Just Nicky

Blood Tests and the 2 day migraine August 20, 2005

2, maybe 3, weeks ago I went to the doctor because I was always so, so tired, but didn’t actually seem unwell. He did a reasonably thorough examination, checked my throat, my breathing and prodded my stomach, and nothing seemed amiss. So he took some blood and said ‘come back in a week for the results’.

When I returned a week later he told me that my haemoglobin (spelling?) cells were too few & too small and this could be due to lack of iron. They hadn’t tested for iron, though, so he took some more blood to test for iron and said ‘come back in a week for the results’.

Yesterday I went back and my iron levels are low. One would think that this would mean iron tablets. Well, no, it doesn’t. He wants to have more tests done to remove the possibility of internal bleeding. The tests he wants to get done are a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy. If they come back clear then he’ll prescribe the iron tablets.

In my fuzzy post-migraine state I said ‘OK’ and took the referral. This morning, though, my head is less fuzzy and I’m thinking, ‘Naahh’. I just don’t feel like someone who needs a camera stuck up their bum.

I don’t think the doctor is suggesting these tests out of sadism. I think it’s totally due to caution and there’s a lot to be said for erring on the side of caution. However, I’m sure that there’s nothing wrong with my digestive system that couldn’t be dealt with by dietary means. And, if there is, I’d like to try something that didn’t involve a couple of invasive tests first.

So I think I will find myself a naturopath before doing anything about the referral. Know anybody good?