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How often to you get blood tests?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/13/2015 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I called today to make my annual appointment with my GI's PA - I have been doing this annually when my prescription runs out for the last 7 years. They asked about getting blood tests, which I agree I haven't had any for years so it is about time I think. Then she goes on a verbal assault about not having them done every 6 months and patients on LIALDA should have blood tests every 6 months? Really, I have never heard of this. I can see every year or every other year and maybe less in my case since I have basically stayed in remission. I'm just curious since they have basically an all new staff in that office now since last year. I'm thinking if this new staff thinks I'm going to be giving blood every 6 months for me to stay on Lialda I might need to look around for a doctor that fits my lifestyle a little more. Don't get me wrong, I like a doctor that cares about you but this vampire thing is way over the top in my book since I have no symptoms.
Posted 4/13/2015 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
I get mine done during every office visit. It's the easiest way to monitor your condition accurately without a c-scope.

We are at higher risk for PSC, if found soon enough it is treatable...if it is too late then you'll need a liver transplant or worse.

I don't like needles but I see it as a necessary discomfort/evil.
Posted 4/13/2015 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
i get blood work every week or 2. been doing this for a long time.
Posted 4/13/2015 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies, but your sigs show that your both on biologics, correct? Which I have heard is common, I'm more or less worried about the fact I'm only on Lialda and have never heard this, my older PA's never mentioned getting it done so frequently. And yes I'm wondering if this is such a huge deal with them (it was a verbal assault I received today) why don't they do this in the office while I'm there? No, I had to make a separate appointment to get the blood drawn and that is why I'm thinking I need to look around, I'm not about to start padding everybodys pocket with co-pays etc by making multiple appointments just get one thing accomplished. One appointment for blood and co-pay and yet another for GI and another copay to get one renewed prescription - then repeat every 6 months starting now?

Post Edited (Bad Gut) : 4/13/2015 1:00:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/13/2015 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
To my knowledge, bloodwork is unnecessary for meslamine based drugs (lialda, asacol hd, apriso, etc).

Routine bloodwork is a requirement with uc immunosuppressive medications (Imuran, 6mp, aza) due to them lowering white blood cell count (purpose of that med) and it cannot get below a certain range.

Biologics (remicade, simponi, humira) do not require blood work.

I'd ask why they want you to do bloodwork?, what are they testing?. It could be a new money making policy, if it doesn't have just cause lol (from the cynic in me).

Some have their bloodwork done more frequently to check for inflammation markers, and track them over time as a method of looking out for disease regression. That is unrelated to the medication prescribed. And it's semi accurate, but scopes are way more reliable.
Posted 4/13/2015 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You Ipoop! That is what I'm afraid of, that this new admin. at the office is looking to make more bank, as I'm also very cynic living in a for profit healthcare system. I will be getting my bloodwork done today, I completely agree with every other year or so, but this every 6 months while only on Lialda and not suffering from flares seems to more like a money grab all of a sudden, almost 10 years with this disease and this is a show stopper for them today renewing my prescription? C'mon. I'm gearing up for them to start pushing for a new C-scope now on my next visit - big bucks for that one, it is suppose to be in two years but I have a feeling they will want it sooner now.
Posted 4/13/2015 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
unless you are required to use their lab, it is not likely "bank" - they have to review you results, contact you about results,and post results to your file - all of this without compensation. They make more money when they do not provide these complementary services.

I have heard yearly check of kidney function when on mesalamines. Since I end up having CBC and enzymes for anemia and diabetes and cholesterol I have never gone more than a year and had to schedule specifically to check mesalamine.
Posted 4/13/2015 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
I think once a year is reasonable and acceptable for anyone. I get mine drawn at my infusions since I am getting stuck anyway. It's every 8 weeks at this point, but when I was just on lialda, I would get it yearly at a check up. I usually get my liver and kidneys checked, along with a CBC and inflammatory markers.
Posted 4/14/2015 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
My GI never orders any blood tests for me, just wants to see my annual blood test results my primary orders at my annual check-up. Today was my annual GI visit and I brought a copy of the results for my GI file, he read them all the way through.

However if my UC was more unstable or on stronger meds I'm sure my GI would order blood tests more than 1x per year.
Posted 4/14/2015 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
I used to get my blood taken every 6 months, but since I'm doing well it's every year. My doctor just wants to see where I'm at and it's a good marker to see how your levels are doing. Like last year I was crazy exhausted and losing hair in clumps. Found out through a blood test that my hemoglobin was really low. Started taking iron and was good as new!

I don't see how the PA could get mad at you since if they want blood tests then they should be ordering them. You can't really just walk into a lab and ask to get blood drawn. I only see my primary care doctor when I'm sick (which has been a while, knock on wood) and he doesn't run tests if he doesn't need to. I mean if you haven't had blood work in a while it might be good just to see, but you certainly don't need them frequently if you're doing well.
Posted 4/14/2015 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
When in remission, every six months to a year. Usually winds up being twice per year. Once with my yearly physical and once with my yearly GI appointment. And even on mesalamines it is suggested to have regular blood tests to check liver/kidney function.
Posted 4/14/2015 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Bloodwork for liver & kidney function every 6 months.

Lialda's prescribing information:pi.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/Lialda_USA_ENG.pdf to read about possible renal & hepatic impairment from Lialda.
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