Fight for yourself

[pippaandben]

A few thoughts that might help other newbies. As I was getting little support from GP and single designated diabetes nurse I went to the Diabetes Clinic at the local hospital. Basically I wanted as many leaflets and to glean as much info as poss. I had been given a glucose monitor by my surgery but then just told to go back in 2 months! My levels were in high teens and my first reading 26.2 so was very anxious as all my reading had shown this was way too high.

I showed my diary to the clinic staff who explained they could only help on referral by my GP. However because of my high levels they were willing to contact my GP and ask her to refer me. I had an appt within a month which was so helpful. I then found that they had not waited for Dr referral and so I chased that aspect up and found GP very amenable but she had not realised what she had to do!! I have now received an appt with the diabetes dietician at the hospital and been told the clinic has also put me forward for the DESMOND course.

Of course finding this website has also been a great help for which many thanks.

So for other newbies out there do not be afraid to go against "the rules" after all it is your health that is at stake.

 

[slipper]

Good for you, thats the way to be as as you say, its your health.

 

[Northerner]

You do have to be proactive if you are to get the right level of care, I have also found this. Despite having a very good team generally, I have still had to chase things up to ensure I am getting all my checks. Some of the stories I have read on here have appalled me with the way some people are just left with the minimum of help and information. It's als important to question what the doctors and nurses are telling you so that you can make informed decisions - sometimes it turns out we know more than them and a good doctor will accept this. 🙂