First appointment with DN

[Newtothis]

Just thought I'd let you know how I got on today with my first appointment with the diabetic nurse.

She was wonderful; and what helped me is that a lot of things she told me was from experience because she is also Type 2 diabetic.

She spoke about what I should expect to happen:
1. Retinal eye-test; she is sending off the paperwork today to arrange first appointment.
2. Foot-check; she will be doing this in 3 months time.
3. Urine/Kidney check.
4. Blood pressure; cholesterol checks etc...
5. Yearly review including HBa1C.

She wasn't overly concerned with my first HBa1c result 7.2 or cholesterol 4.8 as she said these are normally high when first diagnosed and hopefully in 3 months time they should come down; hopefully.

She advised me to only look on one website because this is where you get the accurate information - Diabetes.uk. So guys, I'm going to come to you with loads of questions etc....

I have another visit in 3 months and ideally would like to lose a stone in that time to come in within my right BM1.

She did advise that I do need to add a starch to my evening meal for energy; man cannot live on veg alone..... but I will continue with porridge in the morning with sliced banana and fresh raspberries. No bread (wholemeal pitta for me); and plenty of vegetables and fish.

When she told me I could ring her at any time and she would definately call me back or make an appointment at any time it has assured me. 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Sounds like an excellent appointment Amanda, always good to hear that someone has a well-informed nurse, who is also accessible should you have any problems or concerns 🙂 With your determination I am sure you will achieve the weight loss and bring the HbA1c and cholesterol down before your next review! 🙂

 

[Newtothis]

Sounds like an excellent appointment Amanda, always good to hear that someone has a well-informed nurse, who is also accessible should you have any problems or concerns 🙂 With your determination I am sure you will achieve the weight loss and bring the HbA1c and cholesterol down before your next review! 🙂

Thank you - its bizzare - I came away feeling reassured that at least now I know what I need to do but I also feel very fearful, because its now a reality. I need to be more positive.... Amanda x 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Thank you - its bizzare - I came away feeling reassured that at least now I know what I need to do but I also feel very fearful, because its now a reality. I need to be more positive.... Amanda x 🙂

I think we all feel fearful from time to time. Before I was diagnosed I felt immortal, but my diagnosis changed all that - from then on I knew that I needed to look after myself if I wanted to stay healthy. I'm far from perfect, but on the whole manage things well. For many, many people health and well-being actually improve after diagnosis because of the impetus and motivation it gives you 🙂

 

[Katieb]

Hi Amanda

Glad you have come away feeling like you are well supported and advised. You have done brilliantly well with the weight loss and eating so far so I know you will achieve your goals for your next appointment. Well done you!🙂 Katiexx
PS. You've been a great support to me too

 

[Michxx]

Hi Amanda

I am also new to this and must say i have found my DN really great. I have had three appointments with her so far and was only diagnosed in July this year after going to docs with a urine infection!!! I had a reading of 16.9 and two weeks ago was at 7.3. I take one 500mg metformin tablet daily and have been really good at cutting out sugary treats. The only thing I am kinda concerned about is not having a meter to test myself, I was told I shouldnt be testing, however everyone on here seems think i should be testing - very confusing! I have an apptment on Friday to get another fasting blood test taken so will bring the subject up again. Do you test? and wot do you eat? Michelle

 

[trophywench]

The basic problem with NOT testing (and of course then acting on the results should they need action) is that once you have done a year or something, many areas only test your A1c once a year thereafter if you are T2.

And in 12 months, you could be in real trouble.

 

[Blythespirit]

Would you go on a diet without getting weighed regurlarly to see if it's working?

Would you make a cake without measuring the ingredients?

Would you drive your car without a speedo?

I was told not to test but bought my own meter and strips. If I hadn't been testing I would have been in a mess when my levels went haywire earlier this year.

Remember, YOU treat your diabetes. Your medical team only help you to do that. 🙂 XXXXX

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Being told not to test is mostly about saving money. There was some research that people with T2 who tested (but had never been told what to do with the results) found a constant barrage of higher than ideal readings distressing. This is the 'official' basis for the advice not to test. However there is a lot of evidence (just look around here) that NOT being able to test is very distressing for many T2s because they cannot find out what food/meal plan works for them. HCPs work on the assumption I think that people won't make dietary changes. So they keep telling them to eat carbs (which send BGs soaring) prescribe more pills, and tell them it's just the way it is.

There are too many people around here who found testing and meal adjustment (with or without meds, and in some cases with to begin with then without) THE most effective treatment (or at the very least an essential component alongside meds) for me to doubt their stories.