So getting a blood test is hard...
Hey everyone
First post! Diagnosed with RRMS in August this year, started Aubagio just over three weeks ago under the full understanding that I need regular blood tests etc.
Anyway, I went along to the walk-in blood service at the MS clinic at the hospital that diagnosed me on Saturday just gone... only to find they didn't have a form for me, so couldn't do it! Clerical error I assume, these things happen but my mum was fuming and she's a bit scary when she's angry 😂
So I do the sensible thing and try to book in with my GP here in Llandudno, only to be told there are no appointments until the 13th November!
I have the MS nurses calling me tomorrow to discuss, but has anyone else been in this situation while taking Aubagio? What do I do??
Probably pshycho-somatic but I've been in pain and feeling generally crappy for the last few days, and obviously now I'm paranoid that the Aubagio is messing with me despite it being fine up until Monday when I started to feel like I'd been ran over, buried and dug up again but that could definitely just be a coincidence.
Anyway, moan over, and I'm currently sat in work wondering if human euthanasia is still illegal in the UK 🙄
Dear @lauraxie , You will need a blood-test request form which tells the phelebotomist (hospital vampire) or the practice nurse at the GP surgery. This form details the tests the doctor wants so the person drawing the blood knows how many and which type of vials to use. In my experience (25y now) the GP surgery isn't brilliant for this and if they are then it tends to slow the process down as the results can take more time to get back. When you speak to the nurse tomorrow bring that up with them first as there is likely to be some sort of protocol. You have done the common sense thing but common sense is not always the thing that keeps the NHS running, like any large organisation I'm afraid. Just a possible heads-up: I have learned that ibuprofen can give slightly elevated LFT (liver function test) results. It is my go-to drug when I am feeling a bit sub-par and they were cool about it when I explained. All of the DMTs prescribed for MS are pretty powerful drugs so it might be making you feel sub-par. It may be a cold, it is so hard to tell. Have you had a flu-jab? Forget the anecdotal stories, the science strongly supports you having one. The GP usually runs a separate clinic for that. MSers are in a higher risk category and the guidelines say we should get it, without question. Best of luck and let the nurses guide you. Dom PS: regarding euthanasia, I keep enough in my savings to pay for a one-way ticket to Switzerland if I deem it s all too much. I also belong to Dignitas and have donated my brain and spinal cord to the MS Society research bank.
Dear @dominics I'm jealous that you have enough in the bank account for the trip to Switzerland but can I tell you that they have to have the brain and spinal chord (I'm on the list with the ms society for donation as well) within 24 hrs for itto be of any use. (Check your paperwork cos I might be wrong) so it cold be that the trip to Switzerland is 'not on' I can't see them being able to get the body back and removal to take place within 24 hrs. There do do medical flights for transplant organs around Europe, but I can't see them doing it for a donation for research. Worth checking out to save possible disappointment😍.?