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SO....a short thread on #NHS, health and my recent adventures:
I get my annual check up in India even though I live in Britain. My experience hasn't been great (neither is that of many migrants I know).
I get my annual check up in India even though I live in Britain. My experience hasn't been great (neither is that of many migrants I know).
Obviously I have to rely on the NHS for emergencies (which we've needed once in the past 15 years). And yeah, I am one of those migrants who are is demonised for 'burdening' the NHS even though I pay for it and have used it less than a dozen times.
A couple of years ago, my GP in India asked for some blood tests. Nothing special: cholesterol, liver function, normal annual check up stuff.
One of the indicators was slightly off. Nothing terrible but one that needed monitoring so he suggested another test in six months
One of the indicators was slightly off. Nothing terrible but one that needed monitoring so he suggested another test in six months
Except I was in UK when that follow up blood test came due. So I called up the GP surgery to explain. After much palaver with reception and nurses, I managed to get an appointment with the GP - someone I had never seen before and haven't since
I took in the reports, explained all of it. The guy straight up grinned at me and told me 'that in his experience posh Indians were a little on the hypochondriac side.'
He then told me that nope, NHS didn't bother testing for that range of variation
He then told me that nope, NHS didn't bother testing for that range of variation
He told me if I was so worried, I should go private.
Now I have cardio-vascular disease rife in my direct and extended family. Two of my grandparents died of CVD. But sure, I am a hypochondriac to worry....
Now I have cardio-vascular disease rife in my direct and extended family. Two of my grandparents died of CVD. But sure, I am a hypochondriac to worry....
I went private for the blood test and sent the results to my GP in India.
But that's the big stuff. I haven't been in India for long enough time to do anything but annual screenings. Which means other specialist stuff has been put on the backburner
But that's the big stuff. I haven't been in India for long enough time to do anything but annual screenings. Which means other specialist stuff has been put on the backburner
But this summer I flew to India for a family emergency. Yes, it was medical (no, not me). Yes it is again CVD related.
As a key family/carer, I ended up dealing with medical folk, especially cardiologists.
As a key family/carer, I ended up dealing with medical folk, especially cardiologists.
When things settled, given my own health indicators and family medical history (including immediate crisis), I was advised a particular test:
For Vitamin D levels. Which apparently play a major part in CVD, bone/muscle pain (which I suffer) and more
For Vitamin D levels. Which apparently play a major part in CVD, bone/muscle pain (which I suffer) and more
I check the NHS site on this and get this: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
Nothing particularly worrisome. I eat well, spend time on the beach, and hey, I live in UK so of course I am covered up most of the time. Yeah I have dark skin but nothing on that page seems like a red flag.
Right?
Right?
Turns out my Vitamin D level is really low.
The doctor then explains that there is apparently a global concern about Vitamin D deficiency and that is something she checks for regularly.
The doctor then explains that there is apparently a global concern about Vitamin D deficiency and that is something she checks for regularly.
So I get these crazy pills. 6000 mg. Once a week. For four weeks and a top up once a month after that.
This shit is like sunshine in a capsule!
This shit is like sunshine in a capsule!
As I then start talking to friends and family in places where folk with my colour of skin and darker make up the majority, it emerges that Vitamin D deficiencies are not only wide spread but tested for in a range of cases
So now that mine have been identified, they will be monitored annually as part of my check up.
I will also be taking the prescribed supplements.
I will also be taking the prescribed supplements.
I am tempted to ask my NHS GP in London about it. If only to see him get smug again and tell me that 'posh Indians are hypochondriacs.'
But I won't because I have learned over the past decades that medicine is not neutral. That gender, race, and more are not considered by most research that centres white men in the global north.
But if you are someone with skin like mine living in UK/Europe/other northern parts of the hemisphere, please do get your Vitamin D levels checked.
It may make a huge difference to your life and quality of life.
It may make a huge difference to your life and quality of life.
In the meantime, here is some more info: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/#vitamin-d-deficiency-a-global-concern
Apologies as this thread wasn't short as promised but do get tested for Vitamin D please.
I have now had two of the prescribed four weekly doses of Vitamin D.
It is the first time in years I am not experiencing constant low level pain.
It is the first time in years I am not experiencing constant low level pain.
