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Maybe - just maybe I'll get tested

Resurgam

Master
Messages
10,114
Location
Dorset, on the south coast of England
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Tomorrow morning I have an appointment at my local GP clinic.
I have been asked to arrange an annual review for my hypothyroid and diabetes in a series of letters from some central office far away.
When I phoned I was given an appointment with a nurse at a different practice, so off I went - only to find that it was a five yearly health check - asking things such as did I drink or smoke, checking my height and weight - nothing to do with the ongoing situation.
The letters telling me to go for an annual health check have continued to arrive, so I called the number on the letter and had a few words - so now I have an appointment at my usual surgery - it is to discus my high cholesterol level. I was phoned and told to fast for it so they can do a blood test.
I asked about my Hba1c and perhaps a check of my glucose levels - and maybe my thyroid - I was told that when tested at the end of last year my levels were normal - as I did not have any blood taken at the end of last year it is amazing that they know that.
I do not hold out much hope for tomorrow's appointment, but I do intend to make a few points.
 
Let us know how it goes.
 
Good luck with that.... as they say.... given the interactions you've had to date....
 
Resurgam said:
I do not hold out much hope for tomorrow's appointment, but I do intend to make a few points.
Click to expand...

I've had several appointments for different things in a short of time, including 2 cystoscopies (one flexible, one not therefore under GA), 1 prostate biopsy (diagnosed as cancer that is so insignificant there is no treatment, just regular PSAs), endocrinologist appointment for metabolic problems and gastroenterologist appointment because of liver function issues. The only concern is with the confusion over appointments. Especially the method of communication, text, eMail or letter, nothing seemed consistent and none of them seemed to be totally aware of the other ongoing investigations, I always volunteered that info.

I'm mentioning all of this because it has lead me to believe that the lack of a central computer system means that the left hand doesn't always know what the right hand is doing. Could this be behind your experience?
 

Good grief, that is just appalling service. I would be making a few points too. Good luck.
 
Sounds farcical from your description of events. This is why I’ve undertaken private lab testing for everything I want to know about my health. Far less stress and way more informative. Obviously I appreciate that not everyone can, or wants to, pay privately, but it’s the way forward for folk in our shoes if we have the means and inclination.

Good luck!
 
I don't know who was the most confused about NHS procedure and my treatment. It took half the appointment for her to realize that I was not on medication, but at least I had a blood sample taken, and gave a urine sample for kidney function - no idea what the blood is to be tested for - hopefully a Hba1c but I would not swear to it.
 
How many tubes did she fill?
 
@Resurgam , You have every right to ask and receive an answer about what you are being tested for and why and comment upon it.
Otherwise it sounds like it is a Big Brother or Big Sister state system.¿
 
By the time the blood was being taken I think I'd given up caring - I have come home and eaten strawberries and will have coffee with cream as the percolator has stopped blooping - the Wimborne Folk Festival starts today, so I will be able to sing and play all weekend.
 
Enjoyment of life's pleasure blitzes the mundanity of blood tests anytime !!
 
bulkbiker said:
They usually do three if you are having a full test panel.. HbA1c, cholesterol and another that I can never remember..
Good luck with whatever you end up with!
Click to expand...
I think I've only ever had one tube taken, for cholesterol, thyroid and HbA1c (and Vit D last time).
 
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It is always a two way discussion when I have an appt with my nurse, I often talk more than her! I ask for different blood tests if she only suggests some but not the ones I want. I have a vitamin B12 level included with my next HbA1c because I asked. I always check with the HCA what tests she has down to be done before I let her near me with her needle!
 
Have you ever tried going to reception and saying, “I need an a1c and a thyroid panel, can you book that please?” The receptionist might just put it through without thinking...
 
Hi. Terrible treatment compared with my surgery. I always look at my bloods request form to see what is being tested. As I choose to go to the local hospital 'bloods' clinic I'm given the form by my nurse. Have you asked for access to your online test results? It's very useful and saves time at any review.
 
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