Spoke to dn this evening

[jalapino]

Evening everyone 🙂

Well my dn rang me this evening and asked how I was doing etc told her still getting very high readings in the evening around 26 mark, and she was not worried about that, more worried about post evening meals and after! well I explained that I have been trying to save strips to test for driving and morning and evening as she told me to before, she now wants me to do post meals before and after, I said ok but not enough strips to do all of this! I have 25 left from last week and that is it, so I have a prescription for another 50 to pick up tomorrow, so in short only 50 a month still but can put a prescription as and when I need them......to an extent!
I have also been told to cancel my hba1c fasting m.o.t test for tomorrow as she said it will not tell her anything as my levels are so high, she wants me to have it done in 3 months so she can see if the insulin is working, also put my dose of humulin m3 up to 16 units in the morning and another 16 units before evening meal, so I guess just wait and see, one good thing came out of it I booked half day of tomorrow for blood test and now I can have a free afternoon of!! yippee!!! 😉

 

[Northerner]

I'm still very unimpressed To be not worried about the kind of levels you are getting and to still be restricting your strips to the stage where, basically, you will need to put a new request in every week and which will probably lead to her stopping them altogether. When I was first starting out on insulin I was using about 8-10 strips a day because there was so much uncertainty about whether I was low or high and what food was doing to me - was I making the right choices etc. And I don't even drive, so all my tests were me getting to grips with using insulin and playing at being a pancreas. After about 6 months I could get by on around 6-7 strips a day. 7x7=49= a box of strips a week.

I would love to meet this woman and set her straight! She is placing undue pressure and worry on your shoulders I would be tempted to go to the GP and say you feel you may be depressed because of the pressure and the lack of adequate tools to properly learn about and how to manage your diabetes.

When will you speak to her again?

 

[jalapino]

I'm still very unimpressed To be not worried about the kind of levels you are getting and to still be restricting your strips to the stage where, basically, you will need to put a new request in every week and which will probably lead to her stopping them altogether. When I was first starting out on insulin I was using about 8-10 strips a day because there was so much uncertainty about whether I was low or high and what food was doing to me - was I making the right choices etc. And I don't even drive, so all my tests were me getting to grips with using insulin and playing at being a pancreas. After about 6 months I could get by on around 6-7 strips a day. 7x7=49= a box of strips a week.

I would love to meet this woman and set her straight! She is placing undue pressure and worry on your shoulders I would be tempted to go to the GP and say you feel you may be depressed because of the pressure and the lack of adequate tools to properly learn about and how to manage your diabetes.

When will you speak to her again?

Hi alan....this Friday she will ring me, and as you said I am going to make an appointment to see my gp....that will be fun as I no he is one of these well see how you go and don't worry!!! im starting to think they are all taking something as they all live in cookoo land 🙄

 

[pav]

Hi alan....this Friday she will ring me, and as you said I am going to make an appointment to see my gp....that will be fun as I no he is one of these well see how you go and don't worry!!! im starting to think they are all taking something as they all live in cookoo land 🙄

Unfortunately that's how most of the doctors at my practice operate as well BS in the 20's is ok and don't worry they will come down on there own. They must live in cuckoo land especially regarding diabetes. This is where they then withdrew my test strips off the repeat.

Its now got to the point that important things, I put in writing giving reasons and justifications. I now have put several complaints to them in writing as they loose verbal complaints and as if magic they disappear, even though one of the managers took notes of the complaint.

I fear you may have to do the same to get your tests strips added as a permanent addition at a decent quantity. Thankfully there is a decent doctor now at the practice who does show concern, so I ask for her.

 

[PattiEvans]

This DN, is she the nurse at the GP's surgery or a proper DSN at the hospital clinic? It sounds to me like she's the one at the GP's and to be honest a lot of them have not had a lot of training. Restricting your strips when you are on insulin is ridiculous. As you obviously know, you're required by law to test before driving. You are right, you also need to be able to test as and when you feel peculiar, plus around meals to see what particular foods do to you. With mixed insulin which is a set dose you're more or less in the same boat as a T2 on diet, you can't change the dose, you can only change what you eat. Let's face it, insulin is a potentially lethal drug. Plus not worrying about BGs over 20 is bordering on maltreatment. If I were you I'd be asking to be referred to the D clinic at the hospital for treatment, if only to get you over this initial period on insulin and establish the number of strips you should expect on repeat.

 

[Northerner]

Good advice Patti, ask to be referred Ant!

 

[jalapino]

This DN, is she the nurse at the GP's surgery or a proper DSN at the hospital clinic? It sounds to me like she's the one at the GP's and to be honest a lot of them have not had a lot of training. Restricting your strips when you are on insulin is ridiculous. As you obviously know, you're required by law to test before driving. You are right, you also need to be able to test as and when you feel peculiar, plus around meals to see what particular foods do to you. With mixed insulin which is a set dose you're more or less in the same boat as a T2 on diet, you can't change the dose, you can only change what you eat. Let's face it, insulin is a potentially lethal drug. Plus not worrying about BGs over 20 is bordering on maltreatment. If I were you I'd be asking to be referred to the D clinic at the hospital for treatment, if only to get you over this initial period on insulin and establish the number of strips you should expect on repeat.

Well I made an appointment to see gp next Friday, my dn is with the practice so she deals with everything like asthma etc, there are 3 sisters there which all deal with all aspects of healthcare. I am going to see if I can be referred to some sort of diabetes clinic, but to my knowledge there is not one in my area.

 

[Northerner]

Well I made an appointment to see gp next Friday, my dn is with the practice so she deals with everything like asthma etc, there are 3 sisters there which all deal with all aspects of healthcare. I am going to see if I can be referred to some sort of diabetes clinic, but to my knowledge there is not one in my area.

She's just a nurse that has had a few days training then, not a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, who have years of training and that's all they do. There will be a clinic somewhere in your area Ant, what about this (not sure where you are exactly):

http://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/Diabetes-and-Endocrinology/diabetesendo.html

 

[jalapino]

She's just a nurse that has had a few days training then, not a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, who have years of training and that's all they do. There will be a clinic somewhere in your area Ant, what about this (not sure where you are exactly):

http://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/Diabetes-and-Endocrinology/diabetesendo.html

I live in stubbington alan

 

[jalapino]

She's just a nurse that has had a few days training then, not a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, who have years of training and that's all they do. There will be a clinic somewhere in your area Ant, what about this (not sure where you are exactly):

http://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/Diabetes-and-Endocrinology/diabetesendo.html

Just looked at the link and queen Alexandra hospital is only a 20 min drive....hate going there that is where my dad past away when I was 18 due to bad heathcare...allways brings back bad memory's, but if I can see a team of specialists then that is the way forward 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Just looked at the link and queen Alexandra hospital is only a 20 min drive....hate going there that is where my dad past away when I was 18 due to bad heathcare...allways brings back bad memory's, but if I can see a team of specialists then that is the way forward 🙂

Perhaps it would be worth asking if there are other members who use it in another thread? I think we have a few over that way 🙂 I have friends who have experienced the QA (not diabetes-related) and some have good reports, some awful, so hopefully the diabetes clinic is a good part.

 

[lucy123]

I would definitely ask to be referred to the hospital Ant. i am worried at the lack of concern over your high numbers, although it is good the nurse is keeping in touch.

Sometimes us diabetics are 'special' and GP practice nurses cant help as they dont know how to, and often tell you you are mistaken or overworrying and make you feel like you aren't in control.

My nurse told me for ages I could not be having hypos but I was, and only when witnessed by my actual GP at our gym, when an ambulance was called, did I finally get listenened to.

I am 'special' in how my diabetes occurs, but with the help of a consultant and a gp that now listens and accepts I know me better than they do - I am starting to make progress.

Next time you speak to the nurse, tell her you want referring. Even if its just one appointment for peace of mind, its worth it. Dont take no for an answer.

I am not sure if you are able to ring your local clinic yourself. Does anyone else know on here?

 

[jalapino]

I would definitely ask to be referred to the hospital Ant. i am worried at the lack of concern over your high numbers, although it is good the nurse is keeping in touch.

Sometimes us diabetics are 'special' and GP practice nurses cant help as they dont know how to, and often tell you you are mistaken or overworrying and make you feel like you aren't in control.

My nurse told me for ages I could not be having hypos but I was, and only when witnessed by my actual GP at our gym, when an ambulance was called, did I finally get listenened to.

I am 'special' in how my diabetes occurs, but with the help of a consultant and a gp that now listens and accepts I know me better than they do - I am starting to make progress.

Next time you speak to the nurse, tell her you want referring. Even if its just one appointment for peace of mind, its worth it. Dont take no for an answer.

I am not sure if you are able to ring your local clinic yourself. Does anyone else know on here?

Agreed lucy! well northerner has given me a link which I have read and I have a appointment next week with gp so I will be asking to get referred 🙂

 

[AlisonM]

My surgery has only recently got one of the nurses properly qualified as a DSN and it is making a difference to my treatment as I was hardly ever able to get hold of the ones at the clinic when I actually needed them. The clinic itself is pretty good though, and the consultant I normally see is amazing. He tells the surgery what I need and they rarely question it. On the few occasions when the doctor I used to see had a go, I referred her to the clinic and that ended it.

I'd definitely do as the others have suggested and ask for a referral, it's ridiculous that someone on insulin can't get sufficient strips for their needs. Refer them to the NICE guidelines Ant, as well as requesting a referral.

 

[jalapino]

My surgery has only recently got one of the nurses properly qualified as a DSN and it is making a difference to my treatment as I was hardly ever able to get hold of the ones at the clinic when I actually needed them. The clinic itself is pretty good though, and the consultant I normally see is amazing. He tells the surgery what I need and they rarely question it. On the few occasions when the doctor I used to see had a go, I referred her to the clinic and that ended it.

I'd definitely do as the others have suggested and ask for a referral, it's ridiculous that someone on insulin can't get sufficient strips for their needs. Refer them to the NICE guidelines Ant, as well as requesting a referral.

Hi Alison 🙂
Well im am plucking up the courage to get referred when I speak to gp next week!
Keep your fingers crossed 🙂

 

[AlisonM]

Hi Alison 🙂
Well im am plucking up the courage to get referred when I speak to gp next week!
Keep your fingers crossed 🙂

Try writing everything down ahead of the appointment so you don't miss anything or get confused/sidetracked. Is there someone who could go with you?

It's not easy dealing with a medical professional when you're not happy about the treatment you're getting and I know I can get pretty het up. It's a lot easier to take someone along who can speak for you if you get upset or feel angry, they can keep things from getting too stressful. I've found it also helps a lot to have what you feel and want in writing when you go.

There have been a couple of occasions when I've taken a checklist along and actually ticked off the points as I got answers. Doctor Idiot used to get annoyed with me over it but Dr S just chuckles.

 

[jalapino]

Try writing everything down ahead of the appointment so you don't miss anything or get confused/sidetracked. Is there someone who could go with you?

It's not easy dealing with a medical professional when you're not happy about the treatment you're getting and I know I can get pretty het up. It's a lot easier to take someone along who can speak for you if you get upset or feel angry, they can keep things from getting too stressful. I've found it also helps a lot to have what you feel and want in writing when you go.

There have been a couple of occasions when I've taken a checklist along and actually ticked off the points as I got answers. Doctor Idiot used to get annoyed with me over it but Dr S just chuckles.

I think I should write down my worries ( good idea ) my wife always wants to come but I say no as she does not understand my problems, she trys her best but she does not have diabetes and does not have to inject! its hard to explain, I sorter take it on my own shoulders and it is my burden not hers.

 

[trophywench]

It's called 'moral support' Ant. You shouldn't cut her out, even if she doesn't understand EXACTLY .

Plus, are you married? Was that in church?

I, N , take you, N ,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;

Ring any bells? 🙂

 

[jalapino]

It's called 'moral support' Ant. You shouldn't cut her out, even if she doesn't understand EXACTLY .

Plus, are you married? Was that in church?

I, N , take you, N ,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;

Ring any bells? 🙂

Ok I get the point! 😉

 

[AlisonM]

Trophy's right. One of the best (and hardest) things you can do for yourself Jalapino is accept support when/if it's offered. It does ease the burden a little to have someone about who's on your side. Even if they don't have the Big D, they can learn what it is, what it does and what to do if you get into difficulties. That kind of support is priceless.