Testing Strips and insulin dependance...

[everydayupsanddowns]

I'm firmly convinced that ALL diabetics can benefit from being able to test and that denying the facility is a false economy and very short sighted. If people are helped to understand how to interpret the results and adjust their lifestyle accordingly then the NHS would save millions by having fewer people suffering complications. These complications are not automatic, having the proper tools and training could prevent them. It's so simple, why can't 'they' see it?

Well said @AlisonM - couldn't agree more!

 

[stephknits]

I had a conversation over the phone when diagnosis changed from type 2 to 1 with a gp at my practice. After a bit of a battle I got him to agree to a monthly script of 200 strips instead of 100. He added that he would be reviewing this and I would need to get the number down, but would give me that many as I was starting out. I thought that I would leave it at that and fight the new battle when it came, but so far it has never been mentioned, but then again, I have not visited my surgery since..

 

[trophywench]

LOL Steph! - mine insist on doing an independent diabetes check up every damn year - on top of the ones the hospital do.

Can't miss the hospital ones - they are the people I want to be able to refer to if/when I need advice.

Can't miss the GP ones - they won't prescribe without doing an Hba1c twice a year and that check up. Admittedly I like them to tickle my toes - but nothing else!

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

I get check ups from both too, which is a pain, but I'd keep the surgery one, which is with DSN, and drop the hospital one if I could.

Thankfully I've not had any problems with getting all the test strips etc that I need, both former and new surgeries have been great about it. I get 200 strips at a time and I normally test 4-5 times a day now, but on those days when I have hypo after hypo after hypo I could easily test 10 times or more.

 

[Northerner]

I'm having a little trouble at the moment with my supply of BG Star strips. I went to the practice nurse who has renewed my prescription until April 4th next year BUT the paper has to be delivered to my pharmacy, they then take these documents once a week to Baeza where they are registered, the computer updated and only then can I get more strips, I didn't know that this was the procedure. Unfortunately I only have 4 strips left and it could take until next Friday before the records are updated. Hmm. The pharmacy manager 'suggested' that I could buy a pot of 50 strips for €80.00 which at today's rate of exchange works out at about £57.00! No wonder the manufacturers give their meters away for free. I may have to go to the emergency room in Baeza and plead. I'm not very good at pleading - perhaps I'll just 'faint'.

Really sorry to hear this Michael, I hope you manage to get some strips to tide you over. Probably not very helpful at the moment, but might it be an idea to invest in a CodeFree meter and strips as a standby for the future? I had a look on the Spanish Amazon site and they are available, although a lot more expensive than the UK - still a lot cheaper than the price you quote though:

Meter Kit - 39.99

Strips and lancets - 36.99

You might be able to get them cheaper direct from the manufacturer, or perhaps a relative could get them and post them on to you?

 

[miguel81]

Thanks for the information, I'll look into it.

I just got back from the pharmacy where the 'manager' can be extremely unhelpful when he wants to be - just to be difficult. It was mostly my fault because I didn't realize that the procedure had changed. I went out with my friend, Elena (the actual, qualified pharmacist), on Saturday to a wonderful hotel for lunch - soaring temperatures so we sat outside in the sun to eat. She told me that if I could manage to drive to Baeza on Monday I could attend the Health Centre and ask for the prescription to be processed immediately.

Anyway, I had to register the prescription with the manager this morning, he went into the Health Service computer and the prescription was active, I have a suspicion that the practice nurse upon realizing my dilemma last Friday had taken it upon himself to telephone the Health Centre and arrange it all. Panic over and Enrique (the nurse) is due a rather nice bottle of Rioja.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks for the information, I'll look into it.

I just got back from the pharmacy where the 'manager' can be extremely unhelpful when he wants to be - just to be difficult. It was mostly my fault because I didn't realize that the procedure had changed. I went out with my friend, Elena (the actual, qualified pharmacist), on Saturday to a wonderful hotel for lunch - soaring temperatures so we sat outside in the sun to eat. She told me that if I could manage to drive to Baeza on Monday I could attend the Health Centre and ask for the prescription to be processed immediately.

Anyway, I had to register the prescription with the manager this morning, he went into the Health Service computer and the prescription was active, I have a suspicion that the practice nurse upon realizing my dilemma last Friday had taken it upon himself to telephone the Health Centre and arrange it all. Panic over and Enrique (the nurse) is due a rather nice bottle of Rioja.

Ah, I'm so pleased to hear this Michael! Phew! 🙂

 

[Annette]

LOL Steph! - mine insist on doing an independent diabetes check up every damn year - on top of the ones the hospital do.
Can't miss the hospital ones - they are the people I want to be able to refer to if/when I need advice.
Can't miss the GP ones - they won't prescribe without doing an Hba1c twice a year and that check up. Admittedly I like them to tickle my toes - but nothing else!

I get invited to a GP one every year. Always within 3 weeks of my latest hospital one. And you cant have a HbA1C done more often than every 4 weeks (so I was told by the phlebotomist when the computer wouldn't put through the request for one.)
So, I ring the GPs, tell them I wont be able to get a blood test done for this reason, and they always (almost to the letter) say 'oh, you're seen at the hospital? Do they do your eyetests as well?' Yes, they do, or rather the eye clinic do my eyes. 'Oh, then you don't need to come to this one. Can you just let us have in writing why youre not coming?'
Why they don't remember (or rather check in my notes) from year to year I don't know, but I've done this now for about 6 years. And they seem happy with not seeing me and I'm happy not seeing them. Result all round. (A fairly far-sighted practice, I think.)

 

[trophywench]

No - a sensible one Annette! - ours is a lot more 'Computer says No' these days it seems to me!

I really don't know what's going on. They encourage you to book appointments online - except half the doctors aren't on the online system, and they have different ones available if you speak to reception, with some of the same Drs that are on the puter!

 

[Mini-Vicki]

My doctors is definitely a case of 'Computer says no'. They also introduced the online booking system, but it does not work at all; and the times I've managed to put a prescription through online, it's got 'lost' somewhere along the way... *Sigh*

 

[Chynnalilly]

I have not had this problem so far with access to testing strips via my GP, however, my consultant at the hospital clinic I attend did mention that there has been a recent cut to budgets for testing strips in the NHS. Up until this point I wasn't aware of this cut, however the consultant was saying that there have been a lot of problems across the country since the cuts in accessing test strips.

 

[Northerner]

I have not had this problem so far with access to testing strips via my GP, however, my consultant at the hospital clinic I attend did mention that there has been a recent cut to budgets for testing strips in the NHS. Up until this point I wasn't aware of this cut, however the consultant was saying that there have been a lot of problems across the country since the cuts in accessing test strips.

I think that the cuts are taking place at CCG level rather than it being a general NHS decision. Any strip restrictions are more likely to be applied to Type 2s not on hypoglycaemic meds, but I suspect what is happening is that some CCGs are restricting everyone's strips across the board, then waiting to see who complains - a lot easier for them than making individual assessments, which is what ought to happen - something like this should not be restricted without consulting you first.

 

[Matt Cycle]

I think that the cuts are taking place at CCG level rather than it being a general NHS decision. Any strip restrictions are more likely to be applied to Type 2s not on hypoglycaemic meds, but I suspect what is happening is that some CCGs are restricting everyone's strips across the board, then waiting to see who complains - a lot easier for them than making individual assessments, which is what ought to happen - something like this should not be restricted without consulting you first.

I agree. I'm sure it is a decision at CCG level. However, this means it can be a case of those who shout the loudest get what they want. Those with quieter voices have to do without. Because they certainly won't be asking people if they want (any more) strips.

 

[trophywench]

Oh defo the CCG - my GP told me this a few years ago - they have to enter a code to override it for patients that qualify for more as insulin users do, otherwise computer says No to more than 100 every 4 weeks. It's dead easy though, just takes em an extra 10 seconds when they do your scrip!

 

[tejbat6]

when I was using test strips my gp was a bit `iffy every time I wanted a refill.
Until that is I quoted a few lines from the DVLA about testing before and at 2 hourly intervals. No bother since. However, I have been using an all in one meter for a year or two and it uses a cassette with 50 tests. 2 in the box. plus a 6 shot cartridge finger pricker. very handy when out and about or on the bike. Would tend to think my system is more expensive than strips `n stabbers but not a peep out of the GP ...........................yet!
just order online as and when required

 

[Bloden]

Ah, I'm so pleased to hear this Michael! Phew! 🙂

That's a relief, Michael! I'd best ask if the system's changed up here in the north too. You can get strips etc delivered to Spain: with boots international.com or chemistdirect.co.uk; I don't know about Amazon.es but Amazon.co.uk definitely. 🙂

 

[Bessiemay]

when I was using test strips my gp was a bit `iffy every time I wanted a refill.
Until that is I quoted a few lines from the DVLA about testing before and at 2 hourly intervals. No bother since. However, I have been using an all in one meter for a year or two and it uses a cassette with 50 tests. 2 in the box. plus a 6 shot cartridge finger pricker. very handy when out and about or on the bike. Would tend to think my system is more expensive than strips `n stabbers but not a peep out of the GP ...........................yet!
just order online as and when required

It sounds like accuchek mobile you use but my GP said those strips were too expensive and wanted me to change meter. He eventually agreed to 4 yes 4 strips a day so I said ok and bought a codefree meter and strips from Internet. I don't like confrontations. When I got my omnipod pump which includes tester I expected a summons to the surgery but so far no complaint. I still use the codefree for extra 'peace of mind' tests but the pump one for the sake of record keeping. I have learned a lot from people on this site and was ready for him but so far so good. Trouble is it makes me feel I don't want to see him about anything else. I would change but husband is very ill and he is very local.

 

[trophywench]

We don't actually ever have to be registered with the same practice as our other halves, Bessie and can like everyone, change at will without there being questions asked in the House.

Our eldest started in Coventry and lives in Rugby having married a Newbold lad. He stayed with his doctor but as they bought a house in Brownsover and she already had a little girl, she and S registered with a more local one she and S could get to easily without driving. Their 2 other kids who followed were also registered with 'her' doctors. They now live at Bilton but are all still with the same GP practices since hers now have a surgery in Rugby town centre somewhere and she and the now late teens kids are all independently mobile. (eldest S, in her mid 20s lives elsewhere and no longer part of the unit anyway)

 

[Bessiemay]

We don't actually ever have to be registered with the same practice as our other halves, Bessie and can like everyone, change at will without there being questions asked in the House.

I know you're right TW I just don't want to cause any animosity. Also I could be jumping out of the frying pan............... I just need to be less sensitive and more assertive.

I didn't get that reply in the right place