Medichecks testing

[Rocky]

I have decided to take matters into my own hands and order an Intrinsic Factor test from Medichecks. I know to have it done towards the end of my B12 injection. I have requested a nurse to come to the house as I don't know anyone that can take the blood. Do you have to receive your test first and then make an appointment for the nurse to come. I was just wondering how quick the process is. When you get a Doctors report is that for you to take that to your GP? I have also put in a request for my full medical records

[Hillwoman]

Has Medichecks not given you any information about the procedure? Assuming this is a standard blood draw, with no centrifuging needed, you could book the nurse after you've received the test kit. You don't have to give the results to your GP if you don't want to.

I assume you want find out whether you have pernicious anaemia? Be aware that a negative result does not mean you don't have it. The IF antibody test can give a false negative result. Treatment for PA and other cobalamin malabsorption syndromes should be given on the basis of symptoms, especially any neurological symptoms.

[Hillwoman in reply to Hillwoman]

Sorry, I should have looked at your profile before responding. I've just seen that you have a PA diagnosis, in which case there is no point in a further IF antibody test.

[Rocky in reply to Hillwoman]

I have a very ignorant GP who is refusing to believe I have Pernicious Anaemia and they are trying to tell me it's not written in my medical notes. I have a report from a Hematologist last year that states I have Polyglandular Autoimmune disease type 3 which also lists Pernicious Anaemia as one of the conditions. The GP has agreed to 6 weekly injections and I am not having him tell me I don't have Pernicious Anaemia

[Hillwoman in reply to Rocky]

If the GP has agreed to injections every six weeks, then you've already achieved something that many people with PA have not. Thousands of us are struggling to get any treatment at all, let alone at the eight week interval the BNF states is necessary for PA with neurological involvement. Your GP must have accepted the haematologist's diagnosis to offer you injections this often, although he may well be muddled about your diagnosis. GPs have little knowledge about autoimmune and endocrine disorders.

[Rocky in reply to Hillwoman]

I know and my husband can't believe the way I have been treated this past week by medical professionals. I have also got to have a colonoscopy recommended by a consultant as my Dad died of bowel cancer and my sister had a routine test that they offer. They found polyps and recommended that her siblings were also tested. I was also hoping that there could be evidence of Pernicious Anaemia during that procedure

[Hillwoman in reply to Rocky]

I agree that medical professionals are often very unpleasant people. I'm sorry to hear you need a colonoscopy, but I doubt it will reveal anything about your pernicious anaemia - I don't see how it could.

To reiterate, you may well feel your GP is an ignorant so-and-so regarding your diagnosis of polyglandular syndrome, and you may well be correct, but I think you should regard his agreement to treat you with B12 shots every six weeks as a triumph. Many of us have to self-treat our PA.

[Rocky in reply to Hillwoman]

I know and that is the reason I am doing it as I am sick of how all of us are treated. I was on the verge of self treating and had discussed it with my husband who said he would give me injections. I do realise how lucky I am and thanks for your help