NHS - truly amazing service

[Accipiter]

You get a day AND a time ?. Luxury!

And... sometimes they even phoned you the day you submitted the form *if they are very concerned*!

I filled in the form early Monday. 13th. Old man night time syndrome been kicking in for a month or so. Could be slightly enlarged prostate but equally could be one of several other possibilities.

I can only say "prostate" Roger... only other possibility I'd think of would be drinking too much too late of an evening ... I sometimes, now (again) get the 'old man night thing' during the day... So, a discussion with the doctor I feel is due - even though my latest PSA was 'fine'!

Mid-morning the triage has processed my form. Telephone consultation on the 28th….over two weeks away…’some time in the morning’. I really don’t see what that is going to achieve. One thing is for certain. If the GP I speak to simply says ‘I’ll prescribe you Tamsulosin’ then we will have an interesting conversation regarding medical ethics.

Two weeks wait from putting in the form... not good enough. I'd be putting in another to say "things have worsened since putting in the form on the 13th "...

Maybe the Tamulosin, or Tadallafil, pre PSA testing but but the testing needs doing promptly. I only had the drug prescribed after the CT/MRI scan though...

You okay on your magnesium etc., levels? Omeprazole may be having an affect on your body taking in such - as I'm certain in my case... although I've been on it much longer than you I think

for you for the 28th - unless you can get in sooner

 

[Lons]

Thanks Bob

Unfortunately not. It's a bit of a rigmarole with having to complete the on line form.

There's a section - once you've completed the questionnaire for what you want to see/speak to *someone* (doctor or nurse - they devide which you'll be referred to! ) about - to leave a message to give more details. I'll have to use that bit to say what I want to speak to my doctor (some doctor) about.

They'll then email/text to say if I've got an appointment to see/discuss further - whether it's a face to face appointment (on X day/time) or if it'll be a telephone appointment - at X time on X day... not necessarily the same day of filling in and submitting the form.

We have the same system Frank. Online form and they get back the same day via text or call to ask if available to take a GP call or if not urgent a link to make a telephone appointment with chosen GP. I find it works very well and can still ring in to the practice if I want to.

Last week I got a text asking me to make an appointment re my X-rays, I chose an available time, a 2 hour slot, with our own GP and listed a few points plus extra regarding my nose bleeds/meds doseage and a question about getting access to my X-ray images. When he rang he was prepared and discussed all points and possible solution going forward also would have arranged to see me in person if I wanted. Can't really ask for more than that in today's climate.

 

[Lons]

You get a day AND a time ?. Luxury!

I filled in the form early Monday. 13th. Old man night time syndrome been kicking in for a month or so. Could be slightly enlarged prostate but equally could be one of several other possibilities. Mid-morning the triage has processed my form. Telephone consultation on the 28th….over two weeks away…’some time in the morning’. I really don’t see what that is going to achieve. One thing is for certain. If the GP I speak to simply says ‘I’ll prescribe you Tamsulosin’ then we will have an interesting conversation regarding medical ethics.

That's not great Roger. What you get for moving down to the deep south.

 

[Lons]

Colchicine is indeed a nasty chemical, Bob. It interferes with cell replication. If you find bruises/cuts seem to be taking yonks to heal, don't 'phone the G. P., camp out in their reception until they see you and address the issue.

I decided to blitz it Sam so 12 tablets over three days and finish tonight. There's a dramatic improvement though I did rest up yesterday after cutting all the grass on Saturday evening so maybe a combination. Side effects so far relatively minor but not a med I'd be prepared to take long term.

 

[Accipiter]

We have the same system Frank. Online form and they get back the same day via text or call to ask if available to take a GP call or if not urgent a link to make a telephone appointment with chosen GP. I find it works very well and can still ring in to the practice if I want to.

Sounds like your system is better than the one here Bob. We don't *always* get contacted same day for same day appointment - be it in person or phone. No links to make a telephone appointment with *chosen* GP. It's looked on as a toss of the coin if your get a same day appointment or some date in the future - accept what you are given - if you get worse go to A&E, phone 999 or 111...

When I went for the chest x-ray on Friday, x-ray unit at the community hospital, the waiting time for A&E was 5 to 6 hours - around 15 people waiting! I *could* go to the large medical practice and see about joining a queue and wait... and wait... worrying enough finding a parking place in their car park area.

Last week I got a text asking me to make an appointment re my X-rays, I chose an available time, a 2 hour slot, with our own GP and listed a few points plus extra regarding my nose bleeds/meds doseage and a question about getting access to my X-ray images. When he rang he was prepared and discussed all points and possible solution going forward also would have arranged to see me in person if I wanted. Can't really ask for more than that in today's climate.

About the only time I'll be able to get to choose a time would be for a blood test or blood pressure check type appointment... I'd be presented with a list of days available (if like last time, 2 weeks *from* day of looking on line via NHS app). Then a case of going to each day to check time slots available with X nurse...

I don't see our system getting any better really. Our area is presently undergoing an *on-going* building spree of new build properties. One area of farmland now on the market with pp for 1,700 properties... already has around 300 being built presently... ½ mile away from us... Something like 2,500 ~ 3,000 in the next 5 ~ 10 years. Increase in population of 12,000 possibly? The 'local' NHS trust for this area want to cut back on the community hospital!

 

[Inspector]

"Why should I be the one coming up with thyroid issue "

Accipiter I've had Hypo Thyroid for over two decades so you aren't alone. It is something you have to deal with but it is nothing like the Afib which is essential it be dealt with. There is a pork derived hormone you can get but it is harder to dose and costs a bunch more than the synthetic you have been prescribed.

Gotta be brave to get old.
Pete

 

[Accipiter]

"Why should I be the one coming up with thyroid issue "

Accipiter I've had Hypo Thyroid for over two decades so you aren't alone. It is something you have to deal with but it is nothing like the Afib which is essential it be dealt with. There is a pork derived hormone you can get but it is harder to dose and costs a bunch more than the synthetic you have been prescribed.

Gotta be brave to get old.
Pete

Thanks Pete... sorry to hear you've had (have) hypo thyroid... and for so long. I was just getting at the doctors not noticing the low count for my thyroid in the 3 - maybe 4 - blood checks I'd had in a short period of time... all he kept on about was the low iron count!

I've no problems taking the tablets for it - doubt the pork hormone one you refer to would be available here on the NHS - so I'll keep taken the tablets (as the Lord said to Moses on The Mount 【no offence meant to anyone 】)...

I felt better after starting them but, although the thyroid count is 'in range', I'm getting a return to the lethargic feelings.

Yep! Definitely gotta be brave getting old... and even older

 

[RogerS]

Frank, did they test iron levels in your blood or serum ferritin ?

 

[Accipiter]

Frank, did they test iron levels in your blood or serum ferritin ?

Hi Roger... I can only say what the doctor said to me...

The doc kept saying "low iron count" - he didn't mention serum ferritin - as his concern each time... asking "where are you loosing blood?" - he knew/knows of a possible place having sent me for treatment . I don't have stomach ulcers and not bringing up any.... Wasn't anemia- not low enough that... so .

Having checked the results (via the NHS app) of the samples given on the 16th July the results are in as:

Serum THS level - all satisfactory... "no need to contact the practice"...

Liver function - all satisfactory

Serum lipids - all satisfactory

Full Blood Count - all satisfactory... no need to contact the practice.

HbA1c levl - IFCC standardised - Normal

No mention of iron count specifically - so could have been referring to serum ferritin as iron when he said iron count... Previous blood results where taken and reported just over 3 months ago when he then put me of the Ferritin ferroxide tabs - so they appear to have done the trick . I'm still ofbthe opinion that the omeprazole is reducing my intake of the iron. I'd also expect - if I continue taking them - when I have my next annual bloods done I'll be *low iron* again...

With the label stating "no need to contact the practice" it looks like I'll have to be the one chasing the doctor's appointment to discuss things . If the lab isn't "contacting the practice" I'm having to read that as they aren't telling the doctor so he'll need a *nudge* from me

 

[RogerS]

Mmmmm....I think you might be seeing a 'conspiracy' theory where there is none. The test result reporting is very well formalised. You can see your results across everything they test for, whether it is in the normal range or not and also the history.

Serum ferritin is a blood protein that measures the amount of iron your body has in storage. If you've had the usual annual set of bloods then you should be able to see them on your NHS app record. General ruleof thumb is that they really need to be a long way outside the normal range for a GP to act on. What is normal is down to statistics!

That is your starting point - serum ferritin.

 

[Accipiter]

Mmm... Just going off what the doctor says Roger.

I'd expect my blood results to be correct from the sample taken and tested 16th July '26 - ferritin especially - after finishing 3 months of Ferritin feroxide, 320mg, 3 times daily (960mg total daily), 2 days previously.

Checking back through the test results for previous readings... 2023 should be far enough

June 2023 - Full Blood Count FBC - RGJC1505) - ongoing drop in Hb and MCV so needs Gp appt to discuss and examine ?needs referral 2ww - UGI?

4th March 2024 - ferritin level low - GP to consult

4th March 2024 - Serum TSH level Abnormal - GP to consult

May 2025 - Serrum TSH level Abnormal

5th March 2026- Serum ferritin - Abnormal, low iron, not anaemia - GP to consult.

1st April - Serum ferritin low

16th April - ferritin level low level (X 2 test results! )

20th April - ferritin level low

17th May - ferritin level low - Prescribed 3 month course Ferritin feroxide 320mg (if I recall the strength correctly! )

Seem to remember having the 3 month course in 2024 as well as a couple of other times in the past.

Not seeing a conspiracy on my part... but would like answers for these recurring incidences in the results I'm no doctor so have to put my faith in the medical profession

 

[RogerS]

Sorry, Frank, didn’t mean to cast any aspersions. ChatGPT mentions long term use of omeprazole can cause low iron absorption…but I think you are investigating that already

 

[Accipiter]

Sorry, Frank, didn’t mean to cast any aspersions. ChatGPT mentions long term use of omeprazole can cause low iron absorption…but I think you are investigating that already

Hadn't thought that Roger - no need for any apology - but appreciate . Thanks for the information that ChatGPT mentions it - as does Google AI - along with other side effects if taking it long term. At least I'm not on as large a daily dose as I was previously and was able to get him to reduce the strength of it!

Yes, I've been of that opinion, omeprazole having different side effects, for some time but have not been able to convince *my* doctor to accept that... only getting strength reduction!

The recent posts here on health issues, where omeprazole has had mentions, have just brought it more into my mind to take things further on this and other prescribed drugs.

Also, having told him I feel/think the omeprazole is the cause for issues due to being prescribed it for over 20 years without proper monitoring over that time. It certainly didn't help when he asked if I *really need to take it* and then didn't make *any attempts* to find out if I do! Took me back a bit at the time and I realised *afterwards* that I should have challenged him to get checks done to confirm one way or another if I did - and how to manage *properly* how to come off it  if I am able to! (Apologies for the over emphasising using bold and asterisks - and apologies to Adrian if I have seemingly hijacked his thread - wasn't intentional, and I probably shouldn't have posted/shared some of my personal medical information )

 

[Windows]

For the people on omeprazole, do they tell you to take vitamins supplements as well?

 

[RogerS]

For the people on omeprazole, do they tell you to take vitamins supplements as well?

No.

Where did you hear about that ?

 

[Accipiter]

For the people on omeprazole, do they tell you to take vitamins supplements as well?

Didn't tell me B' all... Doesn't say anything about such in the leaflet in with the capsules but does give lots of *possible* side effects of differing severity - rare/very rare/common/uncommon/not known... I can send you a leaflet if you so wish - pm me your address... the leaflet is too long ('though narrow at 6") at around 27"-30" and double sided to try to photograph.

Just glancing through again I've noticed it state "if on omeprazole for more than 3 months it is possible that the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall low (Hypomagnesaemia)... seems to cover *some* of my other symptoms! Dizziness... increased heart rate... High BP? Leading to prescribed drugs for controlling...? High BP that I get told I'm suffering from when they take a reading at the medical practice? Rereading the leaflet just confirms I should 'educate' my doctor...



Glad I've started to take the magnesium supplements I mentioned earlier .

 

[Windows]

I did a bit of research since you guys mentioned omeprazole and I had taken it briefly in my youth. It apparently can prevent or disadvantage absorption of all kinds of things, but - relevant to this thread - notably iron and B12. You can see on this page for example that proton pump inhibitors are mentioned as a possible cause of B12 deficiency:

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia - Causes

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of either of these vitamins affects the body's ability to produce fully functioning red blood cells.

www.nhs.uk

Anyway I put these things together and wondered if they routinely suggest vitamins.

If, like me, you’re wondering how taking vitamins can help when the PPI is still in use, it’s apparently because the vitamins in a supplement are in a free or crystalline form whereas in the diet they’re normally bound to proteins and it’s the protein digestion that’s affected by the PPI. (This last is according to AI. I did no independent verification on that. )

 

[Accipiter]

I did a bit of research since you guys mentioned omeprazole and I had taken it briefly in my youth. It apparently can prevent or disadvantage absorption of all kinds of things, but - relevant to this thread - notably iron and B12. You can see on this page for example that proton pump inhibitors are mentioned as a possible cause of B12 deficiency:

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia - Causes

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of either of these vitamins affects the body's ability to produce fully functioning red blood cells.

www.nhs.uk

Anyway I put these things together and wondered if they routinely suggest vitamins.

If, like me, you’re wondering how taking vitamins can help when the PPI is still in use, it’s apparently because the vitamins in a supplement are in a free or crystalline form whereas in the diet they’re normally bound to proteins and it’s the protein digestion that’s affected by the PPI. (This last is according to AI. I did no independent verification on that. )

Because of my feelings towards omeprazole and it possibly/probably having an affect on my body taking in *enough* vitamins from my food because of the affect on stomach acids, I recently looked at taking supplements. Hence the Magnesium supplements recently started - from which I feel are having a beneficial impact... if early days!

I also considered (am considering) taking a B complex supplement, namely RNYW B complex. With that in mind I asked Google AI - stating I am taking omeprazole. The next 2 photos are part of the 'discussion' - from asking it to compare rnyw brand to others:



It *could* be quite easy to go overboard so a slow approach is the way I'm going. I may not have *low* vitamin B - or others - as the blood samples haven't flagged any up - but they didn't flag my low thyroid count either... only the "iron" as mentioned to me by my GP!

 

[AJB Temple]

It's pretty easy to build the required 420mg of magnesium into our diets. Things like pumpkin and chia seeds are rich in it, and you can easily mix them into, say, rice for a curry. Almonds, cashews and spinach are good sources too.

 

[Accipiter]

Each to their own Adrian...

 

[AJB Temple]

That's fine. The purpose of the thread was to encourage discussion. We all have different issues and different approaches. I realise I am unusually fortunate in have a v. good GP who is a friend.

 

[Accipiter]

I'd already mentioned that I have recently started a magnesium supplement, the make up of it and the name of the brand - if anyone wanted to check it out, comment #24, so already committed

Pumpkin and the seeds may well be an easy source of magnesium but, for now, I'd rather pop 1 or 2 capsules of the one I've got before going to sleep. Wouldn't want to be doing seeds at that time - could have unfortunate consequences

 

[AJB Temple]

I missed that Frank. Personally I prefer a natural food based approach, rather than manufactured supplements. Apologies. As you said, each to their own. I realise you are struggling with this and hope you are OK and finding resolution.

 

[Accipiter]

Thanks Adrian... my apologies for thinking you had seen my comment .

I do agree with getting the vitamins by natural food methods would be fine for fully healthy folk. However, in my case, I think the long term, none monitored, time I've been on omeprazole (and derivatives of) would make it difficult for me to get to such a position going that way. Maybe that time will come

 

[RogerS]

I'd already mentioned that I have recently started a magnesium supplement, the make up of it and the name of the brand - if anyone wanted to check it out, comment #24, so already committed

Pumpkin and the seeds may well be an easy source of magnesium but, for now, I'd rather pop 1 or 2 capsules of the one I've got before going to sleep. Wouldn't want to be doing seeds at that time - could have unfortunate consequences

Thanks for the link to the Magnesium supplement, Frank. Just ordered some.

 

[Accipiter]

Thanks for the link to the Magnesium supplement, Frank. Just ordered some.

Your welcome Roger. Hope you find it beneficial.

 

[Woodbloke]

It's pretty easy to build the required 420mg of magnesium into our diets. Things like pumpkin and chia seeds are rich in it, and you can easily mix them into, say, rice for a curry. Almonds, cashews and spinach are good sources too.

I never ever taken any sort of supplements except for Vitamin D (not the 'strong' version) in the winter when there's a lack of natural sunlight. I've always had the view that a proper diet provides everything required. Little or no UPFs, no junk 'food' of any sort, no added salt, sugar etc - Rob

 

[TrimTheKing]

Your welcome Roger. Hope you find it beneficial.

I take a number of Nutrition Geeks supplements. Did quite a bit of digging and between them and British Supplements they appear to be the 'cleanest' around on the market. Happy for anyone to point me towards any better they know of though...

 

[Accipiter]

I take a number of Nutrition Geeks supplements. Did quite a bit of digging and between them and British Supplements they appear to be the 'cleanest' around on the market. Happy for anyone to point me towards any better they know of though...

Thank you Mark - appreciate your 'review' of the nutrition geeks products.

You possibly don't need to change, if taking a 'B Complex' supplement, but I did mention these vitamins in my response from Google in my comment above - #58 - although I didn't ask Google AI to compare Nutrition Geeks to the rnyw brand at the time...

 

[TrimTheKing]

Thank you Mark - appreciate your 'review' of the nutrition geeks products.

You possibly don't need to change, if taking a 'B Complex' supplement, but I did mention these vitamins in my response from Google in my comment above - #58 - although I didn't ask Google AI to compare Nutrition Geeks to the rnyw brand at the time...

Yeah sorry, I mentioned NG because I saw you had mentioned them, was just giving my endorsement too.

I take a number of things as I mention, one of them being clean plant sterols in a bid to bring down my genetically high cholesterol. Since 'controlling' my diet a little better in the last 18 months (really just cutting out processed sugar and high sat fat products like butter, and eating porridge.fruit with a little honey for sweetness for breakfast, nothing radical) and taking the sterols I have brought it down from around 7.6 to 5.8, with a good ratio. Still higher than I'd like and I'll carry on with the dietary control, but heading steadily in the right direction so I'm happy.

 

[Cabinetman]

Glad to see an uptake on the Magnesium front, you probably won’t remember but I’ve banged on about it a couple of times.
Salt, another thing I’ve mentioned, I don’t think we are getting enough in our normal diet particularly in hot weather, just lick your arm after a hot day to see what I mean. But please don’t use cheap salt that is highly refined and contains Iodine, try a sea salt like Malden’s or Himalayan pink.
Ian

 

[Accipiter]

Glad to see an uptake on the Magnesium front, you probably won’t remember but I’ve banged on about it a couple of times.

Yes... Epsom salts in the bath water being another way of absorbing it - relaxing the muscles and aiding sleep . I just hadn't realised that omeprazole could have been muddling things up for me due to the time of taking it. No mention of low magnesium by my doctor - but then I had to ask about my thyroid count for him yo realise and prescribe Levothyroxin!

Salt, another thing I’ve mentioned, I don’t think we are getting enough in our normal diet particularly in hot weather, just lick your arm after a hot day to see what I mean. But please don’t use cheap salt that is highly refined and contains Iodine, try a sea salt like Malden’s or Himalayan pink.
Ian

Salt... That's one of the things that surprised me quite a bit when I saw the nurse for a blood pressure check and she couldn't prescribe a BP drug to control my 'high' pressure... Asked her what could I do, if anything, to try and she said "take more salt"! Yet we're told to take less salt, no butter but other 'healthy' spreads instead and no full fat milk etc., to avoid heart troubles! Yet, if diabetic, these are in the diet sheet... things like a bacon fry up, full fat milk...

(All things in moderation... a bit of what you fancy )

 

[Lons]

...............I just hadn't realised that omeprazole could have been muddling things up for me due to the time of taking it. No mention of low magnesium by my doctor...........

Down to your GP Frank. The day mine prescribed Omeprazole, face to face appointment, he said one of the possible side effects was magnesium deficiency and suggested I eat bananas which are a low to medium source. He booked me in for a check after 6 months then annually as part of my check up. i have a banana every morning as part of breakfast.

 

[Accipiter]

Down to your GP Frank. The day mine prescribed Omeprazole, face to face appointment, he said one of the possible side effects was magnesium deficiency and suggested I eat bananas which are a low to medium source. He booked me in for a check after 6 months then annually as part of my check up. i have a banana every morning as part of breakfast.

You're % correct Bob, but sadly, mine didn't and haven't been as "mindful" as yours... especially considering the long time of being on it - and, probably, some of the 'blame' is at my door for not being as noticeable on things as I should have been . Looking back I could easily say it been a SLOW decline that I'd not linked to it but had put down to 'expectations' from getting older. I could do with your doctor - as well as the one Adrian has maybe

Looking back... I think I was in an old mindset of the older *family doctor* type practice - his/her surgery in a property in the road in a set area covered by them... not the whole town... usually run by one doctor or possibly run by a couple or three at the most. You put your faith in them % - they knew you, you knew them...

When we moved down here to Somerset, 1986, it was (is) the case of finding a large number of doctors who had/have joined up to run a large practice from one building - that was next to the local community hospital. I'm probably being unfair, shouldn't say it, but some visits to the surgery had me thinking they had visions of being hospital doctors and not 'family' doctors... not what I'd been used to in the past.

Too many different doctors not seeing the same patients... The medical practice, next to the hospital, couldn't cope so they had a new 'purpose built' modern building complex built - the other side of town. Then the hospital closed - very old building, not fit for purpose - closed and a new community one built - next to the new medical practice. I digress somewhat...

Doesn't excuse the doctors I've seen, over the near 40 years of being here, of not being more proactive regarding the medication they've prescribed - especially for the hiatus hernia about 23 years ago.

Only one doctor, in regards to the omeprazole, mentioned I'd have to stop taking it while on a course of Ferrox/iron supplement for an earlier 'low iron' count while on it. With the present doctor, when prescribing this again, he didn't say I'd have to when he prescribed them. I queried this - due to the other doctor instructions - and my present doctor said "no reason to stop"... ?

When I was diagnosed with being pre-diabetic I changed my diet somewhat and had more fruit, yoghurt, bananas etc. Cut out the chocolate bars I'd got into the habit of taking with a cuppa... plus other stuff. Some days I'd have 2, 3 bananas in a day - now I can only eat one a week... and it has to be a *fun size* one... small ones to encourage kids to eat fruit . Thankfully I'm no longer pre-diabetic