I was diagnosed with PMR a year ago and had a blood test then but haven’t had any other blood tests after that. My GP has left me to monitor the tapering on my own and I’m down to 5.5 mg. Why has he now requested me to have a blood test and what is he looking for? Could a blood test show if my PMR has triggered diabetes 2 or any other condition?
As people on this site very often mention that they have had blood tests done and the results of these (abnormal or not), I would be grateful if you could share your experience.
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Badminton
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In an ideal world you should have regular blood tests when on any long term medication, many can have some effect on blood sugars, blood pressure, liver, kidneys etc, etc....
Perhaps surgery have finally got their act together...
Have they specified what is being tested...the initial one were probably ESR and/or CRP - which test the inflammation levels in your body.
Annual MOT-type tests are becoming more usual (about time too). It will be a range of standard tests which can show if the PMR is more active and also a lot of other things like potential diabetes risk, liver problems, kidney problems and a host more.
I haven’ had any discussions at all with my doctor about diabetes or anything else that could be triggered by my condition. Thanks for your tip about the test strips.
Right. Only reason I asked is that I had the same concern. I had had a diabetes scare before coming down with vasculitis. Since being diagnosed with the latter, I've been lucky with eating properly (no carbs!), getting plenty of exercise, testing my blood sugar and seeing an endocrinologist.
As the others say GPs often check people yearly, I think my surgery call it chronic illness check. I think DorsetLady has listed the main bog standard ones. I had Thyroid, Cholestoral, liver, calcium, full blood count, Urea and electrolytes and Hba1C for the glucose check. Also they may check BP, urine, alcohol consumption and weight.
Many thanks for the info. I’m interested in finding out if I might have diabetes, as I have numbness in my feet and have to go for a wee several times in the night. Also, wondering about Thyroid, which I have heard could cause hair loss. I have lost a lot of hair in the last couple of years (even before being diagnosed with PMR and taking Prednisolone).
Then ask the practice for a fasting blood glucose (not essential) and an Hba1c - and speaking to a nurse on the phone to ask for it should be enough. If they are raised, THEN you need to speak to a doctor.
I have a full blood test every 3 months for my own satisfaction to check all is normal which luckily it always is. I just book it with a nurse then get a print out for my file.
Without too much 'Thought', I think that I can answer this Question. You say that you have been 'Tapering', the Drugs, yourself,,,, and, after a YEAR your Doctor wants to do a Blood Test? To be honest, I'm not Surprised at all. My Consultant wants MY Blood Tests, roughly speaking, every Three Months.
I don't 'Read' ANY 'Cause For Concern' here Badminton- not unless (S)He has 'indicated' anything Unusual. Simply have the Blood, and probably Urine, Tests Done, rest assured, IF there is a Problem you will be contacted.
Given that you have some symptoms which are worrying you it's great that you're finally getting some tests. It's quite shocking really that you didn't have at least one follow up within a couple of months of starting pred. Being a new PMR patient long before covid I had frequent bloodwork for the first year, although after the initial complete panel it was really just to monitor inflammation markers and a couple of items of concern - in my case iron level and sugar. I think it was after two years on pred, tests about every three months, my blood sugar was back to normal (never quite diabetic) and my doctor said, see you in a year, giving me enough prescription renewals to see me through that year. My new doctor likes every six months, this following a massive flare I had about the time my old doctor moved away. Do let us know how you get on. Hopefully your mind will be put to rest, but if there is anything which needs closer attention - like the possibility of pre-diabetes or diabetes - then you'll know and can deal with it, which is so much better than not knowing and worrying.
Thanks! I appreciate hearing about what you have gone through. Now eager to find out what the blood test will reveal.
Since my diagnosis of PMR this forum has been such a support to me, so therefore a big ‘Thank you’ to everybody sharing their experiences on how to deal with the various side effects and problems.
Wow, you were answered to the max ... I hope you have the sense that there is no need to be anxious about the blood test ... With many good doctors and specialists regular, even monthly blood tests are beneficial.
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