Reasonable to refuse blood pressure check

[YorkieTheRabbit]

I have a smear test appointment next week, it’s seven years since I had my last one.
The appointment is with a nurse I’ve never seen. I dread going for reasons I don’t want to go into.
I just want to get it over with as quickly as possible, I’m never keen on going to the doctor and do get wound up before hand and I don’t like having my blood pressure taken.
Obviously if I go for a HRT check my blood pressure is done and usually high, but it’s fine if I do it at home. I assume it’s not unreasonable to refuse to have anything other than the smear?

I didn't have a blood pressure check when I had a smear test recently, not sure why you would think you will?

I've never had my blood pressure checked at a smear appointment either.

Have you been told this will be happening?

Check your blood pressure at home the day before. If they want a reading pre smear, tell them the previous days reading and explain how it will be a more accurate reading. Any health care professional with experience should understand.

Ive always had a blood pressure test prior to the smear previously which I why I’m asking. It seems such a strange thing to do when they know women will be wound up.

I've never had this either but it's absolutely fine to say that you're feeling anxious and don't want a blood pressure check.

Thanks everyone. It’s taken five weeks to get this appointment which hasn’t helped me getting worked up, I’m just wanting to be out as quick as possible.

They should not be taking your blood pressure at a cervical screening appointment. The appointment should only focus on the screening test for exactly the sort of reasons you give. People are less likely to attend if you add on a bit of weight loss/stop smoking advice etc.

I had a smear test last week and didn't get my blood pressure checked.

I've also never had my blood pressure checked at a smear appointment. In any case you are always free to decline to consent to any medical test or procedure.

I had my bp taken regularly at a clinic where it was always high, though normal at home using an approved monitor. I now take it at home and screenshot the readings. My GP is also happy for readings to be taken at home if needed.
Current guidelines state that bp monitoring can be done at home. I’d suggest taking your bp beforehand - if previously high take readings over the previous few days and submit them all at the appointment.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136/chapter/recommendations

I used to refuse a BP check at the same appointment as a smear. It was always high in clinical settings. The clinic nurse would want to do smear, weight and BP. I would always say: I only booked for a smear, thank you.

I have been offered BP check before a smear test on more than one ocassion so maybe it is individual surgery policies.
I refused last time as new it would be high.

Can you try deep breathing whilst you wait ? In for 3, out for 4. Helps me.

I think we're really lucky to have access to free medical checks like this op, it would be beneficial to try and utilise them. Good luck!

At one point, my practice were handing out glucose testing kits to be taken into the loo and used before your appointment. Who wants to be in the loo faffing around with a pee test while straining to hear if your name is being called by the GP?

Same practice also had large booth in which you inserted your arm for automatic BP measurement - again, who wants be working out how the machine works while waiting to be called in for your appointment, which might be about something you are really worried about. The self testing BP booth didn't last long and was taken away a year or so later.

I refused one before a mirena fitting once. I gave them a home reading and pointed out I wouldn’t exactly be relaxed.

I had to have loads of BP readings before my recent hysterectomy and couldn’t get out of them obviously as it’s serious surgery. I still handed them the printout of my results at home. One nurse claimed they would be less accurate but we use two monitors and so I said I couldn’t see why this would be the case.

Breathing exercises don’t work for me and I am pretty experienced at doing them.

If the OP knows she has white coat hypertension it would be beneficial for her to buy a BP machine (you can get an Omron upper arm for around £45), use it properly and provide her practice with the average figures she gets at home.

I've had GPs take my BP when I've not been sitting quietly for at least 5 minutes, while they are talking to me or while they are asking me questions, or when I've been rushing to make the appointment. One of the worst places to have your BP checked is a doctor's office.

Lots of people display high readings when in a medical setting. It’s called write coat syndrome.

As a patient you have the right to refuse any test and treatment regardless of what.

talk to them about submitting readings from home. I do this for anything I can test from home and submit readings on a schedule we are both happy with.

Some surgeries also have bp machines that are available for use without an appointment. When I used to do those I would do 3 readings and hand the papers to reception to add to my notes.

A specific model has never been suggested to me. Just you can pick them up starting at £

I had a nurse tell me the watch I was wearing was useless and would just add to my anxiety. She tutted, huffed and walked away when the watch and hospital machine gave the same readings 😂

Im the same with breathing. Never works with intimate exams and treatment.

@YorkieTheRabbit don't forget about the option of home smear tests too… less stressful all round.

I won't have mine taken at the surgery. I record it at home and provide my own readings. It's sky high at the surgery

I'm the same so sympathise

White coat syndrome is well-documented.

I don't see how your BP is relevant. They are only testing for HPV. It would be relevant if you were being prescribed a contraceptive pill.

Thanks everyone. Blood pressure is something that’s always been pushed at any appointment, smear included. If it’s mentioned next week, I’ll definitely refuse. I’ve never been one to make a fuss but I do have very definite reasons to hate having a smear and this just adds to the stress.
Has anyone tried the at home smear kits? I’ve seen them but never done one, I’m just wondering for the future if it’s worth trying that instead of putting myself through this.