The Doctors Are No Help!

[Jodielina Vivienne]

Last Tuesday, i was referred to A&E due to the symptoms i was witnessing. I was experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, excessive thirst (after eating something sugary or sometimes just generally thirsty without eating), shaking, gagging (i didn’t throw it though), headaches and eye strain, lightheaded & also shooting pains throughout my sides on my stomach. I was told that the finger prick i had that night was normal although my blood pressure was rather high, they prescribed me with tablets as i was seen to have had a bladder infection. I do not think that this is the end of it as i am still seeing the same symptoms & have developed a new one since the hospital such as increased heart rate. I witnessed increased heart rate after having a starbucks, this was the first time me having it, the last time i had it was the week before i went to hospital. I felt really shaky my legs were all jelly and i felt like my body was going to fall & my heart was racing i was just normally laid down and so i asked my mother to check my blood pressure as we have a monitor. the bloods were a little high. I called the doctors yesterday and I explained everything them, they were asking me about my mental health i mentioned i just have the usual self esteem thing & i just feel stressed about school as i am in GCSE Year 10. They said that the symptoms could be just stressed related and my anxiety could of caused my blood to go high when i wasn’t feeling any stress that day! They also told me that because my finger prick was negative that it means i do not have it! In my opinion they are finding a way to shove me away, i am still on edge as i am witnessing everything that a diabetic person has before they are diagnosed, all the symptoms are just repeated everyday. I went for an eye test today to tell me that i haven’t got diabetes but because my eye strains have been happening, my right eye has gotten worse. I am also going for blood tests on Monday which i am quite scared about as i have never had them done before. My parents told me that they aren’t that bad. If anyone would like to ask questions please feel free, i am just really confused on how i have all these symptoms but everything is negative.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I am also going for blood tests on Monday which i am quite scared about as i have never had them done before.

Please don't worry about them. They're a bit weirder than normal (since everyone will be masked) but it's likely the person taking the blood is really practised at it.

At your age if you had diabetes it would almost surely show up in the finger prick tests so probably you don't. But with any luck the proper blood tests will give some clues as to what's causing your symptoms (which do sound worrying).

In any case, the best of luck.

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

Please don't worry about them. They're a bit weirder than normal (since everyone will be masked) but it's likely the person taking the blood is really practised at it.

At your age if you had diabetes it would almost surely show up in the finger prick tests so probably you don't. But with any luck the proper blood tests will give some clues as to what's causing your symptoms (which do sound worrying).

In any case, the best of luck.

Thank you, i am just really concerned and i need to know what is going on & get it sorted because i am scared it will worsen and then i will end up being diagnosed. Thank you for your reply.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

It’s good that they’re doing blood tests. Are they checking your iron levels? I would presume it will be a fairly comprehensive general panel of bloods. Your symptoms could be any number of things including an infection and the tests will either rule that out or identify it. It’s unfair to say the doctors are doing nothing as they’re taking your continued symptoms seriously and investigating. As Bruce says having a normal finger prick is a good sign that you likely don’t have diabetes.

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

It’s good that they’re doing blood tests. Are they checking your iron levels? I would presume it will be a fairly comprehensive general panel of bloods. Your symptoms could be any number of things including an infection and the tests will either rule that out or identify it. It’s unfair to say the doctors are doing nothing as they’re taking your continued symptoms seriously and investigating. As Bruce says having a normal finger prick is a good sign that you likely don’t have diabetes.

I agree, i have no idea all the doctor said was to do blood tests and that my mum has to leave the room? and i just find it annoying that they are saying the symptoms i am having are due to anxiety, it doesn’t make any sense. I just feel like it will worsen. It could be something else who knows i am just concerned that i’m still getting them and the tests are negative.

 

[trophywench]

Aw, Jodie {{Hugs}} - having a blood test for the first time IS scary - blimey, I was 22 and I didn't like it.

But, the nurses who do them are usually lovely and will put you as much at your ease as they can, and explain what they're doing so you understand. It honestly isn't either big or scary. At our doc's, they have a proper chair, quite comfy, where the armrests are nicely padded and at a diagonal downward angle, but if not they'll ask you to stretch your one arm out at that angle cos you have to keep it there while they have a look to see which arm seems to have the 'best' veins. I'm right handed and the veins in my right arrn are far more reliable that my left one - it isn't always so though.

Entirely up to you whether you watch or not - listening is the most important bit and doing what they ask you to do, when they ask you. Usually only takes about 2 minutes!

Easier if you wear a something short sleeved cos the vein they want is on the inside of the elbow, just below the fold and that way you don't have to remove your top, only your coat and any jumper/cardi. OK?

 

[Inka]

. I was told that the finger prick i had that night was normal although my blood pressure was rather high, they prescribed me with tablets as i was seen to have had a bladder infection. I do not think that this is the end of it as i am still seeing the same symptoms & have developed a new one since the hospital such as increased heart rate. I witnessed increased heart rate after having a starbucks, this was the first time me having it, the last time i had it was the week before i went to hospital. I felt really shaky my legs were all jelly and i felt like my body was going to fall & my heart was racing.

Hi @Jodielina Vivienne Sorry you’re feeling unwell. It’s scary when you’re feeling ill and don’t know what’s causing it. The good news is that they spotted your bladder infection. I hope the treatment is sorting that out. Bladder infections can be nasty and make you feel really bad.

It’s good they’ve ruled out diabetes, which would more than likely have shown on your fingerpick test.

I noticed you said your heart rate increased after a Starbucks. Was this coffee? I once had palpitations after a Costa cappuccino. I think the cause was too much caffeine as the size was much larger than I have at home. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. So watching caffeine intake in things like coffee and cola might be sensible until you find out what’s going on.

Don’t worry about the blood test. The person who takes it will have done loads before and will be skilled. Tell them you’re a little nervous and they’ll reassure you. I always look away and read a poster on the wall or think about jobs I have to do or my top 10 films or whatever. The nurse will tell you when they’re finished and then you can look back as they stick a tiny little plaster on. It’s pretty quick.

Let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

At our doc's, they have a proper chair, quite comfy, where the armrests are nicely padded and at a diagonal downward angle, but if not they'll ask you to stretch your one arm out at that angle

At my GP practice they give you a pillow to rest your arm on.

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

Aw, Jodie {{Hugs}} - having a blood test for the first time IS scary - blimey, I was 22 and I didn't like it.

But, the nurses who do them are usually lovely and will put you as much at your ease as they can, and explain what they're doing so you understand. It honestly isn't either big or scary. At our doc's, they have a proper chair, quite comfy, where the armrests are nicely padded and at a diagonal downward angle, but if not they'll ask you to stretch your one arm out at that angle cos you have to keep it there while they have a look to see which arm seems to have the 'best' veins. I'm right handed and the veins in my right arrn are far more reliable that my left one - it isn't always so though.

Entirely up to you whether you watch or not - listening is the most important bit and doing what they ask you to do, when they ask you. Usually only takes about 2 minutes!

Easier if you wear a something short sleeved cos the vein they want is on the inside of the elbow, just below the fold and that way you don't have to remove your top, only your coat and any jumper/cardi. OK?

Thank you for the reassurance and explanation you gave it was very helpful!

Aw, Jodie {{Hugs}} - having a blood test for the first time IS scary - blimey, I was 22 and I didn't like it.

But, the nurses who do them are usually lovely and will put you as much at your ease as they can, and explain what they're doing so you understand. It honestly isn't either big or scary. At our doc's, they have a proper chair, quite comfy, where the armrests are nicely padded and at a diagonal downward angle, but if not they'll ask you to stretch your one arm out at that angle cos you have to keep it there while they have a look to see which arm seems to have the 'best' veins. I'm right handed and the veins in my right arrn are far more reliable that my left one - it isn't always so though.

Entirely up to you whether you watch or not - listening is the most important bit and doing what they ask you to do, when they ask you. Usually only takes about 2 minutes!

Easier if you wear a something short sleeved cos the vein they want is on the inside of the elbow, just below the fold and that way you don't have to remove your top, only your coat and any jumper/cardi. OK?

Thank you for the reassurance and the brief explanation it’s very helpful! I will update on how i went on maybe tomorrow night, thank you for all the kindness. I feel rather better now about the situation and I feel less negative about it, have a great day / night! ❤️

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

At my GP practice they give you a pillow to rest your arm on.

Thank you for this, i am a little nervous.

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

. I was told that the finger prick i had that night was normal although my blood pressure was rather high, they prescribed me with tablets as i was seen to have had a bladder infection. I do not think that this is the end of it as i am still seeing the same symptoms & have developed a new one since the hospital such as increased heart rate. I witnessed increased heart rate after having a starbucks, this was the first time me having it, the last time i had it was the week before i went to hospital. I felt really shaky my legs were all jelly and i felt like my body was going to fall & my heart was racing.

Hi @Jodielina Vivienne Sorry you’re feeling unwell. It’s scary when you’re feeling ill and don’t know what’s causing it. The good news is that they spotted your bladder infection. I hope the treatment is sorting that out. Bladder infections can be nasty and make you feel really bad.

It’s good they’ve ruled out diabetes, which would more than likely have shown on your fingerpick test.

I noticed you said your heart rate increased after a Starbucks. Was this coffee? I once had palpitations after a Costa cappuccino. I think the cause was too much caffeine as the size was much larger than I have at home. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. So watching caffeine intake in things like coffee and cola might be sensible until you find out what’s going on.

Don’t worry about the blood test. The person who takes it will have done loads before and will be skilled. Tell them you’re a little nervous and they’ll reassure you. I always look away and read a poster on the wall or think about jobs I have to do or my top 10 films or whatever. The nurse will tell you when they’re finished and then you can look back as they stick a tiny little plaster on. It’s pretty quick.

Let us know how you get on 🙂

Thank you, and i do enjoy coffee and it’s the usual on which i get so i’m not sure because i’m coffee lover and i love coffee, i think that because i’m having these symptoms that they weren’t a good mixture. I have had injections at school and i have normally looked because i find that more better as i can see what’s going on and i can see when it goes in as to where if i look away i may panic when it goes in. Thank you for your reply, i am feeling a little better. Have a nice day / night! ❤️

 

[Inka]

Do what feels right for you 🙂 A blood test takes longer than an injection and that’s why I like to look away and distract myself else I find I’m holding my breath waiting for it to finish - even though it only takes a little longer. Perhaps I’m just impatient But lots of people prefer to look and find that helps. There’s no right way - just what works for you.

Have a plan for each option and don’t worry. The anticipation is worse than the reality. Focus on the useful information a blood test will give you 🙂

 

[chaoticcar]

I am a very curious person ( nosy !) And it fascinates me how much information can be found in a blood sample I am sure they could tell you what you had for breakfast if they want to !
I ask for a print out of my blood results when they come back
Carol

 

[Ralph-YK]

I like to look away

I've found myself looking away to start with. Though I also find it good when I look and can see it's "going well".

And it fascinates me how much information can be found in a blood sample

Turns out they can and do several tests on the one vial of blood. You think you're going for A test, turns out afterwards it's 2 or 3.

 

[grovesy]

I've found myself looking away to start with. Though I also find it good when I look and can see it's "going well".

Turns out they can and do several tests on the one vial of blood. You think you're going for A test, turns out afterwards it's 2 or 3.

Only 2-3 many test for more than that!

 

[Jodielina Vivienne]

Do what feels right for you 🙂 A blood test takes longer than an injection and that’s why I like to look away and distract myself else I find I’m holding my breath waiting for it to finish - even though it only takes a little longer. Perhaps I’m just impatient But lots of people prefer to look and find that helps. There’s no right way - just what works for you.

Have a plan for each option and don’t worry. The anticipation is worse than the reality. Focus on the useful information a blood test will give you 🙂

I had them done! It was a little annoying as they couldn’t find a blood vessel in the first arm so they had to do it to the other one, my results are normal which i am happy about! My arms are both bruised due to the needle, i was expecting a lot worse ahah, i don’t have diabetes but i will still keep on this website as theres many lovely people, thank you guys.

 

[Inka]

Good news @Jodielina Vivienne 🙂 And I’m glad you didn’t find the blood test too bad. Sometimes they just can’t find a vein or it randomly causes a bruise, but other times it doesn’t so don’t let that put you off if you ever need a blood test in the years to come.