My GP referred me to a rheumatologist 6 weeks ago and the appointment is due in 10 days. I last had a blood test 7 weeks ago.
My question is shouldn’t I have an up to date blood test before my appointment?
Don’t want to bother GP/surgery unnecessarily but it seems a bit odd to me particularly as I have been pretty much pain free since I split the dose as suggested here.
Any advice appreciated, thanks.
It would be sensible to gave an uptodate blood test - it then gives the Rheumy - and you - a bit more info about what’s going on.
You are not “bothering” the GPs surgery - that’s what they are there for!
Thanks! The surgery receptionists are watchdogs and hard to get past. I only do it when necessary!
Certainly isn't "bothering" the GP - it is a service they provide for the NHS who pay them to do it. They get the money whether you go there or not.
Symptoms are more important than numbers though - but beware, the rheumy may be one of the sceptics about splitting the dose!
How can rheumies be sceptical about splitting the dose? The lived experience is that it works, at least for some, so there must be some scientific reason behind it surely? You’re my go to person for all the medical research stuff!
Only too easily! They are taught it is best to take the pred all at once about 8-9am as that mimics the body's natural rhythm. So obviously splitting it can't be right. They don't take some basics into consideration - like bioavailability (how much you absorb of an oral dose), disease activity that can't be measured, duration of antiinflammatory effect (12 to 36 hours). For some reason they assume everyone is the same. The ideal is taking pred at between 2 and 3am so it is present in force at 4-4.30am - but that's a pain. There is a form of pred that does that even though you take it at 10pm - but it isn't cheap, especially in the US. So it tends not to happen.
And heaven forfend that PATIENTS play about with their medications to optimise their use, especially under the guidance of OTHER patients!
You could contact your new rheumy's secretary, explain the situation and ask whether your new doctor would like to order blood tests at their hospital prior to the appointment.
That’s a good idea, thanks. Think I’ll do that.
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