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18 months wait for 'annual' test

Discussion in 'Type 2 Diabetes' started by berylc, Mar 26, 2021.

  1. berylc

    berylc Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I received a letter from my GP practice to inform me that I will only get tested annually on my birthday. My birthday is in December, so it means I will have to wait 18 months since my last test in June 2020. Do you think that is far too big a gap? I certainly do.
     
    #1 berylc, Mar 26, 2021 at 12:11 AM
  2. Andydragon

    Andydragon Type 2 (in remission!) · Moderator
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    A number of tests are annual, and having them at your birthday isn't unusual for surgeries as it helps the timing I guess but 18 months does seem a long time

    Which tests are they? Hba1c guidance is every 6 months, or 3 months when newly diagnosed, so if it is those I would be more concerned and asking why.

    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/going-regular-check-ups/
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #2 Andydragon, Mar 26, 2021 at 6:41 AM
  3. Daphne917

    Daphne917 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

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    It is a big gap - see if you can talk to your DN to get it done sooner. I’m supposed to have one every 6 months however my last test was in October 2019 as the surgery stopped routine blood tests and now a couple of HCAs have, or have had, COVID so blood tests are only being done for emergencies etc. I keep a closer eye on my FBS than I have done and check more after meals etc so that I have a rough idea what my BS is doing.
     
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    #3 Daphne917, Mar 26, 2021 at 10:44 AM
  4. berylc

    berylc Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Hba1c and cholesterol due. Blood pressure etc
    Last done June 2020
    I have always been tested 6 monthly, until the practice nurse took early retirement, since then no contact at all, apart from letter telling me an 18 month wait.
     
    #4 berylc, Mar 26, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2021
  5. pinkjude

    pinkjude · Well-Known Member

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    I was left for 17 months due to covid and only got seen because I rang for something else and was told I should have called and booked it myself not waited to be contacted. That was last November. My BS had gone up. I had another test Weds so waiting for results now. My Nurse always leaves me 12 months usually but I wanted to be more proactive this time.
     
    #5 pinkjude, Mar 26, 2021 at 3:15 PM
  6. pinkjude

    pinkjude · Well-Known Member

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    Great results. Can I ask is cholesterol tested as part of the Ha1bc or is that done seperately but with the same blood?
     
    #6 pinkjude, Mar 26, 2021 at 3:17 PM
  7. Daphne917

    Daphne917 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

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    It’s should be taken at the same time but in a different vial. I usually have my Thyroid checked annually as well so hopefully I’ll get that done soon.
     
    #7 Daphne917, Mar 26, 2021 at 3:20 PM
  8. bulkbiker

    bulkbiker Type 2 · Oracle

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    Mine said something similar so I reminded them of the NICE guidelines that T2's once diagnosed should get tested twice a year.. guess what happened next.. every 6 months.
     
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    #8 bulkbiker, Mar 26, 2021 at 4:12 PM
  9. TriciaWs

    TriciaWs Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

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    I still haven't had some of my annual checks that were due towards the end of June 2020. My 6mth blood tests were done at 10mths by my GP but no follow-up and no diabetic clinic eye or foot checks. My next '6mth' check is due soon counting from the last blood tests but I'm not holding my breath.
    I would try calling them, with the NICE guidelines at hand.
    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28
     
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    #9 TriciaWs, Mar 26, 2021 at 5:08 PM
  10. berylc

    berylc Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I phoned up my Dr surgery and spoke to a receptionist. I explained I'm not happy waiting 18 months for blood tests, so I have a telephone appointment with a dr. It seems the new nurse who does the blood tests isn't trained up on diabetes. So watch this space!
     
    #10 berylc, Mar 26, 2021 at 11:34 PM
  11. berylc

    berylc Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Quotes NICE to the receptionist and Got offered a phone consultation next Tuesday. Thanks for advice xx
     
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    #11 berylc, Mar 26, 2021 at 11:36 PM
  12. pinkjude

    pinkjude · Well-Known Member

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    I went to the hospital to have my test
     
    #12 pinkjude, Apr 1, 2021 at 2:34 PM
  13. pinkjude

    pinkjude · Well-Known Member

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    Got results yesterday but for some reason they didnt do cholesterol even though it was on the form. Level up to 84 so want me on Metformin
     
    #13 pinkjude, Apr 1, 2021 at 2:35 PM
  14. pinkjude

    pinkjude · Well-Known Member

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    I was told it was due to covid
     
    #14 pinkjude, Apr 1, 2021 at 3:13 PM
  15. Andydragon

    Andydragon Type 2 (in remission!) · Moderator
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    Unfortunately some surgeries have been on hold, others are still ongoing. It’s very much a postcode lottery
     
    #15 Andydragon, Apr 1, 2021 at 3:14 PM
  16. Daphne917

    Daphne917 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

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    I managed to get mine on Monday with the DN Telephone appt next Wednesday
     
    #16 Daphne917, Apr 1, 2021 at 7:16 PM
  17. LindaManville

    LindaManville Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    You could try calling them and explain your not comfortable
    Waiting so long, they may not realise you
    Have that big of a gap.
    Mine is overdue and I called to query this,
    They said they could do bloods but no review
    Yet because of covid. They would do on the phone though.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #17 LindaManville, Apr 2, 2021 at 4:18 AM
  18. Daphne917

    Daphne917 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

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    I had to keep ringing to get my bloods done and the HCA did the foot checks, BP and weight at the same time. I’ve got my review with my DN over on the phone next Wednesday - it’s only to discuss my results so I’m not concerned about not going into the surgery again.
     
    #18 Daphne917, Apr 2, 2021 at 7:50 AM
  19. searley

    searley Type 1 · Moderator
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    My practice does the annual mot so bloods/urine and chat with the nurse and nerve tests

    However I can get a hba1c more often if I call and ask for a test form
     
    #19 searley, Apr 2, 2021 at 12:09 PM
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