would you push for something more? (GP)

OP I hope you're okay. If you haven't gone back to the doctors yet, I would get in ASAP

The 180 score for BP was concerning

How are you now op?

180/70 is extremely high - was that the average of three readings? Or just one of three? Or the only one taken?

Yes but A GP would not rush to order a specialist tests based on the symptoms. I was asking if op had something in mind because, at best, a GP would only order routine blood tests, none of which would show up an exposure to a toxin.

180 is more than a little high. I'd be buying my own machine and rechecking it at home. Should be 140 or less.

I think, personally, that I would feel OK to leave it just a little while to see if it resolves because if it is a virus you will waste a lot of time and worry checking unnecessarily. But if it doesn't resolve you will have to go back and then, yes, surely a blood test is the first starting point.

The NHS page does say to see your GP, which you have done - it gives some self help advice which might help you? Have you kept a diary to see if there is any pattern? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/feeling-sick-nausea/

The NHS page includes mention of migraines - I did wonder about that myself as you can have migraines without any headache and nausea is a strongly connected symptom.

What is your basic diet, hydration, sleep, exercise and stress situation like?

Hypoglycaemia can increase BP.

Rather than biscuits try an immediate sugar boost (sugar/juice) see if it subsides quicker. Also look at when they're occuring. Is if after a big meal? Something very sugary? After exercise? On movement?

Sudden hypos in someone without reason aren't 'normal'. I'd give it more of a days than weeks and then go back. So maybe till Monday. GP's generally get sick enough of you to order some tests. So bother them enough and they'll do it.

Honestly I would be concerned with your BP. 180 is very high for your age. I wonder if your pharmacy can check your blood glucose…? You would probably have to be symptomatic at the time. I guess you could buy some urinalysis sticks too. I would definitely push for more. Your symptoms are not normal and they’re not going away.

I hope your symptoms improve soon op. Keep us updated x

She seems to be looking for a fight some reason so I’ve just left her to argue to herself 🤷🏼‍♀️

Typed in ops symptoms in med diagnosis. Possible serious causes (ruling out viruses) include low blood sugar, poisoning (mentioned for the 3rd time), muscle problems, neurological problems, can’t even be arsed to go through the whole list. A lot of which can be determined through a blood test. Of course they won’t know exactly what they’re looking for. A blood test can really be the starting point. As pp said they look for abnormalities and go from there. It’s really not hard

@Fiddlerdragon i don’t think I’m twisting anything? I pointed out a PP was rude and suggested that the OP going back and asking for “a blood test” was inappropriate.

If her symptoms persist and her BP remains high she would need some home BP readings, then maybe some baseline bloods, an ECG and then another review.

But as her GP said, wait a bit longer and review if needed.

Why are you repeatedly twisting what the pp is saying? If this does require further investigation, what tests do you think they’ll start with?

You don’t always know what you’re hoping to ‘include or exclude’ with a blood test.

Of course you do. Years at medical school and post qualifying training and experience gives you that knowledge.

@Peoplemakemedespair my essay was an overall response to the general thread.

You were rude. Calling someone “not very bright” because they have pointed out that there’s no magic single blood test will say yes! You have abcxyz (which is completely correct). If you think there is such a test you are the one that is mistaken. Usually a panel of bloods is needed alongside other investigations to make a firm differential diagnosis.

Do you really think GPs/ANPs see a patient with vague and fleeting symptoms and think yes there’s just the blood test for that?

@doc192 could you be pregnant?

Why have you written me an essay like my one line comment means that I disagree with anything you’ve just written? I agree that the op should wait and keep an eye on her symptoms for now. The pps comment was ‘rude’ in the way she’s implying that the ops suggestion of a blood test for a diagnosis is ridiculous. You don’t always know what you’re hoping to ‘include or exclude’ with a blood test. I’m a hca and it’s interesting to note the other pps suggestion of possible toxin exposure, we’ve had a similar case where there was exposure to what I believe was snail bait.

You've been told to come back in a few weeks if there's no change, so yes YWBU to go back next week unless there are any changes.

That’s rude. It’s true. Bloods are done with an idea of what you’re hoping to include or exclude. You need a working hypothesis of what you’re looking for. The OPs symptoms are vague, short lived so far and in between episodes she’s fine. A fit healthy young woman, and it’s winter with multiple viruses circulating.

A lot of primary care involves excluding anything serious, watching and waiting and reviewing if things don’t improve or change. If we did bloods on everyone that pitched up with a fortnights worth of slightly odd symptoms that spontaneously resolve you’d have to wait even longer for appointments and the labs would be overwhelmed.

BP needs rechecking in a couple of weeks and if symptoms persist a review is needed. In the meantime she can eat well and regularly, get some fresh air and exercise, avoid alcohol, keep a diary of her symptoms and review if it continues.

Just because you (possibly) have a virus doesn't mean everyone else has to have it, or will react in the same way to it. I think the doctors right to give it a couple of weeks, maybe sure you get 3 square meals and plenty of sleep.

This is how blood tests work- they take some of your blood and check for any abnormalities which can help with a diagnosis. It’s a medical procedure that says ‘what it is you are actually suffering with’. There’s nothing magical about it. I’ve known someone with similar sounding symptoms who had actually been exposed to a toxin. Now have a little guess how the doctors diagnosed it?

You’re not very bright, are you?