General Chat

Has anyone had the free cholestoral test done yet at B**ts.We that live in Otley cannot have ours done for another 2 weeks at least.And we have to make an appointment.Seemingly the machine that they test the sample with was posted out to them but they have not received the machine so we have to wait until they get another 1 posted to them.which wont arrive for at the minimum 2 weeks.By then the offer will be over. Anybody else having this problem. Sue

Susan I had a free test organised by my doctor. Elaine x

Nope. Haven't tried B**Ts. But have in the past had concerns and so I know that if you suspect you might have a problem (raised blood pressure etc) you can get tested at your GP surgery. Always good to ask them for advice anyway, or your local community pharmacist. It's not just those big chains who advertise (like BTs) who know about these things. Angela

I was in B..ts last week and overheard a man trying to book an appointment for one - he was told they have been extremely popular so it wouldn't be for a while (didn't hear how long - but diaries were out!!) but the pharmicist said that as far as he knew the offer was ongoing. Kim x

Hi Susan, Went to the 'B**ts' store in Maidstone today with my workmate who wanted to get it done. Can only do it by appointment now, altho she was told last week 'just turn up'. The earliest they can book her in was 20th Sept; and they only do silly times like 10-12 & 1.30-3.00 (or something) on Mon-Fri only!! Not much use for those of us who work.......... Her local store could do it next week, but again only Mon-Fri and between 10am-3pm!! I guess they don't want to give away too many 'free' tests after all lol.........

thanks everyone,I called in this pm after work.I asked him when they would be doing the tests.The pharmicist told me "all that I have posted above".I told him I didn't finish work until 4-30pm,he told me that was ok as he could the test then,So I will wait and see what happens.I am not concerned about my cholesteral just curious what the figure will be.The Doctors surgery over here is not very good,you have to book at least 4/5 weeks in advance to see a certain doctor for the results of tests.and if your ill well,wont say anymore because i get very annoyed with these doctors. EXAMPLE They eventold me to take my late husband down to the surgery with suspected stroke on the Thursday,told to take him back on the following Tuesday IF HE WAS NO BETTER.I phoned the emergency doctor on the Friday he was rushed into L.G.I. AND HAD EMERGENCY SURGERY THAT NIGHT.IT WAS A STROKE. Sue

Anyone like a laugh at my stupidity? I saw the title of this thread and came in to have a look because I couldn't work out what swear word began with B and ended with T - thought the ***** were for a rude word LOL, sorry, silly me! Mandy :)

Mandy thanks for the laugh,only put stars in cos we don't want to advertise just in case I get anybody's back up.LOL Sue

If your doctor organises a Cholesterol test for you, you have to fast for at least TWELVE hours before hand. If you don't, the results will be overstated. I was told that, for that reason, the results a chemist provides will not be an accurate guide. Does anyone know any different? Brenda

Brenda, no that is correct, i was going to put it but you beat me to it. i was not allowed to eat anything after 2pm and only to drink water for an 8.30am appointment. ann Glos

Hi Brenda and Anne, with the type of work I do I would be flaking out if I had to starve myself for 12hrs.I am only curious,nothing wrong with me but would just like to know what the figure is.One reason is I have a friend that has been having cholesteral tests for years but hers was only 4 1/2 but her doctor still put her on tablets to get it down,so I would like to know how low/high my level is. Sue

I believe there is supposed to be a good cholestraland a bad one, and that the tests can't differentiate between the 2, so not a lot of help!!

Mine is considerably higher than your friend's, Sue. My doctor factored in blood pressure, weight, etc etc to work out risk, and decided I did not need medication. There are so many factors involved that a headline figure is going to be pretty meaningless. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Brenda

Hi all I just thought I would have it checked ,just curious about result (just bl**dy nosey really).LOL Sue

Just heard on tonights local news - apparently Blueberries are now the 'in food' to help keep cholestoral levels down - dread to think how many you gotta eat, but it'll surely help in other ways LOL ;P

I went to have one yesterday at B***s, and was told women had to be 55 and over, and men 45. Karen : (

Not sure if that age thing is just B**ts 'rule' as they did ask my friend her age when she enquired the other day?? I had one done years ago and I'm only 41............ONLY!! lol

Hi Karen i'll be alright then for the test.on the advert on TV,the voice over does say that you have to be over 45 not 55 but I am 57 so I will be in with a chance. Sue