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Obtaining copies of blood work

Posted , 8 users are following.

jessie2150
jessie2150

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.

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • pete42091
    pete42091 jessie2150

    Posted

    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

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 pete42091

      Posted

      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

  • angela_o..o
    angela_o..o jessie2150

    Posted

    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...... smile

    • pete42091
      pete42091 angela_o..o

      Posted

      All your medical records belong to you. Full access to everything
    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 angela_o..o

      Posted

      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.

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 pete42091

      Posted

      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.

  • pete42091
    pete42091 jessie2150

    Posted

    I had no symptoms untill i got a massive heart attack. Lucky i was fit and young .

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 pete42091

      Posted

      pete that is dreadful.  Did your FBC results show problems that should be investigated?

      I used to trust doctors but now  ??

    • pete42091
      pete42091 jessie2150

      Posted

      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

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 pete42091

      Posted

      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
    • pete42091
      pete42091 jessie2150

      Posted

      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

  • andrew45678
    andrew45678 jessie2150

    Posted

    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.

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 andrew45678

      Posted

      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. 

  • harrishill1
    harrishill1 jessie2150

    Posted

    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 
  • 1958_pele
    1958_pele jessie2150

    Posted

    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
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