Four GP's and Nurse Practitioner , views Differ.

[Nytsom]

We live and learn! GP Surgeries Eh; Trying to get past the Reception Desk at our Surgery can be difficult; and when you do eventually get an appointment to see a GP, you get the "you need tests" before we can proceed; OK I've been having tests for a month.

My B12 is 136. But I have a problem with seeing the same doctor at my surgery! I've seen four different doctors about this problem. Was told I'd need to go on injections for B12D by one GP only last week; He asked me to have (yet) another blood test. This morning I attended the surgery and was seen by another GP; and would you believe it, He was the one GP (Doctor) I didn't wan't to see! He seems to think that VitB12 of 136 in the blood is low But not that low; and although I have all the symptoms of Pernicious anaemia, he refused to start me on any kind of medication. He has referred me to the Rheumatology Dept at the Hospital. I was diagnosed with Arthritis many years ago. The latest blood test shows no alteration in the B12. of 136. but he mentioned something in the blood test about Plasma, also said I have sticky blood, no idea what that's about? I'm also Iron deficient and the normal blood count is on 10, which is also low.

It looks like I'm going to suffer a bit longer with this illness before getting any treatment for B12 Deficiency; even though two GP's and the Nurse seem to think that a B12 count as low as 136, requires medical attention.

I'm annoyed with my GP Surgery .. I've not bothered them for the past 5/6 years! I dislike going to the surgery that much, I normally try to overcome any illness without troubling them; but now with this illness, I need some help. I really do feel ill; and there's no improvement as time passes.

[shaws Administrator]

I think your surgery must be running with people who have had no medical training.

With a B12 so low they should have done a test (it used to be the intrinsic value to detect P.A.) am not sure which one you need now but a member who is knowledgeable will comment. Before getting Injections or B12 tablets they must establish if you have P.A. or not. We are talking here about a serious medical problem.

patient.co.uk/health/vitami...

[Sleepybunny]

I was checked once for Hughes syndrome (also known as antiphospholipid syndrome APS).

One of the symptoms of this is sticky blood.

hughes-syndrome.org

[Marz]

bcshguidelines.com/document...

Maybe your Doc needs to look at the latest guidelines - clinical symptoms need to be treated when present. The blood test is not perfect - and only 20% of the B12 in the blood can reach the cells where it is needed. You may wish to remind your GP that with a B12 below 500 you will suffer neurological symptoms. B12 deficiency is a neurological condition when left and the symptoms can precede the blood results by years. You need treatment immediately.

Also have a MMA test and Homocysteine. The latter will be high in the absence of good B12 levels.

You may wish to post on the PAS forum of HU - lots of good links will be given to you to help you on your way.

Do hope you soon receive the treatment you deserve....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Please do spend time looking around the above website - then you will be better informed than your Doc. Information is power and just like the thyroid we have to take control and treat ourselves.

M

[Trixie64]

"Sticky blood" is the lay term for Hughes Syndrome, which can commonly be related to thyroid disorder. A neighbour of mine has it - the full name is Antiphospholipid Syndrome and is detected by a simple antibody test. She takes warfarin, but I don't know if other treatment is available. Ther was an article about it in ThyroidUK's Harmony magazine last year, VOl 2 Issue V.

Here's a link about it -

hughes_syndrome.org

Dr. Hughes works privately at The London Lupus Centre -

londonlupuscentre.com

All the best.

[Chancery]

With the collection of ineptitude and contradiction they are offering, your surgery really does sound like a lost cause. Is there no other surgery in the area you could try? Anything would be better than that. You really don't want to be ill and relying on these people.