Hi all. I've posted before asking questions and everyone here has been so helpful but now I have another question - sorry. I'm in UK and wanted to know if I can ask for copies of my FBC results from my family doctor (who is a stranger to me actually). I would like to ask for print outs for say, the last 5 years at least, so I can decide whether I need to see a haemotologist. Last family doc (GP) visit showed me on screen my results and he scribbled down 166 HGB (?) and polycythemia r.v. I can't remember other results. I'd like to know what steps to take, GP not unduly concerned. I'm a 67 year old female, Oh to add GP did say 'the expensive tests have to come from a haemotologist' I think he meant jak2 gene tests? I'm just so confused and lost. j.
Yes. All the medical records you are entitled too.
If your doc is not concerned. Then seek another doctor.
Polycythemia left untreated can be fatal
Heart attack. Stroke. Thrombosis. And much more
Hello jessie, I may be completely wrong but I thought tgat under the Data Protection Act you were allowed to see all the records held by your GP.
No doubt someone more knowledgeable will be able to confirm or deny that in a short while......
All your medical records belong to you. Full access to everything
Hi pete. Thanks for your reply. I am already fed up with this disinterest from GP. I really don't have any symptoms, just my FBC resuts and I don't want to be seen as a hypochondriac. j
Thanks angela. I was allowed to "see" the results, but wondered if I could ask for a printed copy of them. Not sure of my rights here ! j.
I had no symptoms untill i got a massive heart attack. Lucky i was fit and young .
Thanks pete. Goodness I feel somehow I'm wrong to ask for copies so I can see the results. Like I'm wasting NHS time. j.
pete that is dreadful. Did your FBC results show problems that should be investigated?
I used to trust doctors but now ??
Jessie.
I had high hemoglobin for 2 years and doc said nothing. So I thought I was ok.
Until the heart attack
Bloody clot in main atery. 100% blocked. It should have killed me
Yet. It hardly affected me
pete - thanks for your reply. Are you OK now? Do you have ongoing meds. or treatment? You were so fortunate could have been fatal. j
Jessie
I was ok. Even when having the heart attack. All i had was vomiting.
My treatment is an asprin a day and giving blood every 6 months.
Lucky i was very fit
Absolutely you should get copies of all your tests. Sometimes, if you get your doctor to add it to the blood test requisition, the clinic that does the testing will send you a copy as well as to your doctor. Sometimes you may have to request it (and pay for it) from your doctor. I have kepot a spreadsheet of all my blood tests for years and it allows me to track what's going on, plus bring to my doctor's attention things she might not have noticed. My doctor didn't notice that I had PV until I asked why my hemocrit had been trending higher.
Thanks for your reply andrew. I;ve only recently learnt how necessary it is to inform oneself of these things and keep one's own check. Good job you queried your hemocrit, doctors aren't infallible are they.
Hi Jessie. Yes, after you are referred to a hematologist, he will test for jak2gene mutation. Then he may prescribe medication or may do blood draws to lower the hgh red blood count. You must see a hematologist . Best wishes
Hi Jessie you must get a second opinion, my doctors were very good blood tests every 2 weeks then went to see a rheumatologist who then referred me to a haematologist all within 6/8 months. Found the jak2 mutation blood taken every few weeks for 12 mths all under control now. I have blood taken every few months now hope you get better soon.x
Not sure how it works in England, but in belfast I can see my medical records if I choose to. I think I only have to give notice in advance. Can't see it being much different where you are.
Hi Jessie regarding medical records, we got copies of my wife's but it was on a court order! I think u can see records but copies am not sure regards
Hi Jessie. I had a routine blood test and my Dr thought the Hb was high, "probably nothing to worry about" so referred me to a haematologist. She found the JAK2 gene problem was the cause of my Polycythaemia RV. I had no symptoms to speak of (apart from ones that could be menopausal too) but the haematologist made me aware of the seriousness of the condition. I have a monthly blood test and if my HCT is too high I have blood drawn off. I am on a daily aspirin and have been advised to try to drink 3L of water a day. It's hard to motivate yourself when you have no symptoms though! I don't see why you shouldn't have a blood test for the JAK2. See another doctor and ask to be referred to a haematologist. Alison