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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not go for these blood tests?

153 replies

Wetbankhols · 05/05/2016 16:54

I went to see my doctor (this is quite rare by the way as I hate going) but I had really hurt my knee, and needed some strong painkillers as the over the counter stuff wasn't helping.

He was nice enough but insisted on weighing me even though I kept saying it was ok.

Obviously, I was obese which I already knew.

He wanted to put me on a weight management programme and insisted on sending me for blood tests which are between 8 and 11 Monday to Friday.

AIBU to not go? I get that they have to follow guidelines and I don't mind that but it's a big inconvenience out of my day.

OP posts:
shinynewusername · 06/05/2016 11:07

If it makes you feel any better OP, the GP is obliged to offer to weigh you and take blood samples as per the QOF contract. You did not have to step on the scales. You do not have to have the blood tests. If your GP was concerned, he would have taken a sample of your blood there and then - with your consent

That's bollocks. There are no requirements for GPs to weigh or test people in their 30s. There is a health check up scheme for the over 40s but OP has said she is younger.

And, as a GP, I very rarely take bloods then and there - for a host of reasons including the need for fasting in some cases and timings of the blood samples being transported to the lab.

The GP brought up your obesity because it will be a key reason why your knee is not improving.

Original poster
Wetbankhols · 06/05/2016 11:14

That makes it sound as if the knee is an ongoing issue and it isn't.

Forget it. My obesity clearly means I deserve everything I get!

OP posts:
shinynewusername · 06/05/2016 11:20

Forget it. My obesity clearly means I deserve everything I get

Sigh. Your GP could have had an easy life and just prescribed you some potentially addictive painkillers. 2 minute consultation, job done - no hassle. Instead, he tried to engage with a root cause of your knee injury not improving, which will be your weight. Fill a backpack with bricks and carry it around all day. Does your knee feel better or worse?

I do not agree with bringing up patients' weight when it is not relevant to the consultation - that is stigmatising and deters people from seeking medical help. However, in this case, your weight is 100% relevant. I understand it is a sensitive issue but your GP is trying to help you protect your knee from long-term pain.

Lweji · 06/05/2016 11:29

Forget it. My obesity clearly means I deserve everything I get!
WTAF?

I was asked about my weight by a GP. I'm underweight.
I just assumed she was being thorough and doing her job other than getting rid of me as soon as humanly possible.

Lillylol · 06/05/2016 11:32

She fell off her horse and hurt her knee didn't she?? She is only two stone overweight.

shinynewusername · 06/05/2016 11:36

Yes but being overweight is an incredibly common reason for musculoskeletal injuries failing to heal. Try the backpack test with 2 stone of weight and see how your knees feel.

Lillylol · 06/05/2016 11:37

Sounds like a good idea Wet. Good luck Smile

GruffaloPants · 06/05/2016 11:37

I'd take the tests.

My friend's husband only found out he was type 2 diabetic when he had a stroke. He now has a limp and memory problems and has had to retire at a young age. He was also overweight but "felt fine".

You are high risk, what's the harm in giving up a couple of hours.

KayTee87 · 06/05/2016 11:42

I agree that extra weight will exacerbate symptoms. I'm 7 months pregnant and about 20lbs heavier than before i got pregnant - walking up hills and stairs makes me legs a hell of a lot more tired now than before. I was really surprised at the difference actually.

I think the gp has actually done a good job but if you're sensitive about your weight it wouldn't go down well which is understandable. It must be hard for gps to balance being nice and doing their job properly.

KayTee87 · 06/05/2016 11:42

My*

scaryteacher · 06/05/2016 11:46

OP - my dh is a Type II, and has just been taking the medication for a long time, but making no effort to lose weight. He had bloods done last year, which showed he was losing quite a lot of his pancreatic function. He finally clutched in to the fact that he needs to watch his weight, and we have been doing the Hairy Bikers recipes for about 10 months now. He has lost about 15kg in that time, which has stayed off, and I need to get him down to 100 kgs by August. He travels a lot for work, so eats in hotels, but is learning to make healthier choices. Unlike me he isn't a sugar addict, which helps!

PacificDogwod · 06/05/2016 11:49

Ah, WetBankHols, don't focus on the negative on this thread - there's been lots of supportive and perfectly nice advice.

None of us were there during the consultation. From what you are saying you felt v uncomfortable and something was 'off'. Don't let that put you off seeking help, whether its for your knee, your weight or how you are feeling about yoursf.
See a different doctor if that is practical.

And frankly, I don't see anybody saying you 'deserve' whatever problem you have with your knee, just that there IS a connection between knee pain/knee injuries and weight. Your GP was trying to do a good job, rather than just handing over painkillers which, yes, would have been much easier and less time consuming for him.

I hope you feel better soon and that something on this thread may have been helpful Thanks

PurpleDaisies · 06/05/2016 11:50

However, in this case, your weight is 100% relevant. I understand it is a sensitive issue but your GP is trying to help you protect your knee from long-term pain.

Absolutely this. Also you mentioned up thread high cholesterol runs in your family. If yours is high that increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Don't you want to know about it so you can do something about it? Especially since you say you want kids-you want to be around long enough to see then grow up.

I think your GP has done the right thing in sending you for these tests. It sounds like they didn't do a stellar job of explaining why they were important but please don't let that put you off going. You never know, they might come back completely normal and you'll have a weight off your mind.

gingerbreadmanm · 06/05/2016 11:54

I don't think 2stone is anything to worry about or worthy of investigations if as you say there is nothing else worrying you.

With his asking if you have something to tell him is it possible he thought you were pregnant hence the blood test?

SpinnakerInTheEther · 06/05/2016 11:55

I remember once when I lost weight, so that I was a good healthy BMI instead of bordering on overweight, my GP seemed so amazed that I'd managed it she told me to have blood tests to check my liver function. I did and I was fine. Thing is there are lots of possibilities, and tests for them, and incentives to test people. This is what happens. Does not mean you have diabetes or not OP. However blood sugar control issues, can mean you have a tendency to gain weight. Michael Mosely's book, 'The Blood Sugar Diet' , is good. It could help you get your weight back on track and it is designed to help your body control blood sugar levels. However you won't know your starting point, if you don't have the tests.

PurpleDaisies · 06/05/2016 11:56

Gp's wouldn't normally confirm pregnancy with a blood test ginger. It is a bit of a failure of communication if the op doesn't know what these tests are for.

lljkk · 06/05/2016 12:11

I was just a bit anxious and upset

it sounds like you being visibly upset & anxious is why the doctor asked if there was something else you wanted to say (tell).

Losing weight would be the most helpful thing for your knee (we know easier said than done). Do you think the weight management programme would be waste of time for you?

Original poster
Wetbankhols · 06/05/2016 12:24

Thanks - sorry Pacific, probably feeling over sensitive :)

I wasn't at all upset in the consultation, in fact for most of it i was very smiley, laughing as I explained how I hurt the knee and overall very upbeat and cheery.

OP posts:
Blistory · 06/05/2016 15:30

Focusing on losing weight is an avoidance method ?

The OP has a sore knee that she injured. Her doctor knows, she knows and we know that additional weight has a bit of an impact on the level of pain and speed of healing.

If the OP's doc was running tests to rule out inflammatory arthritis then fair enough, she should probably have the test but he should have told her that.

If he's doing the tests just as a catch all and because she was in, then she's perfectly entitled to decide that she doesn't want them and isn't going to have them. She has stated that she's going to focus on shifting some weight. That's a really positive step and one that will a) be hugely beneficial for her health and b) be hugely benefical for her self esteem which will then allow her to ensure that future medical appointments are not focused on her weight.

She hasn't given us any reason to suspect that she does have any underlying health issues and as I understand it, the NHS has enough to do in looking after people who are actually sick rather than going looking for people to add to the pile.

Good luck, Wet. 1lb at a time and it will soon add up.

Lweji · 06/05/2016 15:32

Yes, avoidance because the OP admits she may have problems, but she doesn't want to know:

"I think I am happier not knowing!
Plus, they'd just start lecturing me about my weight, and I am already a bit upset from the doctor."

Original poster
Wetbankhols · 06/05/2016 20:32

I genuinely don't think I do have problems, Lweji

OP posts:
Rezolution123 · 06/05/2016 20:45

OP you are in denial.

Lweji · 06/05/2016 20:47

I'm sure you don't have obvious problems.
What you don't know is if you have hidden problems. It never hurt to check.

Original poster
Wetbankhols · 06/05/2016 20:51

I don't think I am, resolution, I am well aware I am fat!

Lweji, it is harmful to (already low) sense of self worth though, which is why I'd prefer to hold off on the tests until I've shifted most or all of the excess flab!

OP posts:
Rezolution123 · 07/05/2016 08:25

Hi Wetbank You seem to be in control of the situation so that is fine. Being overweight is a pain. I put on over a stone last winter but it is gradually coming off.
Thin people can have blocked arteries so you can't judge a sausage by its skin. Have a good week.