We went to see the GP yesterday, to get husband's results of his blood tests and to discuss how things have been since the GP reduced the dosage of one of his meds, to see if it made a difference to some of the problems he's been having (balance issues, short term memory loss). His balance issues have definitely improved, he's not stumbling or falling into things nearly as much, and hasn't fallen up the stairs in the last week or two. His blood pressure (he had to take it twice a day for the past fortnight) has mostly gone up - it was very low before, which was clearly exacerbating his balance problems. However, the GP did say that on odd occasions his BP is still too low, according to his fortnight's measurements. He's been having spells of angina again, which the GP said might happen with the reduction of the med dosage. His memory problems haven't resolved at all, his short term memory is still total crap. So the GP has jiggled some of his meds around again, increasing one, reducing another, and trying a different brand of a third. Husband is to take the new regime for a week and then do another fortnight of BP readings, and then we go see the GP again.
With regard to husband's memory problems, the GP said it might be best for husband to have a brain scan (in case it's not meds or heart failure related, but possibly dementia - I do hope not). So he's arranging that. I'm determined not to worry, until/unless there's something to worry about (says the Queen of worrying!), and then we'll meet and deal with that if/when it comes. Once again, I'm so glad we have a really good GP - and surgery staff, the dispenser came out to explain all husband's new meds and dosages to us, so we understood exactly, rather than just handing them over, which was good of her. It will certainly be a shame if we end up moving away from our GP's catchment area, I know lots of people aren't nearly so fortunate with their GPs.
My resolve to eat less carbs and more salady stuff is going out the window a bit with the return of the bitterly cold weather.....still, it's supposed to get warmer, albeit wet, towards the weekend, although we might possibly have some snow in the next day or two (none as yet).
The long range weather forecast for the rest of this month isn't great, which is disappointing when we want to start spending time at the caravan. Oh well, the weather will improve soon enough, hopefully. The forecasters keep saying 'confidence is low' for the next week or two - now I know the weather forecast can never be an exact science, but if the professional forecasters aren't confident, what chance have we got to know what it's going to be like?
Thank you for comments recently, sorry I don't always answer them directly - if you've asked a question and I haven't answered, feel free to shout and remind me! And welcome to a new reader, Donna - and to anyone else who might have joined recently, sneaking in the back door and blending in!
Short term memory loss and balance issues were 2 of the symptoms of my B12 deficiency, just in case that hasn't been checked. I mentioned it to a blogger a few years ago when her father in law was having problems and dementia had been mentioned and it turned out to be his B12. I thought I'd let you know as it's often misdiagnosed.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I was going to say. I'm a different person since I started taking b12
DeleteThanks very much Scarlet, that's useful to know, I'll mention it to the GP the next time we go. How are you?
ReplyDeleteI'm recovered from the B12 deficiency and no longer need the injections ( Ive also been very drficient in vitamin D, twice). It was finally discovered that I have ME/CFS ( it took them 6 years and tens of thousands of pounds of NHS money in testing). At my worst the neurological symptoms meant that I couldn't remember how old I was, what anyone had just said to me, or that J had just eaten his breakfast at the table right next to me. I still have bad neuro days, and lots of bad physical days but try to make the best of things. Having since had basic memory tests, I'd have failed them if they'd pulled their finger out and actually dealt with me in a timely fashion when my symptoms were at their worst during that particularly bad flare.
DeleteSorry to hear that Scarlet, but good to hear you no longer need the injections and finally have a diagnosis, pity it took so long. It's good to hear from you, I was a follower of your blog ages ago. Take care of yourself x
DeleteWell, at least the GP is exploring all the options, which has to be good. I hope the scan doesn't show anything nasty. Our GP practice is excellent, too. No complaints there. We always get a call back from the surgery and a same-day appointment and they always take time to explain things.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the predicted cold snap is short lived. I need some warmth! xx
A good comment from Scarlet, my Mum's memory and general health issues always seem so much worse just before her two monthly B12 injections. She's like a different person for a couple of weeks afterwards and then she starts wearing down again.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound as though you have a really good GP.