requesting blood work in canada

[colors]

I would like to have some blood work done to determine the health of my liver and kidneys. I do not have a family doctor (hard to find in canada) so I usually go to walk in clinics. I'm seeking the blood work to investigate the function of my organs after steady abuse of illicit substances over the past 7-odd years.

My question is this:
How do I approach the doctor and how can I get the work done without raising any flags? I know that such tests are routine when starting on a new medication (such as antidepressants). In that case, would the clinic doctor be expecting paperwork from a psychiatrist or other? I assume that telling the doctor outright that I am self medicating with illicit substances may get me turned away or worse.

Any suggestions?

 

[T. Calderone]

I think it may raise red flags no matter what you say, so you may as well be honest. I am terrified my liver is fucked from years of drinking too much. When I was in jail I told them I'm an alcoholic and the doctor wanted bloodwork to check my liver enzymes. But the phlebotomist couldn't get a vein. I have no health insurance and been avoiding the inevitable.

Don't be scared to go to the clinic and tell them you're in recovery and worried you may have done some damage to your organs. If in your case, something is really wrong, it's not too late to get treatment. They are there to help you. Don't put it off.

 

[opium]

Theyd actually be happy bro.. if you go in and say yo man, i pop perks every day and plan on keeping that routine, give me some blood work so i can see how my livers holding up so far = bad.

Go in and say, in the past ive abused substances, and would like to make sure my liver didnt suffer any fatal damage

Theyd be happy to give you a check, especially knowing your in recovery and being smart about it. No shame in doing damage control on past mistakes, better off safe than sorry.