blood tests

[Pongo13]

haven’t posted in a while. Coping on 2 mg a day for a few years. I haven’t had a blood test since before covid. I have requested from time to time but been refused - I guess if I’m feeling ok then don’t worry. Is this usual when on long term steroids? As I get my pension this year I’m sure the general aches and pains are age related. One shoulder very painful. One hip stiff and frequently wakes me. Not pmr I’m thinking. I’m considering tapering to 0 (last time didn’t work pre covid). So my questions

1. Blood test reluctance from gp - is this normal?

2. Thoughts on tapering down to 0?

3. Should I bother gp with hip and shoulder? They don’t stop me doing anything.

Thanks in advance.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I don’t think anyone should accept any pain as just ageing. Even if it is, you may well be able to help it so you need to know the cause. It never ceases to amaze me how somehow it is ok to suffer without question once you get to a certain age. It is 4 years since Covid started properly, so a general blood test is well overdue I’d say, not least because you’ve been on steroids and have an autoimmune condition.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

If you are feeling okay there may be no need for blood tests… but why have they been refused? And I wonder why GP has left you on 2mg for so long… are you getting any interest/interaction from them at all?

Am slightly concerned at your comment ‘am coping on 2mg’.. that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.😊.

So in reply -

1. Seems to me the norm in some places, but I’d ask again. And query if refused, and say you are thinking of reducing and need you know the i]situation [whether that’s true or not they don’t need to know]. But as SnazzyD has said you are probably due a check anyway.

2. Maybe try, but a slow taper and very small steps - 0.5mg a time.

3. Worth asking for X-ray to check for Osteoarthritis, but as surgery seems very lax you may be refused if not hip/shoulder not causing any issues.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well if it is normal - it shouldn't be! Four years even on a low dose of 2mg is a long time to not check ANYTHING. I'd want VERY good justification for NOT doing it.

Pain is a sign there is something not right - and it is perfectly possible that they may be ab'e to make a diagnosis and there be something that will ease your discomfort. Just because we are older doesn't mean it is fine to be in pain. And like DL - your saying "I'm coping" doesn't sound great!

And if you don't try a very slow taper - you won't know if you can get even lower.

[Pongo13]

I have had a recent diagnosis for diverticulitis, I also had a referral to breast clinic (changes due to an infection not cancer thankfully). They have been very good once I’ve managed to get an appointment. I think they may wonder if I’m a hypochondriac - I’ve had a lot of stress with family issues so had some counselling. I recall a blood test for cholesterol now I think about it - but would they have checked inflammatory markers?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pongo13]

Only if they requested them. My doctors would - if they do a blood test it is almost always a case of "while we're at it ..." and they do full blood count, liver and kidney function, blood sugar and ESR/CRP at least. Who made the diverticulitis dx? I'd have thought inflammatory markers were relevant there.

[Pongo13 in reply to PMRpro]

I should have gone to a&e on Boxing Day as I was in horrendous pain - from familial history I knew what it was - some months later when pain recurred locum sent me for colonoscopy - although it was smaller s…oscopy and they diagnosed that day - with full non urgent colonoscopy in 7 weeks (now gone past that date). Polyp to be removed too. No blood test though. My on line health records don’t record pmr - just checked - oh and the locum put me on omaprazole saying I should have had it from start of steroids. I try not to bother the gp plus it’s so tricky getting to see someone. I usually write a letter!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pongo13]

My on line health records don’t record pmr

Then why are still getting a prescription for Pred? Sounds an utter shambles to me.

Needs a letter or preferably an eConsult message ( if they are in the 21st century) stating what your situation is, and what you’d like doing…

[Pongo13 in reply to DorsetLady]

E consult only available at 8 am thereafter unable to take messages. I work so difficult to do that on work day. They will only discuss one ailment per appointment. Hence I get to the point where I write a letter. Last weekend bank hols I got shingles but thankfully pharmacist saw me, saw shingles, and prescribed meds. Now what was I saying about hypochondriac ….?! I really appreciate your comments - in many ways you ARE my gp support. I wouldn’t have got through the initial pmr tapering journey without you! I’ve taken enough of your time and you’ve given me a way forward so thank you again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pongo13]

I think it is time to either change GP practice or make an official complaint to the practice manager. Because as DL says - sounds an utter shambles!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pongo13]

EConsult only available at 8am - not good enough.

Think that needs a complaint to health authority - it should be available when surgery is open . They are not using as it is intended…

Or a change of surgery..,

[Pongo13 in reply to DorsetLady]

Sadly no other gp nearby - on a peninsula - plus they are merging with the next closest surgery.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pongo13]

Then complaint time.

[Pongo13 in reply to PMRpro]

This I will find difficult - I hate complaining! But I will consider! Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pongo13]

Well with the merging it may improve, but no guarantee of course.

But the eConsult side if things does need to be highlighted to the powers that be - appreciate you may not want the hassle. But they are failing in their duty at the moment…

On a peninsula? Not in Dorset are you?

[Pongo13 in reply to DorsetLady]

Not Dorset.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pongo13]

No probs.. 🌸