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Gastro Consultant

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
newbs

newbs

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
This evening I have an appointment with a gastro consultant at 6pm. Hopefully I will get somewhere this time, wish me luck!
 
Good luck Newbs. I will be thinking of you. Please let us know how you get on xx
 
Good luck newbs
 
The consultant was nice, listened carefully then said he doesn't think I'm Type 1! Anyway, after that statement (which I'm going to ignore unless further tests are to be done) he has referred me for a gastroscopy and a gastric empyting study. I'm glad to be getting the GES done so I can get a yes or no to the gastroparesis. Not looking forward to the gastroscopy at all though, the one I had previously was the worst thing I've ever experienced - the consultant promised this one will be done under sedation though. The consultant said he doesn't think I have gastroparesis but it needs to be ruled out - if it is ruled out it's possible I may be considered for a pump but obviously that will be up to my diabetes consultant.

At least I'll get some answers soon.
 
Sounds positive newbs, hoping for the best possible outcome 🙂 Would love to know what he based the 'not type 1' on! 🙄
 
Glad there's some progress at last. 🙂

I've has a gastroscopy under sedation. The drug they used was midazolam, which causes complete amnesia from the moment it goes into the cannula until an hour or so after they've finished. I remember absolutely nothing. It's worth asking whether you can have midazolam for your gastroscopy.
 
Northerner said:
Sounds positive newbs, hoping for the best possible outcome 🙂 Would love to know what he based the 'not type 1' on! 🙄
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I did wonder that as well. If that is the case then there's no chance of a pump.
Fingers crossed he is better at his own speciality and does in fact know nothing about diabetes.
 
I'm glad that you've had the appointment. I hope it isn't gastroparesis but I'm confused as to why, if it is ruled out, you might get a pump. A pump has made all the difference to how I control the BG swings caused by the gastroparesis.
 
LeeLee said:
Glad there's some progress at last. 🙂

I've has a gastroscopy under sedation. The drug they used was midazolam, which causes complete amnesia from the moment it goes into the cannula until an hour or so after they've finished. I remember absolutely nothing. It's worth asking whether you can have midazolam for your gastroscopy.
Click to expand...

Thanks LeeLee, I'll definitely remember to ask them about midazolam when I go.
 
His thoughts on type were based on the fact I was 24 when diagnosed.

He said if these tests come back negative then basically the problems are all down to bad diabetes control so he felt I may be offered a pump to help with the control. I explained that I have always had good control up until the past few months, which is why it is so frustrating!
 
Hugs Newbs x
 
newbs said:
His thoughts on type were based on the fact I was 24 when diagnosed.

He said if these tests come back negative then basically the problems are all down to bad diabetes control so he felt I may be offered a pump to help with the control. I explained that I have always had good control up until the past few months, which is why it is so frustrating!
Click to expand...

Well, I think we can safely say his knowledge of diabetes is limited if he things someone of 24 can't get Type 1, they must be Type 2. Tell him you know several people who were much older than that when they were diagnosed (me, for one!).

I hope the tests show that it is something that is easily treatable, and not down to diabetes. Saying it must be bad control is a bit like when I was diagnosed and they thought I'd had a heart attack whilst in hospital - one doctor told me diabetics often don't feel the pain because of long term nerve damage - I'd only been diagnosed two days!! 😱🙄
 
newbs said:
His thoughts on type were based on the fact I was 24 when diagnosed.

He said if these tests come back negative then basically the problems are all down to bad diabetes control so he felt I may be offered a pump to help with the control. I explained that I have always had good control up until the past few months, which is why it is so frustrating!
Click to expand...
Ooops... he's not very knowledgeable about D is he?

I do know that the clinic you attend (which I also now attend) is quite pro-pump. However, you won't get one "tomorrow". I asked the DSN in West Cornwall about a pump in January. I was referred to the main pump DSN at Truro and saw her in March. I had to do a carb counting course in April, I got it agreed by the Diabetes specialist in May and told I'd get it in July. I've now been told October. I'd suggest you start keeping very immaculate records to prove that you can't control it with MDI choose how hard you work at it. The records will stand you in very good stead.

Good luck!
 
Northerner said:
Well, I think we can safely say his knowledge of diabetes is limited if he things someone of 24 can't get Type 1, they must be Type 2. Tell him you know several people who were much older than that when they were diagnosed (me, for one!).

I hope the tests show that it is something that is easily treatable, and not down to diabetes. Saying it must be bad control is a bit like when I was diagnosed and they thought I'd had a heart attack whilst in hospital - one doctor told me diabetics often don't feel the pain because of long term nerve damage - I'd only been diagnosed two days!! 😱🙄
Click to expand...

😱 Sometimes, if they don't know what they are talking about, you just wish they'd keep their mouths shut! 🙂
 
Pattidevans said:
Ooops... he's not very knowledgeable about D is he?

I do know that the clinic you attend (which I also now attend) is quite pro-pump. However, you won't get one "tomorrow". I asked the DSN in West Cornwall about a pump in January. I was referred to the main pump DSN at Truro and saw her in March. I had to do a carb counting course in April, I got it agreed by the Diabetes specialist in May and told I'd get it in July. I've now been told October. I'd suggest you start keeping very immaculate records to prove that you can't control it with MDI choose how hard you work at it. The records will stand you in very good stead.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

In a word, no.

Thanks for the info re the pump. A pump has never been discussed with me at the diabetes clinic, other than when I was pregnant (although my control then was sooooo much better than it is now) but the consultant last night seemed to think Dr Crealy would be up for it. I have never met Dr Crealy, usually see Dr Dugal. I know it's not something that would happen overnight - it's also something that I would need to get my head around too. I do keep good records so that's something. I'm not due to go see Dr Dugal until next February anyway though.
 
Good luck with the gastroscopy, I've had 3 over the years and always ask to be sedated as I hate having things stuck down my throat!

Hope they rule out gastroparesis.
 
newbs said:
In a word, no.

Thanks for the info re the pump. A pump has never been discussed with me at the diabetes clinic, other than when I was pregnant (although my control then was sooooo much better than it is now) but the consultant last night seemed to think Dr Crealy would be up for it. I have never met Dr Crealy, usually see Dr Dugal. I know it's not something that would happen overnight - it's also something that I would need to get my head around too. I do keep good records so that's something. I'm not due to go see Dr Dugal until next February anyway though.
Click to expand...
It's not Dr Crealy (who is an absolute darling by the way) but Duncan Browne who deals with pump requests. First of all you have to get an appointment with the pump nurse. I suggest you ring whichever DSN you normally see and express an interest in the pump. She will then refer you to the pump nurse, who will have an initial chat with you and decide if you're eligible according to NICE guidelines and she will refer you on to Dr Browne. Apart from the fact that I do want the pump I am sorry that I'm being handed over from Dr Crealy, who's been sorting out my thyroid issues, because he's so approachable and really listens to you.
 
Pattidevans said:
It's not Dr Crealy (who is an absolute darling by the way) but Duncan Browne who deals with pump requests. First of all you have to get an appointment with the pump nurse. I suggest you ring whichever DSN you normally see and express an interest in the pump. She will then refer you to the pump nurse, who will have an initial chat with you and decide if you're eligible according to NICE guidelines and she will refer you on to Dr Browne. Apart from the fact that I do want the pump I am sorry that I'm being handed over from Dr Crealy, who's been sorting out my thyroid issues, because he's so approachable and really listens to you.
Click to expand...

I like someone else on another forum had or are having major problems getting a pump from this dept. So don't hold your breath or be disappointed if things do not go to plan.
I ended up going directly to the head clinician of the PCT and getting my funding approved under the care of my GP.
I was expected to dump my brand new pump and have a very basic spirit pump no wizard in those days and also I was told point blank I could not use the insulin of my choice in the pump and had to use Apidra 😡
So if your face don't fit be warned you wont get very far.
 
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