My annual Diabetic check up

[Dabbit]

The hospital this time even had trouble getting my bloods and after two attemtps still only managed one tube full from my hand. Still I rung for my appointment yesterday and was told it would be March 20th but then she saw she had a cancellation this (yesterday afternoon) so I went for that. To cut a long story short - it was a complete waste of time, my blood results hadn't been checked by a doctor, the appointment was for only 10 minutes instead o the normal diabetic 20 minute one, and basically all I had done was my BP (129/89), weight, and foot test. I had no time for discussion and felt very rushed. My guess (as the surgery was empty) is that the nurse wanted to get home as my appointment was 5.20pm?

[Mark]

Makes no sense at all, Dabbit, none at all. Do you have a home glucometer to test your levels? They're quite common here.

[Dabbit]

Yeah I do have a blood glucose meter Mark although I was told at this appointment that each strip cost £15 (something I find hard to believe I have to say). They often give the meters away free - i guess if the price she quoted is correct then I can see why

[Mark]

I find that very hard to believe, Dabbit. The ones they sell here are quite reasonable and you resupply your own 'strips' and take the reading yourself. 15 Quid is outrageous!

[Dabbit]

I had a look at the meters in Boots today (Chemist) and the one I have costs £24.99... We get the test strips free on prescriptions.

Anyway to change the subject slightly I had a phone call from the surgery today saying that my urine sample had split (nice job for someone) and I needed to redo it. I was also told that my blood pressure was higher than they liked and I need to go back to have it rechecked. Now forgive me for being 'not so inteligent' but isn't the reading I mention in the first post not bad for someone of 48 (almost) or am I misunderstanding all this BP stuff?

[Mark]

Dabbit, below are the categories of BP readings

[Dabbit]

admin said:

Dabbit, below are the categories of BP readings

I'm already on BP tablets so I guess its nothing to worry about is it? According to your table my reading is pre-hypertensive (with medication) I guess if I stopped taking my medication i might move up a notch though. Neat table Mark btw

[Mark]

Thanks, Dabbit, but I can't take credit for the table... - I'm afraid I copied from somewhere on the 'Net, LOL.

Anyway, I don't think you have a lot to worry about with your BP at that level, IMHO.

[Dabbit]

Me neither Mark but the sister at the surgery tends to think otherwise... I guess we'll just have to take things as they come afterall a doctor HAS to sign the prescription paper if she decides I need another tablet as she did once before.

[Mark]

Well, I'd seek a real medical opinion before I worried. Doesn't sound very high to me though.

[Dabbit]

Nor Me Mark - she has often told me that its due to the diabetes because of the extra risk - but as you say it isn't high by any standards. A second opinion may be required

[Mark]

That would be my advice, too, Dabbit. A second opinion I called for, for sure, IMHO.

[Dabbit]

Well I went out in the very high winds and pouring rain to see my mum and go to my appointment. This time my BP was 111/76 !

[Mark]

You're as healthy as a horse, Dabbit! Nurse Ratchett didn't know what she was talking about, IMHO! ;D

[Dabbit]

Certainley seems that way doesn't it? And to think she was the one who was going to put me on another tablet a while back stating categorically that diabetics BO should not be over 120/80

[Mark]

Go figure...

[Dabbit]

If only I could Mark...

[Mark]

[Dabbit]

I am going tomorrow for my half yearly check up and am not looking forward to it as I have been a tad naughty with my diet! BTW my BP has been as low as 106/58 recently - good job she didn't start the other tablet!

[Mark]

That's fairly low, Dabbit, though I have had episodes where mine has dropped even lower than that and I almost passed out - got quite dizzy in fact. Had to adjust the medications after that.