Recent Content by Burcham1

Thank you to everyone that has replied to my first post. I must say that after a couple of weeks of mulling the situation over, I am still so disheartened by my surgery’s response. I appreciate that the NHS is strapped for cash, I understand that one blood test a year is all I should have. I...

Thanks. That seems to be the solution. Have checked on Amazon and the 2 test pack is around £60. Is that correct?

Had a reasonable meeting - up to the point when I told him that I would continue doing the finger prick testing to keep myself on track. He told me that there really was no need now that my blood sugar was in the normal range as I’d become ‘paranoid’. Sort of tuned out after that comment ...

Well, that’s how it has worked for the past eighteen months. The surgery said it would save wasting an appointment with my GP. The Practice Manager has asked to see me this afternoon to sort the situation.

The appointment was made by the receptionist. It was the Healthcare Assistant that wouldn’t do my blood test.

The test result has always been far better than I’ve expected!

Th Thanks for your advice, Bluetit. I am beginning to doubt what to believe now regarding Diabetes testing. Always thought HbA1c was the gold standard.

Bluetit: For my peace of mind/reassurance, I really don’t think two blood tests a year is asking too much. I always test at home but, surely, that is just a snap-shot and can’t compare to the accuracy of HbA1c testing? I’ll chat it through with the Practice Manager.

Rachox: My argument is that I’m saving the NHS a lot of money by taking responsibility and requesting bi-annual blood tests. I test at home. I’d just like to have the confirmation from an HbA1c that my BS levels remain normal.

There was no paperwork. I telephoned the receptionist and requested an appointment, in the same way as I have for the last year or so. This afternoon I have discovered the girl I saw was NOT a phlebotomist, but a Healthcare Assistant.

That is fair enough if you are happy with that and it keeps you on track. Personally, I don’t think asking for a blood test twice a year is asking too much given the cost of treatment/complications had I ignored my original diagnosis of being Pre-D. I took RESPONSIBILITY thereby saving the NHS...

Exactly! I acted immediately. Took control and was praised by my old GP for doing so. I am SO angry and will be making an appointment to see the Practice Manager tomorrow.

Precisely!

Was previously known as Lynn1 on this site, but can’t get into that page anymore for some reason.