HBA1C + other blood tests + Eye Screening Test

[Jodee]

I've not been called yet for my test delayed from April, I think the diabetic retinopathy eye screening test is due August.

Are people getting their tests delayed still?

I wonder if I should be chasing GP surgery up again and later the Eye screening clinic if I don't hear from them.

What are others thoughts re Type 2 Checks?

 

[Robin]

My retinopathy screening was cancelled in April, and I haven’t heard anything from them yet. I'd imagine once they get going again they may concentrate on catching up the people who have had things flagged up on previous tests.

 

[Vonny]

My son's eye check was cancelled in late March and although he's since had his annual bloods done, he still hasn't been called for his retinopathy check. I got my retinopathy done in April, but that was because I'd just been diagnosed. Fingers crossed they will start them up again soon.

 

[grovesy]

I too had an April eye check cancelled. I have just looked on my local service website, they are saying if classed at high risk of retinopathy, you will be called. If you had no signs of retinopathy last year you will be recalled next year. This information has changed in the last week. There has been some talk of reducing screening to every 2 years for those with no signs of retinopathy.
As for checks this also seems to vary from surgery to surgery.

 

[Ralph-YK]

I think it was April that my eye check was due. I've not heard anything about it. Canceled, resceduled, or otherwise.

 

[grovesy]

I think it was April that my eye check was due. I've not heard anything about it. Canceled, resceduled, or otherwise.

I actual had my appointment letter in March for April. Then the cancellation letter.

 

[Flutterby]

My eye screening was also cancelled in April as was my Diabetes clinic appointment at the hospital. I have now had a text from surgery about the fact that my diabetes check with them is due. They want me to ring and arrange a "short" appointment there followed up by a telephone consultation. I assume the short appointment is for a blood test presumably HbA1c. I can't say I am keen but will ask them more when I ring.

 

[trophywench]

My hospital D clinic appointment cancelled from April, is now supposed to be in the middle of August. Next week I'll ask our GP whether I can go there for my blood test, cos the hospital clinic gave me the forms for them at my last appt, last August, which is what they normally do anyway so they're still in 'that drawer in our bedroom' as per usual! Can't actually recall when last year's retinopathy screening was as it's never been in sync with anything else. Think my GP annual diabetes and 'breathing' checks are both due about October so nothing urgent there.

 

[Ralph-YK]

Can't actually recall when last year's retinopathy screening was as it's never been in sync with anything else

Same here. I've to look mine up.

Next week I'll ask our GP whether I can go there for my blood test, cos the hospital clinic gave me the forms for them at my last appt, last August, which is what they normally do anyway so they're still in 'that drawer in our bedroom' as per usual!

In my area, if you've the paperwork (including from GP practice) you can just turn up at the hospital for the blood test. Walk in blood clinic (same as X ray, although that is always at the hospital).

 

[Stitch147]

I had all my blood tests and eye screening in February before lockdown. I haven't had my yearly check with the nurse though for foot check and BP check.

 

[Ralph-YK]

and BP check.

BP checks for me are just 'whenever', despite heart problems, meds and problems with low BP. Old GP practice made regular appointments specifically to check that.

 

[Stitch147]

BP checks for me are just 'whenever', despite heart problems, meds and problems with low BP. Old GP practice made regular appointments specifically to check that.

I do mine at home as they always go high in doctors surgery, then take them 2 weeks reading, I do this every year.

 

[trophywench]

Same here. I've to look mine up.

In my area, if you've the paperwork (including from GP practice) you can just turn up at the hospital for the blood test. Walk in blood clinic (same as X ray, although that is always at hospital).

Not in my area Ralph - absolutely MUST be by prior appt, even if you're actually in with the GP or consultant at the time although I rather expect if you are delivered to A&E it could be a tad quicker !

 

[Jodee]

Well nothing seems to have changed much since the pandemic started really for most of us.

Interesting reading all of your comments, thanks everyone for replying.

Lucky you got yours done in February @Stitch147

@grovesy not sure that is a good idea regarding reducing screening to every 2 years for those with no signs of retinopathy.
My 1st one was ok, 2nd one not ok, last year I can't even remember being called (going through cancer surgery at the time) this year I have been getting some intermittent eye pain, so if its delay another year who knows what is going on, perhaps I will check with local optician to see, its a dodgy business though as I am supposed to be shielding and keeping distance from people even when shielding is lifted.

thanks again everyone.

Keep well and safe.

 

[grovesy]

My letter of cancellation advised contacting the local eye clinic if any concerns and I don't get my checks at the hospital.
I am not concerned about waiting till next year as I had an check in December and the optician also compared the pictures of my eye to the previous ones on their records.

 

[happydog]

My eye screening was cancelled but I did have my blood taken for the HbA1c test in May (I think) and got the results by phone. My annual review was done at the same time by phone. It was all very quick less than 5 minutes. She reminded me to check my feet, asked me how much I weigh and if I had any concerns and that was it. She said there would be no more eye screenings before September but to contact them if I did not get an appointment by the end of that month. Hope that helps. If you are worried contact your GP and ask about screening in your area explain about the changes at the last test. Good luck.

 

[MarkGeordie]

Mine is a bit like Ralph. We get the paperwork off the hospital or GP for bloods and then can turn up at a hospital/clinic in 5 locations across the area all operating their own times to get them done. My GP surgery does not offer a bloods service.

I had my diabetes appointment on 14 July over the telephone and the DSN has said that she wouldn’t send any paperwork as she has no concerns and wanted to limit the amount of people accessing the bloods services.

My annual eye screening was in April too, cancelled and heard nothing since.

 

[Ralph-YK]

Mine is a bit like Ralph. We get the paperwork off the hospital or GP for bloods and then can turn up at a hospital/clinic

Actually, at my GP practice, you've to ask for the paperwork. You're expected to go to GPs. The surgury nearest me had a walk in blood clinic on Mondays until March. Also had appointments to take blood. Sometimes got paperwork at the hospital.
I discovered last December that I could have GP blood tests done at the hospital. Normally the surgury is much closer than the hospital. Last December/January I was staying somewhere else, and I had to pass the hospital to get to my GP practice.

 

[Claire7569]

Do we book these eye tests or do they come from the hospital?

 

[Ralph-YK]

Do we book these eye tests or do they come from the hospital?

I don't have to. I didn't even have to request one. I (normally) get an appointment letter through the post once a year.