Talking over blood results with gp

[crazycatlady1901]

So tomorrow I'm going to phone my gp re blood results from blue horizon. I don't think for a minute she will take me seriously!!🙄  Anybody any tips? So I don't completely waste my time and breath 

[shaws Administrator]

If I were you I'd just send a note with a copy of your results and point out anything you think is important.

This gives her time to read/consult with other doctors about your results and state you'd like to make an appointment to have a proper chat. They have guidelines to follow and the guidelines don't always diagnose our symptoms. Some doctors are amendable. You could also say that you've taken advice as you feel so awful from the NHS Choices Healthunlocked Thyroiduk.

[crazycatlady1901 in reply to shaws]

The way my doctors work is when you phone for an appointment the receptionist puts your name in the queue and the doctor calls you back to discuss why you need an appointment so I'm going to need to discuss it over the phone. And she's quite abrasive so any tips are appreciated lol

[Butterfly65 in reply to crazycatlady1901]

 I think Shaws advice is best heeded, a good letter usually gets them on their toes. However, when your gp asks you why your appointment is needed explain in brief that you've felt so unwell that you've had no other choice but to take it upon yourself to order private blood tests & you would like to discuss the results with her. Just speak slowly & clearly & be confident & as abrasive as she is. Good luck... be cool & calm they're not gods just Doctors. If the appointment is denied then follow shaws advice & if you do get the appointment & don't feel your GP has taken your results seriously write a letter of complaint to the practice manager.

[Boozybird in reply to crazycatlady1901]

I'm in a similar situation as you wanting to discuss external reports but the system for consultations where you are sounds ridiculous so no wonder she's abrasive! It also puts you in a difficult situation. May be sending in a copy with your concerns might be best before you speak on the phone?  She will have a chance to read and understand what you are saying before she has a chance to jump down to our throat. 😱

[Bluemaxx]

Hi, if you HAVE to speak on the phone, I would start the conversation with, "As you may know I have been very ill with symptoms of hypothyroidism (or whatever). I was so concerned that I had private testing done with a reputable lab."

You probably should have a list of what you need to get across, such as (for example) I am concerned about my Vitamin D levels, I think they are too low according to blah blah (get the facts to hand) and I think that is contributing to my ill-health (give example).

If you have everything to hand you won't be caught off guard.

I would be polite but firm with calm dignity. Hopefully that will work.

[crazycatlady1901]

Thanks everyone 😊 I'm waiting on a call back just now , I'll lets you know how it goes 

[Mr-Sensible69]

All good advice I would say. I know a good story about a pharmacology professor who approached his elderly fathers GP about concerns over the amount of drugs that his father was on. He got fogged off with crap, but never let on he was a pharmacology professor. After getting fogged off with crap he wrote the practice a letter letting them know he was a pharmacology professor and what his concerns were about his father medication regime. Instant result, GP immediately took this guy's father off half the drugs that he was on and that was a week after the guy got told by GP that all his father medication was absolutely vital and it was all the right doses. Myself, Ive, now got that little confidence in GPs and the system in general that I think I would be better off discussing it with the fish in the river Forth. I get told they can tell everything from TSH test-CRAP. And also remember that Jesus didn't ride into Jerusalem with a stethoscope around his neck waving a prescription pad in the air. Whats the difference between God and a doctor? God doesn't think he's a doctor.

[crazycatlady1901]

Well back from the doctors and all I can say is I'm now the most confused person EVER!! Tsh the magic 5 well it seems in my gps they let you get to that then dangle Levo in front of you like a carrot then take it away in the next breath as apparently it won't help.....exasperated much!! 

[Bluemaxx]

I'm new to all of this but even I know that TSH of 5 is WAY too high. Why don't you post your Blue Horizon results so the more knowledgeable members can suggest a plan for you. Good luck!!!

[silverfox7]

Sadly not surprised. Was she cross about you doing your own thing? I've never used Blue Horizon but do they just give results or add in advice?