I’ve been on methotrexate 15 months and have recently had two blood tests cancelled because nationally they are unable to process the tests because the laboratories are busy working on Covid testing. Ironically , my dog , who has age onset hepatitis, has her bloods tested monthly and we get the results back in two days . My vet says the laboratories they use have offered to do human blood analysis because they have the technology and equipment, but “ the powers that be “ have refused their offer.
Is everyone else who’s on methotrexate had their blood tests cancelled or delayed ?
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katiemills
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When was your last test? Does the prescriber know you are not being monitored? If there is no testing on the horizon, I’d want to have conversation about whether the risks of undetected adverse effects of Methotrexate outweigh the benefits at the moment.
Funny how the official line and reality are so far apart isn't it? Personally I'm getting to the stage of believing this sort of thing needs to go to the media. The Ps that B need a kick - as they have all along if you ask me!
After 15 months of stable readings I suppose they may feel confident with gaps in the tests but I'd want gaps, not total lack if it were me.
During lockdown they put me on two monthly tests ( I’d gone from 2 weekly at the beginning to monthly) and the last one I had was the 5 th August , so I guess I’m not very long overdue . The GP receptionist says I’m on the waiting list because I’m non urgent and she can’t give me a date . Ironically , I had a text this morning telling me to book a phone appointment for an appraisal with my GP , so I’ll take the opportunity to mention my lack of blood test compared to my dog’s monthly regular one , as well as what the vet told me. That might get a reaction! 😉
The receptionist may consider you "non-urgent" in that these are routine tests for someone on mtx. It won't be non-urgent if the blood count falls and/or liver values rise - you could become seriously ill. Low blood count (white cells or platelets) makes you more susceptible to infection and bleeding. Raised liver values is an obvious problem and MUST be monitored closely.
Had blood test last week prior to going on MTX, results went through in 24 hours, nurse rang to tell me this and other things, she rang again today, I have 3 blood test forms that have to be dealt with every 2 weeks, so certainly no problems here...
How did you guess? My surgery seem to have leapt into action after a letter from the hospital I had contacts from two doctors last week and a referral to see a consultant, I am not sure what sort, but I have had a letter from the hospital trust saying they are going to send me a letter about it! I suppose they will get bored again soon and go back into hibernation.
I’ve had mine done today, they moved my Testing to 2monthly during Lockdown/Shielding Period & DrD says he’s happy with that as l’m tolerating the MTX well at the moment.
How far apart were the tests scheduled & who cancelled them?
I have to have mine at the GP’s rather than the hospital.
I was told while using methotrexate as a ‘steroid sparer’ my bloods would be checked monthly, and thus had continued throughout the pandemic. I have bloods taken on a Monday and ring for the results on a Tuesday, as I’m one of those where my CRP ESR dictate whether I reduce my prednisolone. I’m in North East England
That’s how it should be, mine was reduced during Lockdown to 2monthly for my benefit as l was Shielded but DrD is happy to remain on that schedule at the moment unless l hit a bump in the road......
I really do not wish to alarm you but prelockdown I was on Methiotrexate, had had regular blood tests and all was well. 3 weeks after my last regular blood test I was in ITU with sepsis. I had picked up a food poisoning bug and was suddenly not making enough white blood cells to fight any infection.
I am fine now but it was a tense time. So my conclusion was that the blood tests give you a snapshot of things at the time they are taken but things can change rapidly. Also if you do become unwell on Methiotrexate act rapidly and keep demanding care until someone listens.
I am now taking Azathioprine, which also needs regular blood tests but have had no difficulty getting them.
my friend was turned down for a blood test this week as there was a shortage of reagents which are required for the laboratory work.She was booked in for November however when the necessary chemicals should be in again.This is in suffolk .I don't know if it's a national problem.I went to organise my blood test and was booked in during November ,again in suffolk but different area.
Thanks for your comments , everyone . I’m in Suffolk too. I’ve just had a phone call from the GP surgery and they’ve booked me in for a blood test on November 5 th and a phone review with my GP on November 20 th . I’m happy with that !😊
Their is a national problem relating to getting the correct reagents from Roche the pharmaceutical company. I should have had a two monthly test 3 weeks ago. However I spoke to my rheumy and he said it was not urgent as my results have been ok so far. It now seems that I can fulfil the appointment tomorrow as the hospital website has updated. They said that the difficulty should last about 3 weeks which is about right. It seems to be getting back on track. I could only get a FBC three weeks ago which isn’t the most pressing but I was told to get an urgent referral if it was necessary as they would deal with it. If you are really concerned then it seems that you can access the full test. I am in Suffolk but As mentioned already it’s a nationwide problem.
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