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A not new newbie

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Ruby/London said:
Personally, I'd ditch the guilt, take a deep breath and make an appointment. I think it is important that your support team know how much you are struggling and would want to support you. It might also be useful to ask for a referral for some counselling, talking therapies can be a great help and it sounds like you might also be struggling with exhaustion/depression, which wouldn't be at all surprising from what you have described.

Sending you a virtual hug - sounds like you need one. Don't worry about sorting it all out - a step at a time...

Good luck, Sarah and it would be good to hear how you are getting on - even if you don't feel ready to make changes.

Update...
Glad to hear you have taken the plunge and contacted the practice but sorry to hear that the practice nurse is not being helpful. Persevere . Personally, I'd make an appointment to see the GP to discuss your options and see if he can hurry this referral along. It might also be worth asking if there is any help for carers, even a coffee with a local carers group can make a difference. You need a support network, online and offline, by the sounds of it.
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Thanks for the advice, I have looked at carers stuff, but unfortunately it is in work hours. I did phone the dementia help line, last week when I was in tears hysterical, they were lovely and really helped, they must have thought I was crazy, I just cudnt stop crying. It was good tho to get some advice and be listened to
 
Hi Sarah, lots of good advice on managing your highs and hypos - I hope you are making progress.

The Dementia helpline was an inspired choice and available when you need it. You are taking steps to build your support network🙂 I am hoping you have managed to see your GP, they are the gateway to services and might also be able to help with support for your grandma.

One of the tools we use at work is a wellness at work plan. The process can apply to any condition/situation and the focus is on self care. I know you don't need me to tell you that you can't care for anyone else if you are not looking after yourself.

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/m...oyer-resources/wellness-action-plan-download/

Keep going Sarah, you cn get this under control. You have made a positive start and can build from there - and if you need support/coaching buddies - here we are.
grouphug.gif
 
Hi Sarah, I can't offer much advice, as there's a lot of good advice here, but I'm saddened to hear of your treatment at the hands of your GP Surgery, it certainly wouldn't help, and may exacerbate your low mood, I would just like to say, try keep faith, it's them who are in the wrong, be quiet but insistent that you receive the treatment you deserve..
 
Martin9 said:
Hi Sarah, I can't offer much advice, as there's a lot of good advice here, but I'm saddened to hear of your treatment at the hands of your GP Surgery, it certainly wouldn't help, and may exacerbate your low mood, I would just like to say, try keep faith, it's them who are in the wrong, be quiet but insistent that you receive the treatment you deserve..
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Thanks Martin
I have eventually got re referred hooray!!!!
I gave up on quiet and insistent and ended up shouting and crying and being demanding whilst in the middle of a hypo, which one of the gp's I dont know managed quite well actually (the hypo I mean). He did agree to refer me to specialist nurse and said he couldnt understand why it has taken so long. He is now on my list as the gp to go and see in future. Im now just worried about seeing the specialist nurse, I dont know whether it is just me but im scared that they think I should already know everything having been diagnosed so long and then come out thinking I did know that but just didnt do it
 
Sarah JW said:
Thanks Martin
I have eventually got re referred hooray!!!!
I gave up on quiet and insistent and ended up shouting and crying and being demanding whilst in the middle of a hypo, which one of the gp's I dont know managed quite well actually (the hypo I mean). He did agree to refer me to specialist nurse and said he couldnt understand why it has taken so long. He is now on my list as the gp to go and see in future. Im now just worried about seeing the specialist nurse, I dont know whether it is just me but im scared that they think I should already know everything having been diagnosed so long and then come out thinking I did know that but just didnt do it
Click to expand...

Sarah, great to hear that you have finally got a referral, and a GP that sounds a lot more sensible. Phew.
I can understand why your first DSN appointment is a bit of a worry, but they are there to help you. If there is anything you don’t understand just ask them. They will also probably be very used to people who have not been able to get any sense out of a GP or Practice nurse! The fact that you are wanting to improve your control and also dealing with so much other stuff will be all that they need to know. I am sure that they will be there for you. Another good thing that I find is we get a full 30 minute appointment, but adapt as necessary. My first ever one was 45 minutes.

It might be useful to write a list of questions. I also take someone with me to any hospital appointment about which I am concerned. They have a copy of my questions and can prompt me if I forget to ask anything, and jot down notes as I chat with the HCP. Would that be possible for you?

Let us know how you get on.
 
Sarah JW said:
Thanks Martin
I have eventually got re referred hooray!!!!
I gave up on quiet and insistent and ended up shouting and crying and being demanding whilst in the middle of a hypo, which one of the gp's I dont know managed quite well actually (the hypo I mean). He did agree to refer me to specialist nurse and said he couldnt understand why it has taken so long. He is now on my list as the gp to go and see in future. Im now just worried about seeing the specialist nurse, I dont know whether it is just me but im scared that they think I should already know everything having been diagnosed so long and then come out thinking I did know that but just didnt do it
Click to expand...
Well if screaming and crying worked, all ok, but no way you should have to go there, to get some decent healthcare xx
 
Hi All

Just wondering, what are peoples experience in length of time to wait for the DSN to be in touch???
 
Hi Sarah

If you are still waiting for your first appointment, ask for the Practice to chase this up, or ask the ‘good’ GP that you saw. They should be able to hasten things. Are you able to take up a cancellation at short notice. I realise that with your caring role as well that that may be more difficult. If it is possible that can help both you and them as it fills a space that would otherwise be wasted.

After the first appointment, you should be able to access them with questions in between appointments. At ours we can email and we get a reply within a couple of days. For more urgent enquiries we can phone the office and ask for a call back.
 
I will give it a try as still no contact, I rang the DSN up, however had received no referral.
 
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