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Is it ok to go to GP for a general checkup/ get bloods done- late 40s.

8 replies

Startagain4 · 03/08/2023 08:45

I haven't been to the gp in a few years with any real sickness, just smear. I'd a coil fitted by gynae last year. I'm on mirtazapine for anxiety last 3 years. I'd very low vitamin d about 7 years ago after getting bloods done and I think that was the last time I've had them checked. I was on prescription vitamin d for a few weeks after.

Lately, I feel a bit off now and again, have had tension headaches, which I never get usually, and have felt light headed at times at times lately. I'm 48.

I'm unsure whether to go to gp and ask for bloods to be done, or whether I'm being a bit of a hypochondriac!?

OP posts:
Helenloveslee4eva · 03/08/2023 08:46

Ask for an nhs health check. These are a funded service

lljkk · 03/08/2023 09:14

NHS health check will check your cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, lifestyle, but not things like micro-nutrients, thyroid, hormones, etc.

Personally I doubt I'd see GP over a few headaches & occasional spells of light-headedness. I think that might be your anxiety talking. I'd think I was maybe run down & certainly could manage restoring & improving my energies at home. You could try OTC vitamin supplements without battle to see a GP.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/how-do-i-get-an-nhs-health-check/

nhs.uk

How do I get an NHS Health Check?

You can have an NHS Health Check if you're aged 40 to 74 and you have not had a stroke, or do not already have a pre-existing health condition.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/how-do-i-get-an-nhs-health-check

Smittenkitchen · 03/08/2023 09:25

Menopause?

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Smittenkitchen · 03/08/2023 09:26

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

ringoutsolsticebells · 03/08/2023 10:51

No, it is not okay to go to the GP for a general check up if there is nothing wrong with you. If you feel unwell, then yes, of course it's fine. Only you can say if you think there is a medical issue. There is no medication for tension headaches

lilacsinbloom · 03/08/2023 10:56

It is an excellent age to go and have your bloods done for metabolic markers (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c for diabetes/prediabetes, cholesterol, LFTs), so you have time to turn anything around that needs turning around, which they can be by changing diet and exercising more, rather than letting the rot set in unaware. Not feeling quite right in yourself is a good prod. It is not being a hypochondriac, it is being responsible for your own health.

Tistheseason17 · 03/08/2023 11:05

As you are on mirtazipine it would not be unreasonable to request a medication review and blood test.
Not all GP practices offer NHS Healthchecks as they would prefer to direct their clinicians to necessary care rather than as an extra- which although funded is not exactly profitable. It is also nit mandatory for uiur GP to provide. Some councils will offer NHS healthchecks with non GP providers.

I'd proceed with req for bloods and medication review which would be expected.

Qilin · 03/08/2023 11:12

ringoutsolsticebells · 03/08/2023 10:51

No, it is not okay to go to the GP for a general check up if there is nothing wrong with you. If you feel unwell, then yes, of course it's fine. Only you can say if you think there is a medical issue. There is no medication for tension headaches

An NHS health check is allowed, and actually supposed to happen every 5 years for anyone over the age of 40y. So yes - a general check up, a legitimate medical appointment encouraged by the NHS and the government.

To be fair - I'm 50y and have never been invited, though have a lot of monitoring of bloods and other stuff anyway due to medical conditions. Dh is same age and never invited. However my sister, in a different city, was invited just after turning 40.

It's to do with trying to look our for and preempt medical issues BEFORE they become a problem. In the long term, if it was actually happening regularly for everyone eligible it could save the nhs money. Preventative treatment and all that.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/what-is-an-nhs-health-check/

www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/how-do-i-get-an-nhs-health-check/

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