Discrimination on the NHS

[sofaraway]

Dave are you testing your blood sugar at the moment and paying for your own strips? If you can demonstrate to the GP that you are using the testing to benefit you and are acting on the results you get then you might have a better case. I would see the GP as they will be the one to write the prescription (usually)

 

[DiabeticDave]

Dave are you testing your blood sugar at the moment and paying for your own strips? If you can demonstrate to the GP that you are using the testing to benefit you and are acting on the results you get then you might have a better case. I would see the GP as they will be the one to write the prescription (usually)

Yes........but reiterate, my nurse has told me that whilst on 'diet and exercise', I don't need to test my blood. I did explain, that this helps me to understand where the peaks are coming from.

 

[DiabeticDave]

OK, here's the whisper...........GP s are advised by the BMA NOT to give test strips to non-insulin diabetics. It is their opinion, that there is no advantage gained by testing BG on a daily basis. They also say that the cost would be huge, so, IMHO, the one statement on cost, gives a lie to the other statement about advantage.

This I might add, was told me by a Doctor friend.

 

[Copepod]

Dave - sorry to hear you're frustrated. However, in the appointment, were you offered any useful advice, primarily about diet and exercise / activity? Some areas have exercise referral schemes. Many areas have health walks, usually free.

 

[Einstein]

Hi Dave,

Sorry to read you plight with the nurse. I feel that if you feel strongly enough then make a formal complaint.

Also, if you're on any specific diabetic medication tablets or insulin then you are entitled to free prescriptions et-al.

I think your nurse is ignorant of the fact that type 2's have a higher risk of complications if they don't monitor their blood sugars, once a day is better than once every three, six or twelve months.

Perhaps a discussion with your GP, once you've read up on the DUK site and NICE sites etc. They are quite clear in why you should test and what you and everyone else in diabetes land is entitled too. Most certainly care and respect, and to be treated with dignity.

 

[DiabeticDave]

It wasn't an appointment ( thats nursey time next week), just a chat with a mate. I guess it will be e-bay for me, on there, they are very cheap!!

 

[DiabeticDave]

Hi Dave,

Sorry to read you plight with the nurse. I feel that if you feel strongly enough then make a formal complaint.

Also, if you're on any specific diabetic medication tablets or insulin then you are entitled to free prescriptions et-al.

I think your nurse is ignorant of the fact that type 2's have a higher risk of complications if they don't monitor their blood sugars, once a day is better than once every three, six or twelve months.

Perhaps a discussion with your GP, once you've read up on the DUK site and NICE sites etc. They are quite clear in why you should test and what you and everyone else in diabetes land is entitled too. Most certainly care and respect, and to be treated with dignity.

Hi David........I have them all printed off and ready for next week😉😉

 

[Proudspirit]

So... when you go back what will happen, she will ask, how are your bg's and you will reply i don't have a clue!

haveing a meter has realy helped me, i dont test after breakfast anymore unless ive had something new but the food list is huge and how are we suppost to know what does and doesn't effect us!

Bl00dy jobs worth!

Hope you get it sorted 🙂

julie x

 

[carolyn]

I put this question about test strips to my DN yesterday and was told that test strips should be provided to anyone who has diabetes. All diabetics should have them. So as everyone says COMPLAIN TO THE HIGHEST PERSON YOU KNOW and see what responce you get, also tell them that you want a refund on all the money you have already paid out.
________
Vapor air one

 

[Northerner]

So... when you go back what will happen, she will ask, how are your bg's and you will reply i don't have a clue!

haveing a meter has realy helped me, i dont test after breakfast anymore unless ive had something new but the food list is huge and how are we suppost to know what does and doesn't effect us!

Bl00dy jobs worth!

Hope you get it sorted 🙂

julie x

I totally agree! The HbA1c is of little use in telling you what foods are good and bad for you - I stress this because people's reactions can vary hugely. Especially when you are recently diagnosed and haven't a clue how foods affect you, you need to be doing fairly frequent testing. Why some medical professionals fail to see the logic of this, I do not know.

the A1c will tell you how things have been over the previous 3 months or so, but how do you know if that pasta or rice you have twice a week is the culprit if it is elevated, or if it was the weetabix or peaches (or whatever!). You would only be able to improve your control by modifying your diet appropriately. Come on Dave, you don't strike me as a shrinking violet - demand some strips!😉

 

[DiabeticDave]

I totally agree! The HbA1c is of little use in telling you what foods are good and bad for you -

This.......according to my friend, is the way ahead, for both GP's, and diabetics.

I stress this because people's reactions can vary hugely. Especially when you are recently diagnosed and haven't a clue how foods affect you, you need to be doing fairly frequent testing. Why some medical professionals fail to see the logic of this, I do not know.

the A1c will tell you how things have been over the previous 3 months or so, but how do you know if that pasta or rice you have twice a week is the culprit if it is elevated, or if it was the weetabix or peaches (or whatever!). You would only be able to improve your control by modifying your diet appropriately. Come on Dave, you don't strike me as a shrinking violet - demand some strips!😉

Oh I will, hence the print off's, I will how ever, attempt to alienate myself with the nurse, as she gave me the wrong vibes, she is not trained as a diabetic nurse, and gave me a 'holier than thou' appointment last time.

I may in fact ask the GP, to be moved to a Diabetic nurse at the Southampton general.......that should put the wind under his sails a bit.

 

[Northerner]

Oh I will, hence the print off's, I will how ever, attempt to alienate myself with the nurse, as she gave me the wrong vibes, she is not trained as a diabetic nurse, and gave me a 'holier than thou' appointment last time.

I may in fact ask the GP, to be moved to a Diabetic nurse at the Southampton general.......that should put the wind under his sails a bit.

Dave, ask if you can be referred to the Diabetes Clinic at the Royal South Hants hospital - they are absolutely superb in every respect! There is only one DSN that covers the whole of Southampton General - she is terrific but only has time for in-patients - out patients go to the RSH.

 

[DiabeticDave]

Dave, ask if you can be referred to the Diabetes Clinic at the Royal South Hants hospital - they are absolutely superb in every respect! There is only one DSN that covers the whole of Southampton General - she is terrific but only has time for in-patients - out patients go to the RSH.

Right you are sir........if I can find my way around there now, have you seen all the building work??

 

[Northerner]

Right you are sir........if I can find my way around there now, have you seen all the building work??

Indeed! It's all been going on since I started going there, got used to it now though. The DSN's there are probably some of the finest people to ever walk the earth (IMHO!), plus they have a great dietician. I've never met the actual consultant though, as both of my consultant appointments have been with non-descript stand-ins.