Jan 2nd/3rd. My First "Review".

[Vince_UK]

Well, tomorrow is my first review with the practice nurse at 9.30.

I should say tomorrow, Jan 2nd, is the day I will conduct a review with her. I fully intend to take control of this so called review. What on earth we are reviewing eludes me, as our last discussion was a 5 minute “you have diabetes” chat before I was ushered out, no time.
I have actually waited in eager anticipation for this meeting.
I am fully armed with:-
3 months readings in a spreadsheet and averages on my Accu-Chek meter for up to and including 90 days, last one yesterday, now I am using a Codefree meter.
3 months food diary.
A heck of a lot more knowledge and understanding of diabetes and the implications of having it thanks to this forum.
Objectives:-
Jan 2.
1 - Question the glib way my diagnosis was conducted and how I was informed.
2 - Get a clear understanding of what the Statement “your blood sugar level is 7.8” meant.
3 - Demand a fasting HbA1C test, I will not eat from tonight until I see her tomorrow morning.
If they are reluctant to conduct it I will have it done privately.
4 - Be taken off Metformin, I am only taking 50% of the prescribed dosage anyway because Vincey didn’t read the instructions as usual. 🙄
5 -Get agreement officially to manage my diabetes, if it is confirmed I do have diabetes, through exercise and diet only.
Jan 3.
I have an appointment with my GP at 14.00. Again I intend to have a serious “conversation” with him about my diagnosis, the way it was done, how I was informed and the total weak and ineffective support given at the time. Make no bones about it, diabetes is a live changing chronic condition even at T2 level and patients should be handled with that in mind. You just don’t take a pill and it goes away.
After that, I will discuss my aching back that I have problems with when I walk sometimes. Had that for years. He cannot blame it on me being overweight now, as I have lost 2.5 stones in the past 3 months.
Should be an interesting 2 days.

 

[Kaylz]

Good luck Vince, hope it goes well and keep us updated! 🙂 x

 

[Amigo]

Excellent Vince but you absolutely do not need to fast for a Hba1c test. Because it’s the glycated Haemoglobin levels over the last 10-12 weeks, it’s not necessary to stop eating from the night before. For an more accurate level, I’d suggest having your usual low carb breakfast. Is there a reason you intend to fast?

Good luck with the discussion 🙂

 

[Carolg]

Good for you Vince.dont think I would like to be in their shoes, so go get em.did they know when you were diagnosed that you were going abroad?Have you to ask about your retinopathy screening, dietitian advice(but sounds like you are doing great without) foot checks, cholesterol and kidney function. I think it’s 15 things that you should be screened for so I am sure you have looked on Diabetes UK web site already.

I didn’t know till recently that there is a code for home
Health to buy strips in bulk cheaper, there is a post on forum with codes. Also did you know if you tick yes to diabetes you get VAT exemption.

Another useless piece of info for everyone, if you contact energy supplier (certainly British Gas) they will put you on a priority list in case of power cuts etc. I know it works as my friend lost power over Xmas period and they were out quickly, giving her a row as she was tardy at phoning them.doesnt cost any more and is for people with disabilities including Diabetes. First time I have said I have a disability.
Here endeth the lesson lol

 

[Vince_UK]

Good luck Vince, hope it goes well and keep us updated! 🙂 x

Thanks K
I surely will
🙂

 

[Vince_UK]

Excellent Vince but you absolutely do not need to fast for a Hba1c test. Because it’s the glycated Haemoglobin levels over the last 10-12 weeks, it’s not necessary to stop eating from the night before. For an more accurate level, I’d suggest having your usual low carb breakfast. Is there a reason you intend to fast?

Good luck with the discussion 🙂

Thanks Amigo
Logic is telling me that if I fast I would get an uncorrupted result because of food intake but I will take your advice.
I am also interested in my Cholesterol level will be seeing as I have been eating 1/2 a cow each week lol
I will heed your advice about breakfast Amigo, thanks.

 

[Greyhound Gal]

Good luck Vince. Wish I could be a fly on the wall

 

[Vince_UK]

Good for you Vince.dont think I would like to be in their shoes, so go get em.did they know when you were diagnosed that you were going abroad?Have you to ask about your retinopathy screening, dietitian advice(but sounds like you are doing great without) foot checks, cholesterol and kidney function. I think it’s 15 things that you should be screened for so I am sure you have looked on Diabetes UK web site already.

I didn’t know till recently that there is a code for home
Health to buy strips in bulk cheaper, there is a post on forum with codes. Also did you know if you tick yes to diabetes you get VAT exemption.

Another useless piece of info for everyone, if you contact energy supplier (certainly British Gas) they will put you on a priority list in case of power cuts etc. I know it works as my friend lost power over Xmas period and they were out quickly, giving her a row as she was tardy at phoning them.doesnt cost any more and is for people with disabilities including Diabetes. First time I have said I have a disability.
Here endeth the lesson lol

Thanks Carolg🙂
To be honest I am full of hell about the whole thing and I will vent my spleen tomorrow in no uncertain terms and I am not renowned for my tack at times. Yes they knew, I told them quite clearly.
Had my eyes checked before my diagnosis last year and was told that actually my eyesight had improved and I needed a weaker prescription which I now have.
I have been buying strips from Amazon and ticking the box, will check out the bulk option.
Energy I am with a local Newcastle supplier who have very cheap rates and I use Corgi for insurance cover for heating, boiler, electricappliances and installation,drains etc. Expensive but they respond in minutes.
Appreciate your advice Carolg.
No information is useless information for sure.

 

[Vince_UK]

Good luck Vince. Wish I could be a fly on the wall

Thanks greyhound.🙂

 

[Carolg]

Thanks Carolg🙂
To be honest I am full of hell about the whole thing and I will vent my spleen tomorrow in no uncertain terms and I am not renowned for my tack at times. Yes they knew, I told them quite clearly.
Had my eyes checked before my diagnosis last year and was told that actually my eyesight had improved and I needed a weaker prescription which I now have.
I have been buying strips from Amazon and ticking the box, will check out the bulk option.
Energy I am with a local Newcastle supplier who have very cheap rates and I use Corgi for insurance cover for heating, boiler, electricappliances and installation,drains etc. Expensive but they respond in minutes.
Appreciate your advice Carolg.
No information is useless information for sure.

Retinopathy screening is done by hospital Vince. My prescription won’t down when I was diagnosed as well, but gone up again 2 years later

 

[Vince_UK]

Retinopathy screening is done by hospital Vince. My prescription won’t down when I was diagnosed as well, but gone up again 2 years later

I had also a full check at the hospital in July I forgot to mention Carol before my diagnosis for an unrelated condition my glaucoma. I have another check scheduled in July when I return form Shanghai

 

[Robin]

Retinopathy screening is done by hospital Vince. My prescription won’t down when I was diagnosed as well, but gone up again 2 years later

Some areas contract it out to opticians, but it's still different from any other eye checks you get, and is a proper retinopathy check. Just saying that for clarity in case it's done at an opticians in Vince's area.

 

[Carolg]

Ah. Didn’t know they contracted out. Thanks and sorry if I caused confusion

 

[Vince_UK]

Some areas contract it out to opticians, but it's still different from any other eye checks you get, and is a proper retinopathy check. Just saying that for clarity in case it's done at an opticians in Vince's area.

I had it done at the RVI in Newcastle. Photographs, dyes inserted into the eyes. etc. That was in July again before my diagnosis. Actually I had had a thrombosis in my left eye centuries ago and it was unknown to me but my new optician spotted it. Before I had my cataracts done in 2012/3 the specialist mentioned it but said it wasn't an issue. The last check the consultant decided to laser that part of the left eye which he did. To be honest I cannot tell the difference. Pressures now again totally well within limits. Peripheral vison is fine.
I have always had problems with my left eye since I was aged 9 and couldn't see the blackboard at school (Yes we did have schools back in those days lol).

 

[nickinwarwick]

I’m not sure that going in all guns blazing will be the most productive approach.

Also if it were me I’d put back the GP appointment by a week so that the HbA1c results are in and there’s something to discuss.

 

[HOBIE]

Knowing you I am sure it will go well. Pls let us know. Good luck 🙂

 

[Vince_UK]

I’m not sure that going in all guns blazing will be the most productive approach.

Also if it were me I’d put back the GP appointment by a week so that the HbA1c results are in and there’s something to discuss.

I will get another appointment in 1 weeks time I will insist on that.
They can handle the results the same way they handled the diagnosis for me and that was by sending me a bland letter stating "Please contact the surgery on a non urgent basis regarding the results of you last blood test".
NON URGENT??????
Diabetes requires urgent intervention in my humble opinion not asinine, glib notes.
What would have been the outcome I ask myself if I had not treated it as urgent and left going to see them when I returned from Shanghai 3 months later?
There are significant differences between "non Urgent" and "Urgent" reasons to discuss your health with your GP don't you think? They knew I was going away for 3 months or so because I had previously told them when they gave me a repeat prescription for my blood pressure meds when I visited my GP the previous week .
I have my own ways of doing things Nick and so far they usually work. When you are as p'd off as I am with the whole scenario, tack and diplomacy are not high on my agenda at all.
I am not some muppet to be just disregarded and treated with indifferent distain, believe me.

 

[Vince_UK]

Knowing you I am sure it will go well. Pls let us know. Good luck 🙂

Thanks HOBIE.

 

[HOBIE]

Positivity normally works well for me. Its good for NHS staff if you behave & listen to what they say. GOOD LUCK 🙂

 

[Vince_UK]

Positivity normally works well for me. Its good for NHS staff if you behave & listen to what they say. GOOD LUCK 🙂

I am positive HOBIE, Poitively furious. I am a Sand Dancer after all.🙂
I will listen if what they say is meaningful and beneficial.
I am one very unhappy bunny.