Pre Diatbetic

[nailit]

A few days ago I posted a thread about my blood pressure been a bit high.
At the start of lockdown, a year and a half ago, I was also sent a letter from my doctor telling me that my blood tests (taken a few weeks earlier) have shown that I am pre-diabetic.
(I had a quick telephone consultation which more of less ended with the words, get back to us when this is covid stuff is all over)

So my blood pressure is a bit high, And im pre-diabetic.
I know that its not great.
But I am a bit concerned tbh.

I have a free lung check for smokers and ex smokers over the telephone tomorrow
(Though how on Earth that is going to play out, I have no idea)
All that I know is that I have been asked to provide my height, weight and blood pressure.

Im pre-diabetic with high blood pressure apparently, but it can all be sorted out over the phone during my free lung test....

Whatever happened to face to face appointments with a GP?
What a farce!

[Sqad]

///You seem very concerned about being pre-diabetic. That means you are not diabetic so don't worry too much about it. See what happens in your next round of blood tests - or buy a cheap glucose monitor, learn how to use it effectively from that link pasta provided and how your blood sugar is now. Just do it twice a day for a couple of weeks - once before eating and again two hours after./////

Excellent advice by Barry.

[margarettom]

I live in the East Midlands and, like Barry, have no problem seeing a GP, so maybe your surgery is the problem. I was also told I was pre-diabetic after a yearly blood test. I simply improved my diet slightly and the following year was OK, so I wouldn’t be too concerned. Some pharmacies do BP tests, so perhaps see if any in Stoke offer this service? You could also try and get an appointment with a nurse, as they are the ones who do BP usually. If it was quite high I’m sure you would then be able to get a proper appointment.

[bednobs]

nailit, it's all very well you just getting angry and ranting about what you can't get, but things are as they are - you have no influence over that. What would be better is to focus on what you CAN influence (BP, diet, exercise, healthier living). Make a plan on what you can do - getting BP done in a chemist seems a good idea if you dont have a bp monitor. Borrow your sister's; buy a cheap one from amazon (15 quid) i know that 15 is big when you dont have much, but save for a couple of months perhaps. Ask the surgery if you can borrow one.
Make an appointment - no matter if it's in 3 weeks time(if your bp has been high for a long time an extra 3 weeks wont hurt too much) be it telephone or face to face (in my opinion, either is fine)

[barry1010]

I have just got back from my GP surgery - I've had my flu jab - and it is very much 'business as usual'. All the GPs were there seeing patients face to face and all the nurses seemed to be there as well.
The only differences as far as I could tell is face masks are still compulsory, hand gel is still available and the midwife was seeing pregnant ladies in a different part of the building, away from everyone else.

[nailit]

//nailit, it's all very well you just getting angry and ranting about what you can't get, but things are as they are//

Didnt mean to come across as angry, apologies.
More frustrated.
Its seems to be a constant thing in my parts that you just KNOW that calls arnt going get returned etc!
Anyway, at the moment Im awaiting on the arrival of my first grandchild...when she decides to show!!!
Its a female. so obviously will be late. ;-)

[bednobs]

Does sound like time for a new surgery :)

[nailit]

Got friends who are with surgeries in the same catchment area Bednobs...
Mine seems to be about the best after hearing about the others...
Got some excellent GP's. When you can get to see them!!!

[fbg40]

Face appointments - as you say Nailit, what a farce ! Came home from a week away on Saturday and then on Sunday my wife (74) noticed a rash around her right eye and on her hairline. Looked like shingles. Surgery is not open weekends so 'phoned at 8 a.m. Monday and asked for a face to face appt. Nothing doing was the answer. All they offer me was a telephone consultation at 1540. How can the GP see the rash I asked. Hang on says the receptionist, I will send you a link so you can send some photos. Sent photos, diagnosed as shingles. All very, but what if we didn't /couldn't send photos ?? The mind boggles.
FBG40

[nailit]

fbg,
Seems as though some ABers surgeries are open and some are not.
Face to face apps are a must.
You cant diagnose with a bloody photo....
(even if you are tech minded)

[bednobs]

FBG40 - so what do you think might have been different if you'd have got a F2F appt? treatment is exactly the same however it's diagnosed, "if i couldnt send a photo" has nothing to do with your situation - you could!

[Mamyalynne]

Glad your lady got a prompt diagnosis fgb440, makes all the difference with shingles.