Blood tests

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 8. Dec 2009, 09:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
How often do you have blood tests? I'm due to start hydroxycholorquine, as soon as I pick up the prescription! :oops: I've only had blood tests to diagnose me. Won't blood tests tell me if the medication is working or not?

I'm waiting to be referred to the NHS and I'm seeing my consultant privately until then. My policy doesn't cover check-ups, only if I'm in a flare and it would be useful to know my ESR and CRP (it's positive), especially as my ESR has been high.

Sorry, I know I'm posting a lot but I'm clueless and this is all new to me.
Thank you.

Comments

  • breane
    breane Member Posts: 392
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,I have been on Hydroxy for almost six months and I have to go for a blood test once a month.My GP told me this would tell him if the Hydroxy is working properly and that there's no underlying problems.I would check with your GP or Rheumy nurse.Hope Hydroxy will work for you. Breane. :)
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi i was on hydroxy for 3 months and didnt have any blood tests in that time then they put me on mxt as well so then had bloods every 2 weeks for the first three months.
    when you pick up your prescription maybe you could as then.
    good luck with it
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Princess
    Post as often as you need.There is always someone on here who can help
    Take care
    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,882
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi princess
    I am hydroxy and have blood tests whenevr i go to the rhuemy about 6 monthly.
    Toni x
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for all your replies.
    I have just received a letter saying I have an appointment with my rheumy at his NHS clinic in January. I'm very pleased, I was worried because my private cover is limited. I'm going to start writing my questions down now! :wink: