Blood Test Every 6 Months: Is It Normal??? Posted: 11-27-07 21:55pm
Hi, I am new here, and I have a general
question.
I am a 50 y.o. male living in New Zealand
for 12 years. Before that, I used to live
in Switzerland. I am pretty OK, with just
some high blood pressure, probably
congenital, which I have had for over 15
years (I am on betablockers) and the odd
flu or minor skin rash. In other terms, I
am rather in good health.
Since I arrived in New Zealand 12 years
ago, my various doctors (general
practitioners whom I see every 6 months to
renew my prescription) have been sending
me for regular blood tests. At first, it
was once a year; now the frequency seems
to be once every 6 months. The blood tests
are always inconclusive.
I do not recall having gone through so
many blood tests when I used to live in
Switzerland, until 12 years ago. Is it
1) a New Zealand obsession?
2) because I am getting older?
3) a new evolution of medicine in
general?
It is a real bother for me, since I
haven't found yet a nurse able to take my
blood reliably. I often end up with 3
attempts in each arm - and no blood has
been taken out of me. No matter what that
lab or hospital where I am trying, it has
been the same problem for 10 years or so.
So I am going through lots of trouble for
no results at all, when blood is finally
extracted from me.
