Blood Testing Frequency Reduced Due To Covid

jamieA

I've just read a post from @scotleag where he stated that his blood test frequency has been changed from monthly to 2 monthly and then to 3 monthly. I've been told the same thing by my GP even though my rheumatology nurse wrote to them again in November stating I should be getting tested every 2 months due to the drugs I'm on. My GP surgery stated it was due to covid restrictions but it seems crazy the normal protocols are being overridden. I've an appointment at the rheumatology clinic next week so I'll ask again. Have others been told the same thing?

stickywicket

It's normal for the frequency of our blood tests to be lengthened over time provided things are going OK. I've been on three monthly for years though, before we moved to Scotland, my GP used to get twitchy if I went over two months though rheumatology were fine with that. I did leave my January one as covid rates increased but I got a call from my GP to have it.

jamieA

Hi @stickywicket

I can understand if, over time and things are going well, that the frequency of blood tests would be reduced. However I was put on Amgevita at the end of July last year and it turns out the rheumatology nurse wrote to my GP then to say I needed bloods done every 2 months. I was unaware of this and it was only at my November rheumatology clinic appointment that she brought it up. It was only because I had been admitted to hospital in October with a chest infection that she had a set of blood results to go on. Whilst I was there she wrote again to my GP to state I needed bloods done every 2 months. I made an appointment for December to get my bloods checked and the GP practice nurse said it was now 3 monthly. It was ironic as I was back a week later for another blood test as my results showed I now had anaemia. I was back late January for another blood test to see if the Vit B12 supplement they'd given me had worked. I was then told my next blood test would be April - due to GP covid protocols. I've a rheumatology appointment next week and I'll raise it again but it just doesn't make sense if rheumatology - who prescribed the drugs - are being overruled by an arbitrary decision by the GP.

stickywicket

I quite agree, and that's got to be very worrying for you. I know there can be disagreements over who is responsible for the blood tests. I remember having to get all my early ones at the hospital. I'd guess that this question has come up again because both hospital and GP are snowed under.

This doesn't help you at all, though. Could you go to another practice? Or contact your local PALS?

jamieA

Hi @stickywicket

I have thought of changing GP but I'm a bit apprehensive about that. I've been there about 15 years which is longer than most of the doctors presently there. Most practices here have now implemented catchment areas and the nearest practice hasn't got a great reputation. In fact my present practice wouldn't accept me as a new patient now as I'm now outside their redrawn catchment area - I'm only 3kms from the practice. That led to issues last year when I was too ill to attend the GP and they wouldn't do a house call - leading to a blue light trip to hospital. In the last 15 months I've newly been diagnosed with 4 different ailments and I'm presently on 7 different medications and think moving may complicate things.

stickywicket

Tricky. I think, in your situation, wanting things to change but not wanting to change practice, I'd ask to speak to the practice manager. I'd be clear, kind, polite, firm. Good luck!