Methotrexate and blood tests

[Topcar]

I was switched from oral methotrexate to metoject pens 10 weeks ago and have shared care between GP and rheumatology meaning I can have my bloods taken at my local hospital or my GP surgery , rheumatology issue the blood forms as the monthly results need to go back to rheumatology first so that my next prescription can be authorised providing the results are OK. I have never been issued with a book but can access my results via NHS online or by phoning the rheumatology nurse or practice nurse. I have always been contacted if there have been concerns about results and I got a plastic card online with a list of all my medication to pop in my handbag along with my steroid card in case of emergency.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Did you mean this to be a reply to the existing thread on the methotrexate book?

[Topcar in reply to PMRpro]

Whoops yes!! Really shouldn't do things so late at night/early morning !!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Topcar]

Happens all the time - don't worry about it. You could copy and paste it to where you wanted it to be and delete this but it doesn't matter if you can't.

[Topcar]

I've moved it, although it's probably a bit after the event now!!🤣

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Topcar]

Not really - people tend to look at stuff months later! It just occurred to me, this is a manifestation of digitalisation, But a lot of the people it applies to don't have a smartphone - I don't, and as I pointed out to the little bunny here who denied my requirement for the printout for my pacemaker on the ground it was "on the computer", your average paramedic or policeperson doesn't have access to the the South Tirol healthcare computer system in the event of an emergency!!! And that is in the same country!!! I live 30km from the border ...

[Topcar]

Yes technology has a lot to answer for! I worked in the NHS before retirement and the majority of doctors still preferred paper copies to computer records.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Topcar]

They are at least accessible when the NHS computer gpes down!!!!

[NewtoGCA]

Hi. Out of interest how do you access your results on NHS online? Is that on the NHS app or Patients Portal? I’m on MTX and have monthly bloods but never see my results.

[MrsNails in reply to NewtoGCA]

Hi - does your Surgery use Patient Access as they can give you Permissions to see your blood results & that will then show on the NHS APP - other systems can do the same apparently.

That’s how l order my repeat prescription as well.

MrsN

You should have access to your blood results to check what your Normal is - as it’s important if there are any changes…..

Have a word at the Surgery & see what they can do - we always used to have a MTX Record Book but they don’t seem to issue them now……

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MrsNails]

SystmOnline (Tpp) is very similar to PA -our surgery changed over a couple of years ago….

[MrsNails in reply to DorsetLady]

You just need to ask for the Access to the Results……

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MrsNails]

Yes -I get all my info….the only thing we can’t do ‘post Covid’ is book appointments online -nuisance , but heigh hi…,

[NewtoGCA in reply to MrsNails]

thank you Mrs N. I’ve got the nhs app and patient portal but there’s no access to results. I joined patient access but they got rid of that. It’s like pulling teeth getting anything out of my surgery but I’ll give it a go trying to speak to them. It really would be useful and I have requested in writing that I would like copies of all results as I’ve had so many tests incl bloods but scans, biopsies so hard to get results. Thank you 🙏

[MrsNails in reply to NewtoGCA]

Try & find yourself an ally at the Surgery - the nice Receptionist, the helpful Nurse & explain you’re new to this & ask them the best way to get your results explaining how important they are…..

I always find this the best way 😉

[NewtoGCA]

Tough nuts to crack but I know what you mean. Thank you xx