"Where is the care?"

Since August/September 2024 I have been undergoing various investigations following abnormal LFTs. My latest being an MRI scan which was completed last month.

I decided to call my GP as my partner highlighted concerns that I often need to nap throughout the day and urged me to get blood tests done. Fatigue is something that I have been dealing with for some time now. So much so that I do not recall a time where I haven’t felt this way.

After explaining my history with my liver blood test and subsequent investigations, I highlighted my worries surrounding this fatigue. I was urged by the GP to exercise more, and that was the end of my appointment. I have found this is the usual go to response of GPs. Which is something that is not very helpful to a person who was once active but now isn’t due to - you guessed it- fatigue. 

The following week, I developed new symptoms. Namely constipation, bloating, followed with vomiting and diarrhoea. Naturally I considered the causes of this, however the pattern of which these symptoms occurred was random and could not be attributed to anything specific. Again, with the consideration of my liver, I called the GP.

Thankfully, this GP took on board what I was saying. However, it was only at my request that they arranged for bloods to be taken. At this point, no further blood tests had been completed. During the same appointment, I was informed of my MRI results. My GP read them to me, which stated that they aren’t concerned and wish to repeat an MRI in 6 months time. This was the only information relayed to me regarding this. 

For what has felt like an eternity of waiting around, this feels like I have just been left to it. To deal with this with no support or any further detailed information on what a haemangioma is, or what the implications are for me since this diagnosis. While I am a healthcare professional, this lack of information is incredibly frustrating. Despite having a medical background, this is not a subject that I have any knowledge on. I resorted to googling just so I could learn more about what this means for me.

It is confusing to be told that a liver haemangioma is of no concern, yet blood tests in 2024 clearly indicated there is a problem. Otherwise why would I be here? My LFTs were abnormal then. What are they going to be like now - 9 months later? Now combined with symptoms that were non existent before? Why am I the only person who is asking for repeat blood tests? Why am I the only one who seems to be concerned? 

I am painfully aware of how pressured the NHS is at the moment. I am living and working in it myself. It is incredibly challenging. However, I would never leave my patients feeling the way I am right now. It is now my time of need and I feel I am being let down. 

I am hopeful that these blood results will either give me peace of mind or an answer. Which feels terrible to think of, but this is the point of which I have reached.