't be such a battle especially when we feel so unwell. I had a gastroscopy some weeks back (which didn't look too promising ) but biopsys were taken - weeks later despite both my Dr and heamatologist requesting results I am still waiting.

I also suffer with diverticulitis which occasionally flares up. It shouldn't matter what is causing your symptoms be it your diabetes or a b12 deficiency the cause should be investigated.

As for refusal of your blood results I think you will find your entitaled to copies of them, I always insist copies are sent me. I am not able to comment on your results but I am sure other's will advise. 💐

[Showgem]

Are you in the U.K.? If so you are entitled to have copies of any NHS tests, if you visit the surgery they should print out copies of any recent tests. It would be best if you phone them first so they can be prepared and ask to speak to the practice manager if they refuse.

Are you taking Metformin for your T2 diabetes? This tends to deplete b12, have you tried high dose b12 supplements? These may not be suitable and you may need b12 injections reinstated.

Is the b12 level after you have been given injections? If so it is still quite low, usually levels are much higher following an injection.

Another thing to test is vitamin D, some of the symptoms you list can be caused by a vitamin D deficiency.

[Cattywampus]

With regards to the diarrhoea, what medication are you taking for your diabetes as there are several that can cause diarrhoea? Metformin is a common offender (changing from standard format to Modified Release can sometimes resolve the issue) as well as GLP1’s ie., Trulicity (Dulaglutide), Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Victoza). Worth stopping for a short time (under medical supervision) to see if the diarrhoea resolves.

[Nonameme]

Thanks for your replies.

I take both Metformin for over 20 years now and Lansoprazole, also many years. Have mentioned side effects several times now and even different GPs all shrug it away.

My blood test was a few days after a quarterly B12 injection. It was remarked upon as ‘not too bad, nothing to be concerned about’

I am awaiting a nerve conduction test in connection with Carpal tunnel and increasing foot and leg pain especially at night But it’s going to be a very long wait. No hospital appointment willbe given until afer 3/5 according to hospital letter.

Diarrhoea started violently last July and continues to this day. Nothing other than complete nil by mouth will stop it. All tests are said to be negative but I am denied access to results.

A few years ago I was given oral B12 but could not tolerate it. Made me extremely nauseous. It was stopped and not replaced with anything for several years.

I do take vitamin D daily on prescription.

[tomdickharry]

First step is to sign up for 'Patient Access' to see test results.

[Nonameme]

Surgery are saying no such thing exists and are adament ‘end of’. I will have to find and print off informed information to educate them!