• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

Argh I'm a hypochondriac!!

Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Emmaathome said:
I won't test it again unless I have another "funny turn" until I've been on the Xpert course. I think I feel happy that I know the monitor is there for emergencies, rather than starting to test every 10 mins!!!

Thanks again for all your support and advice. It really is good to know you guys are here for everyone!! 😉
Click to expand...
Emma, you have the meter and testing every 10 minutes wouldn't prove a thing, but whilst you have it and the 50 strips which may well expire in 3 months take a look at this advice and use it to educate yourself about what foods are doing to you http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=136
 
Not sure if anyone knows this, but you can get all your test strips free by Prescription. I've had one already and it's quite normal for a GP to prescribe apparently because the cost can really mount up.

🙂
 
lesgunn said:
Not sure if anyone knows this, but you can get all your test strips free by Prescription. I've had one already and it's quite normal for a GP to prescribe apparently because the cost can really mount up.

🙂
Click to expand...

Unfortunately Les, that's not true everywhere :( Many people are refused strips on prescription and are told that they don't need to test.
 
Really 😱

My GP has said that the Doctor cannot refuse anyone if they have a Meter and need them, but I guess some GPs like to play God eh? Shame...
 
lesgunn said:
Really 😱

My GP has said that the Doctor cannot refuse anyone if they have a Meter and need them, but I guess some GPs like to play God eh? Shame...
Click to expand...

From reading the experiences of members here over the past 3 years, I would say that the people who get strips on prescription without a fuss are very much in the minority :( Some GPs even try to restrict strips for people who are on insulin, when it can be really dangerous not to be able to test. It sounds like you are one of the lucky ones!
 
I have never had trouble with getting testing strips on prescription, it was queried a few years ago, I was told I only needed to test monthly. I saw my GP & he said that doesn't apply to anyone in Insulin.
 
Well, been back for more blood tests this morning (apparently checking thyroid, kidneys, liver and all sorts of extras). Results due in next couple of days but fingers crossed all OK.

Back to docs this afternoon to see if they can work out what happened on Thursday night / Friday. Not much chance as I didnt have a meter so couldnt give them a reading from the period I was ill. However, doc has added the test strip cartridges, and lancets to my repeat prescription (ever growing list), so thats good.

Also prescribed a further tablet per day (Glimepiride?) and told i now need to test every time I'm going to drive. From not needing to test at all according to the nurse on Thursday, to now testing twice daily (plus if I feel ill, more testing needed). Sorry fingertips!!!
🙂
 
Glimepiride is a drug that encourages your pancreas to produce more insulin, hence the need to test before driving etc. Did the doctor explain about hypos and what to do if your blood sugar levels fall low? Make sure that you carry something sweet - glucose/dextrose tablets, jelly babies, full sugar coke etc. with you at all times. Quite a turnaround indeed from the 'no need to test' stance! 🙄 I think you may need to inform the DVLA also, but I'm not a driver so don't know for sure - was it mentioned?
 
I asked her if I needed to let DVLA know, she wasnt sure but said it wouldnt hurt. I need to check the DVLA website, and also my own insurance company probably need to know too... She said if it goes below 4 I am not to drive, if its below 5 i should eat a snack (cereal bar etc). I assume the rule about a snack applies if it is below 4 too..... Do i just give it half hour after eating, test again then I can set off?

She was under the impression its unlikely to go under 4 or 5 given the high numbers I manage to produce at present, but you never know I suppose!!!
 
Yes if you'll taking the glip or gilz tables that increase insulin production you have to inform the DVLA as you taking a hypo inducing medication.. You will also need to inform your car insurance company...
 
Ellie Jones said:
Yes if you'll taking the glip or gilz tables that increase insulin production you have to inform the DVLA as you taking a hypo inducing medication.. You will also need to inform your car insurance company...
Click to expand...

You don't have to tell DVLA as long as you are not driving public transport 🙂

If you look in DVLA section on the forum, I have added new info for driving and hypo's etc.
 
Last edited:
I can't believe that people have issues with doctors refusing/limiting prescriptions... I'm gobsmacked by that! My doc lets me order whatever I want in whatever figure I want. They give me 400 strips and needles along with 3 boxes of each insulin I use, that's in one script... How can they refuse and why would they? I don't get it...!? Surely it's no skin off their nose?
 
cakiejewell said:
I can't believe that people have issues with doctors refusing/limiting prescriptions... I'm gobsmacked by that! My doc lets me order whatever I want in whatever figure I want. They give me 400 strips and needles along with 3 boxes of each insulin I use, that's in one script... How can they refuse and why would they? I don't get it...!? Surely it's no skin off their nose?
Click to expand...

I'm afraid it comes down to money and PCT budgets/priorities :( Much harder for T2s
 
You'd be surprised how many folk in here are limited or refused things like strips. I had to buy my own for the first few months after I was diagnosed. It was only after I started having some really bad hypos that I was allowed as many as I need. T2s seem to get the worst of it where strips are concerned, the medical world seems to think ignorance is bliss for them.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top