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Liz
12-Jun-09, 17:29
Just got a flyer from this company who are coming to the Northern Sands Hotel on the 24th June.

They carry out ultrasound screening to identify risk of strokes This costs £139 and for another £10 you can get osteoporosis screening.

Is it worth it or should the NHS be carrying this out for free?

Mik.M.
12-Jun-09, 18:15
Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about anything. LifeLineScreening are a company out to make a profit from scaremongering. Why pay for something that your doctor can get you for free.

Liz
12-Jun-09, 18:43
Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about anything. LifeLineScreening are a company out to make a profit from scaremongering. Why pay for something that your doctor can get you for free.

Yes I was thinking about it and agree with you.

I have already been diagnosed with Athersclerosis and there is heart disease in my family.

However, I am doing all I can re diet, exercise etc so will keep my money in my pocket!:lol:

Alice in Blunderland
12-Jun-09, 19:03
I think I will send my hubby along to them and see what they can tell him. ;)

Lingland
12-Jun-09, 19:15
I would say it is easy money for them playing on vulnerable people probably least able to afford it. Someone has already suggested talking over your concerns with your Dr. this would seem the sensible thing to do and then if you are not satisfied I would consider them.

Alice in Blunderland
12-Jun-09, 19:20
I have already been diagnosed with Athersclerosis and there is heart disease in my family.


Liz Im no expert on this one but Athersclerosis I was thinking was an age related condition which we will all inevitably suffer from to some degree. :confused

Will check with my knowledgable personal medical information database later on. ;)

I would definately save your money and if in doubt check in with your doctor. :)

Mik.M.
12-Jun-09, 19:23
Will check with my knowledgable personal medical information database later on. ;) What time does he get home?:lol:

Liz
12-Jun-09, 19:24
Thanks both.

Yes I do believe that Atherosclerosis is part of aging but I was in my early forties when diagnosed which seems a bit young? Especially since I don't eat saturated fats, have never smoked and walk every day.

I am not going to bother giving these people my money though.

Liz
12-Jun-09, 20:01
Liz Im no expert on this one but Athersclerosis I was thinking was an age related condition which we will all inevitably suffer from to some degree.

Will check with my knowledgable personal medical information database later on. ;)

I would definately save your money and if in doubt check in with your doctor. :)

Forgot to say I was also told there was some 'thickening of the heart muscle'. :D

Tristan
12-Jun-09, 20:28
There was quiet a lot about this on the news recently. They don't do anything that you couldn't, if needed, get done on the NHS. From what I remember of the posts the results are written in such a way to raise unessential concern.

Liz
12-Jun-09, 22:14
There was quiet a lot about this on the news recently. They don't do anything that you couldn't, if needed, get done on the NHS. From what I remember of the posts the results are written in such a way to raise unessential concern.

Oops missed that Tristan. Yes it does cause concern, especially if you have heart problems in the family.

However, I decided that they weren't getting my money and I was already doing everything I could to help heart health anyway.

TBH
12-Jun-09, 22:17
They are worse than "psychics" because they deal in real scientific fact but prey on the vulnerable just as much.

teenybash
12-Jun-09, 22:39
Wouldn't go near them....my body will let me know if something needs seeing to..................

Liz
12-Jun-09, 22:49
Wouldn't go near them....my body will let me know if something needs seeing to..................

I agree with you to a certain extent but many health problems don't cause symptoms until the disease has 'taken hold' therefore screening is essential.

TBH
12-Jun-09, 22:52
I agree with you to a certain extent but many health problems don't cause symptoms until the disease has 'taken hold' therefore screening is essential.Then why not join a reputable company such as BUPA?

Liz
12-Jun-09, 22:57
Then why not join a reputable company such as BUPA?

I meant free!lol

shazzap
12-Jun-09, 22:58
Then why not join a reputable company such as BUPA?


I was with bupa through my work. When my thyroid needing sorting they couldn't do anything. Also if you have something wrong with you that they consider has been caused through having some other illness you have, they will not help.

DOCTOR
12-Jun-09, 22:59
Ultrasound screening does not identify stroke risk

The risk factor for stroke are:

Increasing age, High blood pressure, Diabetes,Smoking,High cholestrol.
Irregular heartbeat (medical term atrial fibrilliation) is also a risk factor for stroke.

Ultrasound scanning cannot identify stroke risk.

To confirm osteoporosis diagnosis the tests are done in clinical context.
The confirmatory test is DEXA scan ( Dual Energy Xray Absorbometry )

This lifescreenscanning is in my oppinion a waste of money and unnecessary exposure to x -rays. X -rays, ct scan, are associated with risks of radiation exposure ( itself risks )

The best way to get a health MOT is from your own GP. ( free of charge ):)

Liz
12-Jun-09, 22:59
I was with bupa through my work. When my thyroid needing sorting they couldn't do anything. Also if you have something wrong with you that they consider has been caused through having some other illness you have, they will not help.

Thanks for the advice.:D

Liz
12-Jun-09, 23:00
Ultrasound screening does not identify stroke risk

The risk factor for stroke are:

Increasing age, High blood pressure, Diabetes,Smoking,High cholestrol.
Irregular heartbeat (medical term atrial fibrilliation) is also a risk factor for stroke.

Ultrasound scanning cannot identify stroke risk.

To confirm osteoporosis diagnosis the tests are done in clinical context.
The confirmatory test is DEXA scan ( Dual Energy Xray Absorbometry )

This lifescreenscanning is in my oppinion a waste of money and unnecessary exposure to x -rays. X -rays, ct scan, are associated with risks of radiation exposure ( itself risks )

The best way to get a health MOT is from your own GP. ( free of charge ):)

Good advice Doctor. Thanks very much!:D

DOCTOR
12-Jun-09, 23:05
Good advice Doctor. Thanks very much!:D

Anytime ;)

Fee for advice £139. :lol:

To org friends free.

DOCTOR
12-Jun-09, 23:32
How do you explain the likes of a super-fit Eoin Jess, suffering from a stroke? With none of the afformentioned factors accounted for?
Explanation:

There are some rarer causes which can cause stroke.

These normally affect younger people.

Stroke in a young seemingly healthy person, the causes are detected by different blood tests and scan of the heart.

I give you an example : a condition called PFO ( patent foraman ovaule- a sort of hole in the heart ) this condition affects around twenty to thirty percent of the normal population. In the majority of people it does not cause any problems but in a minute minority it could cause stroke.

Does this answer ?

TBH
12-Jun-09, 23:40
Explanation:

There are some rarer causes which can cause stroke.

These normally affect younger people.

Stroke in a young seemingly healthy person, the causes are detected by different blood tests and scan of the heart.

I give you an example : a condition called PFO ( patent foraman ovaule- a sort of hole in the heart ) this condition affects around twenty to thirty percent of the normal population. In the majority of people it does not cause any problems but in a minute minority it could cause stroke.

Does this answer ?Eoin Jess did not suffer from a hole in the heart although Asa Hartford did and never suffered from a stroke.

DOCTOR
13-Jun-09, 08:40
Eoin Jess did not suffer from a hole in the heart although Asa Hartford did and never suffered from a stroke.


As I mentioned in my previous post the incidence of heart condition is twenty to thirty percent in the general population.Not all of them suffer from stroke ( they lead a normal healthy life).

There are times when you cannot finid a cause for a condition.This is real life.
The general risk factors I mentioned are the causes in the majority of the stroke patients.

I would stress the iimportance of a regular health check by your own GP, Practice Nurse. If they find something abnormal they will either give you advice,treatment or refer you to the specialist (free of charge). :)

Lingland
13-Jun-09, 08:54
Thank you Liz for highlighting subject.

Tighsonas4
13-Jun-09, 10:44
if this crowd can do all this why have they to send you to raigmore or some to dingwall for a proper scan tony

forevera123
13-Jun-09, 11:00
As I mentioned in my previous post the incidence of heart condition is twenty to thirty percent in the general population.Not all of them suffer from stroke ( they lead a normal healthy life).

There are times when you cannot finid a cause for a condition.This is real life.
The general risk factors I mentioned are the causes in the majority of the stroke patients.

I would stress the iimportance of a regular health check by your own GP, Practice Nurse. If they find something abnormal they will either give you advice,treatment or refer you to the specialist (free of charge). :)
really good advice and free of charge. thank you Doctor

Alice in Blunderland
13-Jun-09, 11:55
if this crowd can do all this why have they to send you to raigmore or some to dingwall for a proper scan tony

Do different people not go to different places because this is where the scan machines are :confused

Liz
13-Jun-09, 12:50
Anytime ;)

Fee for advice £139. :lol:

To org friends free.

Ha ha. The cheque's in the post!


Thank you Liz for highlighting subject.
Cheers.:D


if this crowd can do all this why have they to send you to raigmore or some to dingwall for a proper scan tony
That's what I was thinking. I would really like a scan for Osteoporosis but you have to go to Dingwall.

dirdyweeker
13-Jun-09, 13:55
That's what I was thinking. I would really like a scan for Osteoporosis but you have to go to Dingwall.[/quote]

Yes, this is true.. I have been to Dingwall for a DEXA scan. The only problem I see is if you wish to have these tests for peace of mind your GP is hardly going to organise them. I had to fit certain criteria to allow my DEXA scan (for free). To have it done regardless of criteria you pay.
If anyone was wanting tests for peace of mind through the NHS without meeting criteria required would they not have to pay?

DOCTOR
13-Jun-09, 15:09
That's what I was thinking. I would really like a scan for Osteoporosis but you have to go to Dingwall.

Yes, this is true.. I have been to Dingwall for a DEXA scan. The only problem I see is if you wish to have these tests for peace of mind your GP is hardly going to organise them. I had to fit certain criteria to allow my DEXA scan (for free). To have it done regardless of criteria you pay.
If anyone was wanting tests for peace of mind through the NHS without meeting criteria required would they not have to pay?


Without meeting the criteria you will pay. All these investigations carry a risk and if it is not indicated you would not put somebody to undue risk/harm.

If somebody is getting the scans to rule out any disease,the test results could be misleading (in absense of medical consultation. )

I would suggest if somebody needs investigations for peace of mind they should consult a doctor from a reputable private hospital. The person/patient will discuss their worries/fears. The private doctor would recommend further tests after examining the patient.This is the best and safest approach.
If you go on getting the tests done it is not only the test but its enterpretation by a trained proffessional.
In one instance previously people got MRI scans on the state of the art and latest machines done by private companies.These were reported by the radiologist ( mostly from EU countries ) and later turned out to be of inferior/low quality reporting. All the scans were to be re-reported by NHS radiologists.

Once again for anyone with worries your first port of call I would advise would be your GP who can refer you if necessary to a reputable private Dr/ Hospital/Specialist if not the NHS.:)

Kevin Milkins
13-Jun-09, 16:43
Just got a flyer from this company who are coming to the Northern Sands Hotel on the 24th June.

They carry out ultrasound screening to identify risk of strokes This costs £139 and for another £10 you can get osteoporosis screening.

Is it worth it or should the NHS be carrying this out for free?

I got one of these through yesterday and it seems fortunate that I spilled curry on it before I got chance to read it.

Liz
13-Jun-09, 17:47
I got one of these through yesterday and it seems fortunate that I spilled curry on it before I got chance to read it.

I think so Kevin!:lol:

Liz
13-Jun-09, 17:49
That's what I was thinking. I would really like a scan for Osteoporosis but you have to go to Dingwall.

Yes, this is true.. I have been to Dingwall for a DEXA scan. The only problem I see is if you wish to have these tests for peace of mind your GP is hardly going to organise them. I had to fit certain criteria to allow my DEXA scan (for free). To have it done regardless of criteria you pay.
If anyone was wanting tests for peace of mind through the NHS without meeting criteria required would they not have to pay?[/quote]

The reason I would like this test is because I have had to take lots of steroids for Crohns Disease.

Travelling is a problem for me though as my back gets so sore. It's a pity they couldn't have some kind of mobile screening for this like they have for breast cancer.

dirdyweeker
13-Jun-09, 20:35
Think my "quote" came through incorrectly. I have been to Dingwall and had my scan.
Liz I am sure if your back is so sore your GP could arrange to do investigations at a local level, in view of your pain.

Liz
13-Jun-09, 22:47
Think my "quote" came through incorrectly. I have been to Dingwall and had my scan.
Liz I am sure if your back is so sore your GP could arrange to do investigations at a local level, in view of your pain.

Okay thanks. I will find out.:D

Fran
14-Jun-09, 00:56
I think I will send my hubby along to them and see what they can tell him. ;)


ha ha, thats a good one alice!