Hba1c / blood test

[Jangles]

Hi

I've just booked in my blood test with the phlebotomist and I've been told they will do a blood pressure check at the same time. I'm a bit concerned about it as I get very nervous about blood tests and will be in a state of anxiety when they do the blood pressure, this might mean my result will be much higher than it should be.

Is this normal practice ?

 

[Northerner]

Hi

I've just booked in my blood test with the phlebotomist and I've been told they will do a blood pressure check at the same time. I'm a bit concerned about it as I get very nervous about blood tests and will be in a state of anxiety when they do the blood pressure, this might mean my result will be much higher than it should be.

Is this normal practice ?

Hi Jangles, I find they often take every opportunity to measure your blood pressure. I would explain that you suffer from anxiety and they should take it into account. My BP is always stupid when measured at the surgery, whether I feel consciously anxious or not, but my home BP monitor assures me that there's nothing wrong with them away from that intimidating clinical setting 🙂 If you don't have a home monitor then it's worth investing in one - I have the basic Omron Monitor which does the job 🙂

Hope all goes well for you 🙂

 

[trophywench]

I have the same prob as Northie and ditto, mine is a Pro Logic one since that was the one they had a my pharmacy and cost all of £15.

Suddenly thought today I hadn't done mine for ages - 116 over 55. More likely to be in the 160s over the 80s at the docs or hospital ! LOL Unless, that is, the 'diabetic' nurse at the GP surgery does it - I find the annual visit with her to be absolutely relaxing and so non-contentious I've been known to occasionally drop under 100 over 40 something!

Thing is these days, they don't even attempt to give me any treatment advice, they know as well as me, that that all comes from the hospital - so I imagine it's just as nice for them as it is for me, just to be able to have a chat, weigh me, check my feet, test my pulses and tickle my toes.

 

[Jangles]

Thanks Northerner and Trophywench , i hadn't thought of doing so before but ive decided to get myself a monitor . The thought of the blood test itself is probably sending it soaring and that's without it even being near a needle!

Trophywench, that is amazing the difference being in a relaxed state does to your score!
I've actually decided to say that I don't want the bp taken on that day. The doctor can either do it at the review or they can leave till I see the DSN. If I've got the monitor readings i can take them with me.

 

[trophywench]

Yes that's what you do - record dates times and anything significant you've been doing that might affect it - eg mowing the lawn this morning or - worse! - an invasion of 5 year old grandkids - cousins who only see each other on occasions and who get on great so we can't complain - we're still cleaning the dirty handmarks off the walls from such a happening early last week - ie MEGA STRESS LOL

Is what I have to do every time my repeat prescription duration for the BP meds expires.

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

I always take my own BP reading in too - like Jenny the difference between my readings at home and ones done at clinic or surgery is ridiculous.

Make sure you get a proper upper arm monitor if getting your own though - the wrist ones apparently aren't very accurate. I have one very similar to Alan's - mine is Boots own brand but it's actually made by Omron. My GP recommended Omron, apparently they are a good make to go for.

 

[Jangles]

Thanks for all your advice. I bought one today, boots arm cuff. It was on offer at 19.99 so thought I'd try it and see how I got on. Have to say I'm quite happy with my first reading 125/85 so I've got a baseline at home anyway. I'm expecting it to be higher in the clinic but I'm hoping it's not going to be a massive difference.