What can one ask of a GP in terms of tests?
Discussion
No, this isn't a "my leg's fallen off, what should I do??!!111!" thing, I'm just curious about what sort of remit a GP has with regard to scheduling bloodwork or more involved tests.
Can you insist they run a cholesterol check, for example, or test for diabetes? Or can you ask for a blanket "MOT" check that would cover a multitude of sins? Scans, x-rays?
My lifestyle at present isn't exactly conducive to good health and, while I am taking steps in the right direction (lost a lot of weight, for example, and have cut down on the booze quite considerably), there's a nagging thought that there might be more behind the various weird symptoms I've had occasionally over the last 2 months or so (including loss of circulation to random fingers for 5 minutes or so at a time, insomnia, strange temperature fluctuations, shallow breath etc). Particularly given family history, albeit a generation away (1 granddad & one grandmother both died of heart attacks, one uncle survived one 10 years ago).
Individually it could all be put down to particular things, like cold outside temps, sniffles, smoking etc respectively, but put them all together and it's quite a stretch of will to do the "bloke" thing and ignore them - particularly the circulation. So, as I turned 35 a couple of months ago, it's time for a complete check up.
Unfortunately, over the years I've found most GPs to be dyed-in-the-wool, entrenched curmudgeons who will simply repeat the mantra of "stop smoking, drink less, exercise more" and generally be more reactive than proactive. And, while I am in the process of doing all of that, I'm going to reserve my right to be a hypochondriac and push for as much diagnosis as possible.
So, where does the GP end, and a chest-clutching blues run to A&E begin?
Can you insist they run a cholesterol check, for example, or test for diabetes? Or can you ask for a blanket "MOT" check that would cover a multitude of sins? Scans, x-rays?
My lifestyle at present isn't exactly conducive to good health and, while I am taking steps in the right direction (lost a lot of weight, for example, and have cut down on the booze quite considerably), there's a nagging thought that there might be more behind the various weird symptoms I've had occasionally over the last 2 months or so (including loss of circulation to random fingers for 5 minutes or so at a time, insomnia, strange temperature fluctuations, shallow breath etc). Particularly given family history, albeit a generation away (1 granddad & one grandmother both died of heart attacks, one uncle survived one 10 years ago).
Individually it could all be put down to particular things, like cold outside temps, sniffles, smoking etc respectively, but put them all together and it's quite a stretch of will to do the "bloke" thing and ignore them - particularly the circulation. So, as I turned 35 a couple of months ago, it's time for a complete check up.
Unfortunately, over the years I've found most GPs to be dyed-in-the-wool, entrenched curmudgeons who will simply repeat the mantra of "stop smoking, drink less, exercise more" and generally be more reactive than proactive. And, while I am in the process of doing all of that, I'm going to reserve my right to be a hypochondriac and push for as much diagnosis as possible.
So, where does the GP end, and a chest-clutching blues run to A&E begin?
Edited by Famous Graham on Monday 29th December 03:20
I went to my GP for a similar set of symptoms last Jan. My family's history of heart problems is dire, with my father exiting at 61 and his brother at 42. The GP happily arranged a full ECG and a full set of "bloods". All clear as it happens. I suspect it was all about poor hydration and a touch too much tippling at bedtime to combat the insommnia. Note the time of posting 
Anything. You can ask for any test, and your GP can schedule any test. Obviously you'll need to discuss it with your GP and s/he will want to know the reasons why you want such tests, but if they are in agreement, then they can sort it out for you. If you're not happy, you can always go private.
VXR_Driver said:
Anything. You can ask for any test, and your GP can schedule any test. Obviously you'll need to discuss it with your GP and s/he will want to know the reasons why you want such tests, but if they are in agreement, then they can sort it out for you. If you're not happy, you can always go private.
Agreed.I seem to think that they now make more money the more tests they run as well, so I rather suspect it's a bit easier to get full bloods done these days.
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