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Blood test time

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looks like i'm fine. im still waiting for the HIV test though (99% unlikely i have it though).

I'm a little annoyed that he didnt run a hepatitis c antibody test, only a liver enzyme test. He specifically told me that too. I've read thats a pretty good way of diagnosing hep c but that people with hep c sometimes have regular levels. Hes one of the "best" doctors in the state so i figure he's got his reasons.
 
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Are ALL of you unaware that EVERY city has a public health department that among other things, regularly does blood tests for communicable diseases cheaper than most insured rates? They do it on a walk in basis, one or two days a week.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
Are ALL of you unaware that EVERY city has a public health department that among other things, regularly does blood tests for communicable diseases cheaper than most insured rates? They do it on a walk in basis, one or two days a week.
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Planned Parenthood will also do it and charges on a sliding scale based on your income.

my concern with either option is that should a test ever come back positive, I'd want my primary care physical giving me the news and treatment options rather than some stranger bitch downtown.
 
loki8481 said:
Planned Parenthood will also do it and charges on a sliding scale based on your income.

my concern with either option is that should a test ever come back positive, I'd want my primary care physical giving me the news and treatment options rather than some stranger bitch downtown.
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I could come over and give you a hug but, the results would be the same.
 
haha well i wanted to establish a rapport with a doctor and i suck with directions, am kind of a snotty bastard (dont like to venture into the ghetto or anything lol), and am just lazy. plus i got a complete blood panel.
 
kazaam said:
haha well i wanted to establish a rapport with a doctor and i suck with directions, am kind of a snotty bastard (dont like to venture into the ghetto or anything lol), and am just lazy. plus i got a complete blood panel.
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You don't mind if I drop by to point and laugh while I lower your property value do you?
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
Are ALL of you unaware that EVERY city has a public health department that among other things, regularly does blood tests for communicable diseases cheaper than most insured rates? They do it on a walk in basis, one or two days a week.
Click to expand...

I'd rather pay my $20 copay and not have to go to a city or county clinic in Oakland or Berkley 😉 - I'd be more likely to catch something going to get tested there vs my benefit of actually getting tested.
 
kazaam said:
So I was reading about hepatitis c and HIV and got paranoid and convinced I have them (despite having 0 risk factors since im a nerd). Plus I haven't been to the doc in a long while.

How much could I expect to pay for a blood test like this?
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Blood tests have to be the best thing you can do to make sure you don't have physical health problems. It can catch diseases before you are symptomatic. Around 10 years ago my doctor told me that I had slightly high calcium in my blood and sent me to an endocrinologist, wound up getting a little outpatient surgery that fixed the problem. If I hadn't had that my bones would have become brittle and other health problems would have developed.

When you have a blood test they can test for many different things, the more the better, obviously from your point of view. For instance, you mention HIV and Hep C. I don't know about Hep C, but I know that they don't always test for HIV. They probably don't routinely test for either. Make sure you get a lipid panel, which will tell you how you are doing cholesterol wise. They probably routinely check you for diabetes.
kazaam said:
Couple hundred isn't too bad. I have insurance though, wonder how much if any they'll cover.
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With my HMO I think I pay maybe $25 for the test.
TheNinja said:
I'd rather pay my $20 copay and not have to go to a city or county clinic in Oakland or Berkley 😉 - I'd be more likely to catch something going to get tested there vs my benefit of actually getting tested.
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Why? They are going to use sterile one-use equipment, going to wipe your arm with rubbing alcohol, it's pretty standard.
WelshBloke said:
Not to put you off testing (if it'll put your mind at rest) but AIDs is pretty difficult to catch. You have to do something to catch it and really dodgy porn doesn't count. ;-)

try to stop worrying and enjoy life.
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Yeah, I gave up hypochondria when I got near full grown. Just not worth the fretting.
ichy said:
My doctor recommends HIV tests for everyone on a yearly basis regardless of risk factors. It's not a big deal.
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One more thing to add to my list, when I get around to making my appt with my PCP. I did get that tested a few years back, have engaged in zero risk activity, but WTH.
 
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kazaam said:
looks like i'm fine. im still waiting for the HIV test though (99% unlikely i have it though).

I'm a little annoyed that he didnt run a hepatitis c antibody test, only a liver enzyme test. He specifically told me that too. I've read thats a pretty good way of diagnosing hep c but that people with hep c sometimes have regular levels. Hes one of the "best" doctors in the state so i figure he's got his reasons.
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If you still want the Hep C antibody test, you can donate blood.
 
How long does giving blood take? Also, does it hurt?

After I gave a few tbsps of blood for the test I got light headed and sweat a shit ton. I wasn't scared and it didn't hurt but I'm scared if I give blood I'll pass out lol.
 
kazaam said:
haha well i wanted to establish a rapport with a doctor and i suck with directions, am kind of a snotty bastard (dont like to venture into the ghetto or anything lol), and am just lazy. plus i got a complete blood panel.
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I work for the health department of my district, it's only a few clinics (usually wic) that are even somewhat 'ghetto'.

They send all the samples off to the state labs, and often specialize in std stuff. Probably be who I trust for my tests.
 
kazaam said:
How long does giving blood take? Also, does it hurt?
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Length depends on your constitution. I personally try to set speed records, but it could take between 4-20 minutes. Pain's only involved when the needle is taken in/out. The anticipation's worse than the actual stick, and it doesn't hurt once its set. Don't imagine it's significantly worse than a needle used for blood vials.

Eat a good meal within 4 hours before the donation and stay well-hydrated, you should be fine.
 
kazaam said:
How long does giving blood take? Also, does it hurt?

After I gave a few tbsps of blood for the test I got light headed and sweat a shit ton. I wasn't scared and it didn't hurt but I'm scared if I give blood I'll pass out lol.
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Probably not related to the amount you gave. More likely a reaction to the needle and/or it going into your body. Next time, just try to relax, don't look at the needle if you can help it, and try to have someone/something to talk to you or distract you (or talk to the phlebotomist, they're used to people having vagal and adrenergic reactions to needles).
 
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