So, i got a letter saying that I need a health check because of me being mentally ill. I have been in the system for almost 10 years and been on medication for almost as long and i have never before had a complete health check. So why all of a sudden do I need one? Can it be because of my new diagnosis?
Anyway, it has really started my paranoia. they need to check my heart, lungs etc. it says but I dont know what the etc. means? Does anyone have any idea?
I have been very worried about the side effects of taking the medication i am on and i am already getting my heart checked every 3 months so i am scared they think something is wrong with me. i already think the medication is killing me and this just confirms it to me.
has anyone else had a health check because thye are mentally ill?
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I get one every year.
It is common for thoes on long term meds/ chronic conditions to have health checks. It does not mean there is anything wrong. In fact it's unlikely their would be. It just to check really.
I don't think it has anything to do with a diagnosis (what is your diagnosis) unless the illness itself has an effect on your body (ED, some forms of OCD, Ect).
I expect it it just a general health check though.
The average,
well-adjusted adult
gets up at 7.30am feeling just plain terrible.
Call me Kate.
I have dyslexia so please excuse my poor spelling and sometimes poor understanding.
what I dont understand is why all of a sudden i need this check when i never have before. I just got a new diagnosis (paranoid schizophrenia) which is why i suspected that may have something to do with it.
But then i started thinking, maybe its because the meds I am on really IS killing me. I know they are dangerous but what if my psych etc. has started to think my life may be in danger as well?
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It could just be a new policy.
The NHS has a policy, in most trusts is, that says thoes being treat for any chronic condition need to have a health check once a year.
The best thing to do would be to ask your treatment team.
Some people with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are at risk of neglecting them self causing health problems so it could be that.
Ask your team though x
The average,
well-adjusted adult
gets up at 7.30am feeling just plain terrible.
Call me Kate.
I have dyslexia so please excuse my poor spelling and sometimes poor understanding.
Gp's generally run a mentally ill patients list - they get extra money for those patients so if you have recently got a diagnosis of schizophrenia chances are you will be on it. As far as I know they have lists for patients with physical conditions to.
Part of being on this list means that you get an annual physical check up. They aren't anything to worry about but psychiatric patients are at higher risk of conditions like diabetes, obesity and so on. So it's a good way of keeping an eye on any physical issues that may arise but also you may not have any issues with these and it will be a waste of time.
I shall try and find a link!
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
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I've only had a health check for being over 40, so I can't provide any wisdom on any other kind, sorry. But I do think they're good. Health checks that is.
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
Thank you for the replies. I guess you are right, I'll try not to stress too much about it.
I just checked the letter, it says that it is sent from the center for schizophrenia so I guess it could just be policy when you are diagnosed. It also says that I will be asked is I want to be a part of a scientific project about inheritance in schizophrenia. Does anyone have any idea of what that involves? have anyone been a part of a project like that?
Last edited by Morpheus : 17-08-2012 at 04:11 PM.
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Nope, but I guess they'd give you a questionnaire about your family history, if there's any diagnoses of people there, or similar. So it helps them with their research into treatments and preventative care. I would imagine.
I have taken part in a range of research before and they are all different!! Just remember you don't have to take part if you don't want to.
xox
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
the new diagnosis could be what triggered it too. there are various medical conditions that can look like a mental illness such as thyroid disorders but are not really because when treated the "mental illness symptoms" clear up. i would go get checked out. i am all for getting exams and blood work yearly to make sure things are on track.
Same. I keep getting letters to "see nurse Helen" which I haven't been. But the gp told me that anyone on antipsychotics long term should be checked once a year because they can get long term side effects and I think the gps get more coin too. Its like a procedure for paperwork and coin. They have a list of people with severe mental illnesses for statistical purposes.
