Getting blood out of a stone !

[June_C]

My first review last year at my gp surgery was a new experience and I didn't really know what to expect. When I asked what the blood test was for, the answer was, "Oh, just routine diabetic checks". Ummm, not very helpful, but considering I was a new member of this exclusive club and still in a bit of a daze, I said no more. Two weeks later I went back for the results and learning from the forum, I asked for a print out. Aha, now I know what they're checking. Today was the second review, an armful was blood was taken (well felt like it) and I decided to ask what was being checked (in case it differed from last time) and the answer, "Oh, just routine diabetic checks". I couldn't believe I'd come up against the same brick wall Now, being a bit more clued up, I asked if the A1c was being monitored, "Yes the HBA1c was included, oops, memo to self, don't shorten the abbreviations, I then had to ask if thyroid, kidney functions, cholesterol and Vit B were all being done again as last time. "Yes" was the answer. I came away feeling as though I was a nuisance and shouldn't be asking questions. I'm a reasonably intelligent human being trying to learn and understand as much as I can whilst managing this condition, but why the reluctance to explain things to me? I've had excellent treatment so far, but I do wish the medical profession would give us more credit and not tend to treat us as nitwits, stumbling around in the dark.

 

[Brunneria]

I hear you!

The plus side is that every so often, you come across a health care worker who does a double take, looks at you properly, smiles, and stops treating you like a unit on the production line.

It's brill. Just a pity it's so rare.

 

[satindoll]

I hear you!

The plus side is that every so often, you come across a health care worker who does a double take, looks at you properly, smiles, and stops treating you like a unit on the production line.

It's brill. Just a pity it's so rare.

Exactly what I wanted to say, but you got there first.

 

[robert72]

an armful was blood was taken

Reminds me of Tony Hancock Where's my tea and biscuits then?

 

[June_C]

I hear you!

The plus side is that every so often, you come across a health care worker who does a double take, looks at you properly, smiles, and stops treating you like a unit on the production line.

It's brill. Just a pity it's so rare.

I can't help but wonder though how long it'll take before they see me as a person, not a number

 

[Brunneria]

All my life, I have only had 3 or 4 who have done it. They have made massive strides in my diagnosis and treatment, but it's a bit sole (soul!) destroying that there have been so few.

Makes it even more important to appreciate them when they turn up!

 

[June_C]

All my life, I have only had 3 or 4 who have done it. They have made massive strides in my diagnosis and treatment, but it's a bit sole destroying that there have been so few.

Makes it even more important to appreciate them when they turn up!

I have to say that the DN at my surgery (not the one who took blood today) is an absolute treasure. I was diagnosed on a Friday morning and she phoned the hospital to get me an appt that afternoon and said she'd phone on Monday morning to see how I was. It transpires that on that dreadful morning (for me anyway) she wanted to put me in her handbag and take me home, she felt so sorry for me, arrrrr.

 

[noblehead]

It only takes a few moments to explain what the tests are for, next time try and book ahead and get in with your DN to take your bloods @June_C .

 

[DeejayR]

You could try the Dilbert principle, which is to convince them you know more than they do

 

[Robinredbreast]

I can't help but wonder though how long it'll take before they see me as a person, not a number

After 26 years, nothing much has changed, I did have a great consultant, Dr Bell, but he left to go into research. June, this link may cheer you up

 

[June_C]

I've resigned myself to being a hospital number and any improvement on that will be a bonus.

 

[Nicola M]

I'm pretty familiar with what they test for now as its done so often. What's worse is getting them to tell you what all the test results mean. The abbreviations and numbers are somewhat confusing and no one tells you whether the results are good or not!

 

[PatsyB]

I have never been given a print out .I ask what everything is and am told all is good or we would like it a bit lower

 

[brettsza]

It's your body and your tests and I feel you have the full right to know what all is being checked, my gp treats everyone like dirt but after learning a lot from the forum I am giving that back to him, will change the gp soon regardless as he and she (there are two in my surgery) both are useless. I found locum nurse slightly better for some reason, atleast less arrogance to deal with. I always ask for a printout too but gp doesn't give it and DN is happy to give it, she says that's your blood test results so that's yours, I can print myself one more if needed.
Ah another mess up, my wife gets a call yesterday, she had some bloods done last week and doc or receptionist called and said your b12, vit D and iron is low please come and take your prescription for the medicine, she then said you are going on holidays aren't you so please take it before that, my wife told her no I am not going, she said oh am I getting confused here with results, let me call you back and she never did. Its just a joke really.

 

[June_C]

I have never been given a print out .I ask what everything is and am told all is good or we would like it a bit lower

PatsyB, Always ask for a print out, you're entitled to one. There's no way I'd remember all the numbers and percentages being thrown at me. At least I can pour over the results and make sense of them (where I can) in my own time at home.