Can you pay private to have a blood test done?

[mae]

I would like a blood test done to check my hormone levels and my vitamin levels.
I have suffered from acne since I was 15 and I am now 36 the worst is on my back and chest. My hair also goes greasy extremely quickly its ridiculous but I don't have oily skin in fact I would describe my skin and dry and flaky and it feels congested.

I am sick of the doctor fobbing me off with creams and antibiotics that don't work and he finally after all these years sent me to a dermatologist last year who basically did the same as the doctor gave me antiboitics and cream that haven't worked and made me feel there are worse cases.. Well of course I know there a worse cases, some poor people have disfugured faces because of this dreadful condition but that doesn't stop me avoiding taking my daughter swimming, turning down holidays and wearing only clothes that will cover my skin up. I am sick of it dictating my life and making me feel so ashamed. I am a member of a gym but I won't swim or go in the sauna because I know the people there and would feel ashamed.

So the reason for this post is I thought surely its either hormonal or a vitamin imbalance and I would like to find out if it is or rule it out. I wouldn't mind paying as long as I knew it was a thorough test and not just one of these gimiicky things.

I would be grateful for any help. I know there have been threads about spots on here before but I already know after all these years how to make the best of my skin and what products suit me better I just cannot get rid of it and get clear skin.

Thanks

[Toots]

I've paid privately for a blood test when I was having other private treatment but not sure how you go about just having the blood test. Perhaps try telephoning your local BUPA hospital and ask?

Actually I would probably change my GP under the circumstances and try and find one who is more sympathetic so that you get NHS treatment.

[dmg24]

Have you actually asked your GP for a blood test? If so, and he has refused, then I would follow Toots advice and change GP's.

You can get a blood test privately, but you would need a referral from your GP. Alternatively, you could see another GP privately, or a dermatologist, who can then refer you for blood tests. Be aware though that this will cost you considerably.

Hope you get things sorted! x

[mae]

Thanks.. No I haven't actually asked for a blood test as I just thought if he thought it was relevant at some point over the years he would have done one. Perhaps I should go back and ask. I had to ask for the Dermatologist appointment that wasn't just offered either. But I just get the impression because its not on my face, although I do get a few on my jaw line and chin, that they think its not that serious. I do have private health care but I've has the bad skin since before I got the health care.
Thanks again.

[beechescomposter]

I don't want to sound negative about this but what exactly are you planning to have measured and what are you going to do with the result.
What I am trying to say is that investigations need to be directed at a particular diagnosis and the results need to be taken in context. For example many women will have a high prolactin level and a high prolactin level is found in pituitry tumours but this does not mean that all these women have tumours-in fact only a tiny minority will.
Your best bet is to see a dermatologist if your GP is unable to deal with the problem. A dermatologist is more than a "rash and spot" doctor and will look for conditions like polycystic ovaries which might explain your symptoms.
Hope it works out OK

[spacey]

I understand your dilema and until a few years ago I had bad acne, it was on my face and my skin was dry and flaky like yours, I thought it would never clear. I felt I was being fobbed off and to cut a long story short I was prescribed Roaccutane by a Dermatologist after hounding my GP. I'm not trying to say this is what you need but I understand how this gets you down and why you would resort to paying privately for a blood test. I think you can get a blood test done at a Casualty Plus centre (www.casualtyplus.co.uk), (http://www.casualtyplus.co.uk),) and I've noticed that some private hospitals have schemes where you can book an appointment with a private doctor. I hope this helps and good luck.

[point3]

I sympathise with your problem; acne can be very resistant to treatment and it can be socially debilitating.

It sounds like your GP and dermatologist have been trying over the years to treat the symptoms of acne, which is with all respect standard treatment. In the vast majority of cases, acne does not have an underlying cause. It's common in puberty due to hormonal changes, but some unlucky people just seem to be afflicted well into their adult life. Are there any other symptoms or problems that you are having that make you think this is more than simple acne? Are there other reasons why you should think you have a hormonal imbalance or vitamin deficiency? Do you feel your diet is lacking in nutritional value? If so, and if you reported these problems to your doctor, then your GP may be more inclined to arrange further testing. For example, if you said you had the other symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovaries syndrome) e.g. excess facial hair, weight gain, frequent or heavy periods or difficulty conceiving then your GP would no doubt be rushing to sign the blood forms to check your androgen (male sex hormone) levels! It can be hard to justify expensive blood tests on the NHS otherwise if you appear to be perfectly healthy, as the blood tests are most likely just going to come back as negative! Vitamin levels are no use at all in the management of acne by the way...;)

Pluck up the courage to see your GP and ask for a fresh approach if need be. Whatever the outcome, try not to let it get you down...I'm sure you've got a lot more 'plus' points about you :)