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Bit of advice needed

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fatbill

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I was diagnosed with T2 some 5 or 6 years ago, having been 'borderline' for years.
BS at the time of diagnosis was off the scale, but Metformin 850 twice a day seemed to sort it. That was in Spain, by the way.
Since returning to the UK I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, too.
I also have atrial fibrillation.

A GP ( I never see the same one twice) said I didn't have diabetes, and later a practice nurse halved my Metformin to 850 once a day.
Later, a blood test ordered by the PD neurologist found that among other things, there was 'uncontrolled diabetes'.

My Metformin was returned to twice a day, and I was told to stop testing.

Lately, I have had swollen lower legs and feet, and another GP said I had neuropathy, a lack of sensation in my feet and legs.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a lot of blood in my pee...it was like red wine.
I was prescribed an antibiotic which apparently had a major conflict with one of my other meds, and in the following mess-up, I never had an antibiotic anyway.
By the time I got an actual face to face with a GP, the blood had stopped (a week later) and the sample showed no infection, so the blood was unexplained.

Because I have had a dull constant ache in my lower back, in the kidney region, I had a CT scan which apart from an adrenal tumour was OK.

The dull pain is still there, which I tolerate, not wanting to add painkillers to my list of meds, but now I have an awful itch in my lower legs, which comes and goes. I try not to scratch, but in my sleep I often do.

It's impossible, almost, to get to see a GP....a phone call is the only offer mostly, and only after spending hours on the phone trying to get through to the surgery.
I never see the same GP twice, and they only seem to focus on the current complaint without looking at my history.

This situation more or less leaves me with self-diagnosis as the only means of rationalising the situation.

I see a specialist for my Parkinson's, a specialist for my cardiac problems, but have never seen a diabetes specialist. Do they exist?

I did get to see a podiatrist who cut my toenails, but dismissed the blotchy bits on my legs and the swollen feet, saying 'I've seen worse'.

I'm getting frustrated, not angry. Can blood in pee be diabetes-related? I suspect the awful itching in my lower legs is certainly down to diabetes.

Sorry to post such a long moan, but the GP service is practically non-existent, and I need good advice.

Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome @fatbill 🙂 It sounds like you’ve had a lot of problems.To me, the blood in your urine would be something I’d want explored further, even if just for reassurance. I know things are hard at the moment, but could you phone your surgery and speak to someone to talk through your issues? Even if it was ‘just’ a nurse, they could at least look at your Notes and tell you a little more hopefully.

Yes, there are diabetes specialists. I have Type 1 and see a consultant at my nearest big hospital. I’m not sure what the process would be for a Type 2 but I know there are Type 2s who also visit the hospital clinic.
 
Goodness @fatbill

What a difficult time you have been having - particularly with all the appointment challenges connected to covid and lockdowns, with the pressure the healthcare system has been under. :(

@mikeyB has experience of Parkinson's I think (or something very like it), and has recommended the Parkinson's UK forum in the past.

Hope you manage to get some answers soon. Sounds like it must be very tricky for you, and that you aren’t getting the help you need :(
 
Thank you both for your replies. Yes, it is difficult.
I do speak to my Parkinson's nurse, and she can and does help with any PD issues.
My problems seem to revolve around the lack of cohesion around my diabetes....which I don't apparently have (according to a GP), but am being medicated for.
My swollen feet and ankles, terribly itching legs, kidney pain etc all seem to point to a diabetes-related problem.

I will press on and try to get a resolution.

Thanks again for your interest.
 
Just a suggestion, is your skin dry by any chance? It might be worth using some moisturising cream on your legs to see if that helps.

Also I would suggest you write a letter to your named GP, explaining your frustration regarding your lack of care.
If all else fails can you change GP practice? I did and oh wow what a difference in care.
 
Just a suggestion, is your skin dry by any chance? It might be worth using some moisturising cream on your legs to see if that helps.

Also I would suggest you write a letter to your named GP, explaining your frustration regarding your lack of care.
If all else fails can you change GP practice? I did and oh wow what a difference in care.
Hello.
My skin is somewhat dry, but that is also down to Parkinson's. Behind my ears, along my hairline, but not so much my legs and feet.
I do use an aqueous cream, which helps a little.
I may well follow your suggestion of writing to the surgery, although I don't have a named GP. I never see the same GP twice, which I think compounds the problem.
Changing practice might be more difficult than you might imagine...we have 2 or 3 within a reasonable distance, but all have very negative reviews. Certainly none have recommendations.
I shall make enquiries, though. Thank you.
 
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