Time for the GP?

[StewPots]

Sorry if this is long!

I've been feeling absolutely exhausted for months now. I'm a terrible sleeper but have been all my life and have learnt to cope with it accordingly.

But this exhaustion feels different - with my insomnia I don't sleep and get tired at certain points of the day and battle through yet this is all-encompassing.
I forget words and trails of thought etc regularly and really have to concentrate on things to do them properly!

I have also had pain both in my abdomen (like a sharp pain) on my right side and pain in my lumbar region (mainly on my right) for ages now, but I've put that down to my job and possible dehydration.

I'm also very bloated. Abstaining from the usual suspects doesn't work and I spend most of the time looking 8 months pregnant (I'm a size 16 but get 18 because of my tummy. Clothes especially jeans are then very baggy everywhere else!).

I suppose I'm putting it all down to hormones, job, general life etc but talking to my friend at the weekend she was horrified I haven't gone to the GP. She listed things like thyroid issues and says I should push for a full blood count.

But surely it's just a waste of a GP's time? I'm generally fit and healthy (trying to lose weight but doesn't happen because of the tummy thing) not on any medication and have no long or short term conditions.

I'm going to go to a GP and they will just say, "oh lose weight, exercise more and see if it improves" surely?

Anyway. I'm just rambling on but is my friend onto something or should I just continue trying to self manage symptoms? Blood tests aren't just done for no reason. I don't want to waste somebody's time or have a pointless appointment that could go to someone else!

I should add just for general info that I have a lap steri in November.

Make the appointment. Drink more water. I had blinding a headache that's gone after a pint of water since getting back from work. No time to remember to drink! Silly of me. Hope you get some advice soon.

Thanks Wow. Yes I've been sure to drink more clear fluids especially at work. Ironic as I spend all day pushing fluids on others (not literally!!😁).

Bumping for the evening crowd :)

A good GP whose patient come with this symptoms would order a full blood count test, with thyroid, vitB, iron and a few more tests as standard. Blood tests are done routinely for any issues, not just when there is a suspicion of something serious.

I've never known a gp who minds sending patients for blood tests. You might even be referred for an ultrasound; I was with similar symptoms and a ca125 blood test. Do what you can in the meantime: eat well, exercise, b12 spray, vit d spray etc. Good luck.

An FBC is a good idea as you are so tired. Could be anaemia. Also getting a Dr to feel your tummy is important. Could be an enlarged spleen. Or lots if things really. Definitely worth getting checked out anyway.

Thanks all. I guess I've geared myself up for a general response as my GP surgery can be very hit and miss.

I also think that as the NHS is under such strain, something like a blood test for someone like me wouldn't be done. Like a waste of resources or something.

I will call tomorrow and see what they say. I'm just fed up as these symptoms have been going on for weeks.

I wouldn't see what they say, I would be assertive and ask for bloods and any other investigations they deem necessary, such as ruling out ovarian cancer. You matter just as much as everyone else, op!

Yes definitely ask for blood tests. I had similar symptoms to you and I was anaemic and low in Vit D. I have been so much better since taking Feraglobin and daily Vit D. Though I did also have surgery to stop heavy periods so that might have helped too.