Just Diagnosed Type 2 - 46 yr Old Male - let me spill my thoughts!

[trophywench]

So if you're skint, you can't collect your prescription for whatever you need, as you can't afford it? Any number of people have to choose between gas/elec and eating, as it is Grogg. Well it would free up some slots for the folk with money at the surgery, perhaps that's the intention?

I don't think you appreciate how difficult the Benefits (LOL) system makes it for folk. Take our younger daughter with 3 kids all at school and getting appropriate amounts in their respect. So she sent off he forms to add No 4 when she was born. Simple, eh?

No - not whatsoever.

First they stopped all the 'child' allowances for all the other kids. Then it takes them a month or so to sort it out and start paying the 4. Then it takes them another few months to pay her what they owed her for the 3. They don't pay anything from actual birth until the day they actually sort it out.

Another expense falling on the Bank of Mum and Dad, as per usual. If she had to pay for scrips it would cost us an absolute fortune always - as she's on shedloads of things herself, though I expect you'd allow the kids to have free ones, or not?

And I wonder, how many of the 15 things on my repeat scrip do you think I - or anyone else - should pay for every 28 days?

I honestly don't think you've thought this through!

 

[trophywench]

Not all drugs cost pence by any means though, either. 5 x 3ml cartridges of insulin, for instance all cost the NHS about the same - between £25 and £30. I never used all that much personally, 10u in airhost per day plus 30u I actually used. So a cartridge would last approx. one week - unless I needed more for any reason like lady hormones or concurrent illness. Plus needles, plus test strips, plus plus plus.

Let's imagine a T2 is ONLY on Metformin. They really do cost pence - so why the hell should they have to pay a Tenner? Unless YOU propose subsidising ME. LOL

 

[grovesy]

I asked the Doctor about cost for inhalers I used to be on combined one called Symbicort that I could use as a preventer and if I had an attack, when the dail said I had about 25-30 doses left it would go in my bag to carry around. The Local authority then decided people should be put on a cheaper one called Flutiform, but that could not be used with an attack so it meant I then needed to be prescribed Ventolin, so I am now prescribed an inhaler that is likely to expire before I use. Even factoring I was having to be prescribed 2 inhalers and having to maybe grow one away before using it all it was still cheaper to prescribe the 2 than the one.

 

[James 048]

I can't believe I'm writing on this forum. I have a million questions. Can I list any of them here? no, my mind is too confused! Just let me release, it might help others, as well as me...

So, I'm 46, not overweight, I exercise, (even if it is not as regular as before), I eat well (mostly), drink far less than I used to, and yet here I am with diabetes! How?, I ask myself! I am actually in a hospital in China right now because I'm travelling. I got here about 10 days ago and went to a docs to get some antibiotics because of a chest infection getting worse. Doc tells me I actually have pneumonia!!! (I can't believe this either because I actually felt - and still feel - fine other than a wheezy chest and cough) and admits me as an inpatient. Insurance is covering it. All fine there. They do all of their tests and ask me if I know I am diabetic, "WHAT????", I say. "Nonsense!"

Here I am trying to deal with the fact that I have these two major things going on in my body and I'm so far from home! The docs have put me on Metaformin and Acarbose(?) 3 times a day and are telling me to check my BG levels 5 times a day. I am actually supposed to be moving on to Laos in a week, which the docs say I can do but I have to go slow due to the pneumonia recovery, which is clearing up really well in just 7 days.

I've had these 7 days in this hospital to sit and fester in my thoughts. I feel guilty about not having yearly check-ups for the last 4 years; lost like I'm totally alone with this (in a foreign country); completely overwhelmed by the massive amount of information I now have to try and take in; scared to death about having my feet and hands chopped off, not to mention the blindness! Eff me!...

I'm trying to think back to see if I can find any symptoms and the only ones I can think of are getting up to wee in the night and most definitely ED problems (men don't like to talk about this, but I think it's important here), but that's it; no weight loss, thirsts, or anything else on the list.

It's very reassuring to see others on here, especially those who have just been diagnosed also. I can see in the future that it is all a matter of 'taking control' of my own health and using knowledge as a medicine in its own right to make to right choices. But for now, I am as lost and uncertain as all of you other 'newbies'.

Hi Pet70
Warm welcome to the forum

 

[Grogg1]

So if you're skint, you can't collect your prescription for whatever you need, as you can't afford it? Any number of people have to choose between gas/elec and eating, as it is Grogg. Well it would free up some slots for the folk with money at the surgery, perhaps that's the intention?

I don't think you appreciate how difficult the Benefits (LOL) system makes it for folk. Take our younger daughter with 3 kids all at school and getting appropriate amounts in their respect. So she sent off he forms to add No 4 when she was born. Simple, eh?

No - not whatsoever.

First they stopped all the 'child' allowances for all the other kids. Then it takes them a month or so to sort it out and start paying the 4. Then it takes them another few months to pay her what they owed her for the 3. They don't pay anything from actual birth until the day they actually sort it out.

Another expense falling on the Bank of Mum and Dad, as per usual. If she had to pay for scrips it would cost us an absolute fortune always - as she's on shedloads of things herself, though I expect you'd allow the kids to have free ones, or not?

And I wonder, how many of the 15 things on my repeat scrip do you think I - or anyone else - should pay for every 28 days?

I honestly don't think you've thought this through!

Not all drugs cost pence by any means though, either. 5 x 3ml cartridges of insulin, for instance all cost the NHS about the same - between £25 and £30. I never used all that much personally, 10u in airhost per day plus 30u I actually used. So a cartridge would last approx. one week - unless I needed more for any reason like lady hormones or concurrent illness. Plus needles, plus test strips, plus plus plus.

Let's imagine a T2 is ONLY on Metformin. They really do cost pence - so why the hell should they have to pay a Tenner? Unless YOU propose subsidising ME. LOL

As I said in my post "Personally I think everyone should pay unless the item is on an exemption list - easier than issuing exemption certificate. Everyone else pays £10 per script, not £10 per item." so if you have 10 items on a script you pay one set fee not like now 10 x £8 (though most would pay out for an annual certificate if they regularly needed this amount of medication and did not qualify for free/exemption). If, as now, you have a chronic condition then those medications should be on the exemption list so you wouldn't need to pay. Therefore you wouldn't be paying for Metformin, test strips etc. as they are used by diabetics which are currently exempt. I thought it was the same throughout the UK that children had free prescriptions until they reach 19, or was that only in Wales too. I made no mention of changing that though I didn't specifically say my "everyone" referred to only adults who have an independent income be it from benefits or employment. I'm surprised that students are not included in "free" category as most rely on loans. When my DD was studying in England and ill and prescribed a couple of items she had to find almost £20 out of her budget. Quite a lot to a poor student and I don't understand why age 19 they lose the right to free prescriptions and dental treatment (I assume in England they lose free dental treatment too at 19).

I know the benefits system isn't anywhere near perfect and even the working poor who do not meet the criteria for tax credits or other benefits also struggle to pay the bills and getting ill doesn't help. I met many women when I was treated for BC who not only had to deal with their diagnosis but also with the fact they could no longer work, may lose their job etc. and on top of this then had to wait to see what if any benefits they could claim to pay their bills. Even after treatment ends it's not always so easy to return to work due to ongoing health issues or employers not wanting to employ you because of your sickness record and the benefits agency say you are fit to work so no money for you! But then that's a whole new discussion!

Regarding chronic conditions if they reduce admin on current system they could invest that to include other chronic conditions that are not exempt like asthma inhalers.

Regarding the cost of drugs. I was talking about paracetamol specifically costing pence as that is what Bubbsie had said her friend had told her to add to her prescription. I, along with the general population no doubt, fully understand that other medication can be more costly but as I was talking about Wales and the situation that the Welsh Govt. and GP have found themselves in is patients wanting these low cost OTC medicines on prescription because it's "free".

 

[Hazel]

Come to Scotland, all prescriptions are free.

 

[Grogg1]

I asked the Doctor about cost for inhalers I used to be on combined one called Symbicort that I could use as a preventer and if I had an attack, when the dail said I had about 25-30 doses left it would go in my bag to carry around. The Local authority then decided people should be put on a cheaper one called Flutiform, but that could not be used with an attack so it meant I then needed to be prescribed Ventolin, so I am now prescribed an inhaler that is likely to expire before I use. Even factoring I was having to be prescribed 2 inhalers and having to maybe grow one away before using it all it was still cheaper to prescribe the 2 than the one.

My OH is on two inhalers for asthmas, both preventative (but one brown, one green clenil & salmeterol I think ) according to surgery when he was prescribed them over 10 years ago. A few years ago Pharmacist filling the prescription said he could have one which combined them plus he wouldn't need to use spacer (had to use spacer as one could cause oral thrush) to take one of them. He asked at his next asthma clinic and was told no it wasn't suitable for him. Then late last year he was called in by GP for medication review and he told him he was removing one of his inhalers (I think the green) from his prescription as it was not necessary! He has never been prescribed the blue reliever as his asthma is well controlled and if he is wheezy an extra puff from inhalers normally calms it down. He will ask at next asthma clinic about why he's had an unnecessary medicine for over 10 years though I told him to speak to pharmacist as they are usually better informed about drugs and their uses!

 

[Grogg1]

Come to Scotland, all prescriptions are free.

as is further Education for Scots (and non UK EU students) studying in Scotland.

 

[grovesy]

I see a specialist Asthma Nurse at my Surgery and have done for the last must be at least 20 years.

 

[Pet70]

Well, thanks for the intros people. There are many things to think about obviously, and as the dust settles I can start to make sense of it all. For now I have to concentrate on testing and diet. I hate the idea of medication, so I will aim to take none, or very little, if my personal situation allows it. I am coming out of hospital today, which is a good thing, but also a tad worrying - I'm slightly obsessed by the idea of having a 'low' in the middle of the night when nobody is near me. I suppose I will get over that irrational fear as well! Thanks again. I will no doubt hound you with questions over the coming months.

 

[Bubbsie]

As I said in my post "Personally I think everyone should pay unless the item is on an exemption list - easier than issuing exemption certificate. Everyone else pays £10 per script, not £10 per item." so if you have 10 items on a script you pay one set fee not like now 10 x £8 (though most would pay out for an annual certificate if they regularly needed this amount of medication and did not qualify for free/exemption). If, as now, you have a chronic condition then those medications should be on the exemption list so you wouldn't need to pay. Therefore you wouldn't be paying for Metformin, test strips etc. as they are used by diabetics which are currently exempt. I thought it was the same throughout the UK that children had free prescriptions until they reach 19, or was that only in Wales too. I made no mention of changing that though I didn't specifically say my "everyone" referred to only adults who have an independent income be it from benefits or employment. I'm surprised that students are not included in "free" category as most rely on loans. When my DD was studying in England and ill and prescribed a couple of items she had to find almost £20 out of her budget. Quite a lot to a poor student and I don't understand why age 19 they lose the right to free prescriptions and dental treatment (I assume in England they lose free dental treatment too at 19).

I know the benefits system isn't anywhere near perfect and even the working poor who do not meet the criteria for tax credits or other benefits also struggle to pay the bills and getting ill doesn't help. I met many women when I was treated for BC who not only had to deal with their diagnosis but also with the fact they could no longer work, may lose their job etc. and on top of this then had to wait to see what if any benefits they could claim to pay their bills. Even after treatment ends it's not always so easy to return to work due to ongoing health issues or employers not wanting to employ you because of your sickness record and the benefits agency say you are fit to work so no money for you! But then that's a whole new discussion!

Regarding chronic conditions if they reduce admin on current system they could invest that to include other chronic conditions that are not exempt like asthma inhalers.

Regarding the cost of drugs. I was talking about paracetamol specifically costing pence as that is what Bubbsie had said her friend had told her to add to her prescription. I, along with the general population no doubt, fully understand that other medication can be more costly but as I was talking about Wales and the situation that the Welsh Govt. and GP have found themselves in is patients wanting these low cost OTC medicines on prescription because it's "free".

Absloutely Grogg my comments related solely to paracetamol...dirt cheap...I think I may even have over estimated the cost at 50p per packet.!!!

 

[Ljc]

Well, thanks for the intros people. There are many things to think about obviously, and as the dust settles I can start to make sense of it all. For now I have to concentrate on testing and diet. I hate the idea of medication, so I will aim to take none, or very little, if my personal situation allows it. I am coming out of hospital today, which is a good thing, but also a tad worrying - I'm slightly obsessed by the idea of having a 'low' in the middle of the night when nobody is near me. I suppose I will get over that irrational fear as well! Thanks again. I will no doubt hound you with questions over the coming months.

You hound away ok 🙂 Remember we've all been there before you. Worrying about lows is perfectly normal. Metformin normally doesn't cause low BG (hypo's) I've not heard of Acarbose, I'll look it up later my tum wants it brekky, others here may know about it though.

 

[Robin]

You hound away ok 🙂 Remember we've all been there before you. Worrying about lows is perfectly normal. Metformin normally doesn't cause low BG (hypo's) I've not heard of Acarbose, I'll look it up later my tum wants it brekky, others here may know about it though.

I had to look it up. Whilst it shouldn't cause hypos itself, one major thing it stressed in the patient info leaflet was that in case you are on other glucose lowering meds ( of which Metformin isn't one, so don't worry unduly) you MUST TREAT THE HYPO WITH GLUCOSE NOT SUCROSE. Because the Acarbose inhibits absorption of carbs, including sugar, you need a pure form of glucose to bring your levels back up. So just in case, Imwould make sure you have a bottle of lucozade, or tube of liquid glucose, or jelly babies, fruit pastilles, anything with a high glucose content on you at all times. Like I say, a hypo is unlikely on the meds you are taking, but just in case, for example, it's very hot, you're hung over, or for some other reason your blood sugars drop, make sure you're prepared.

 

[Ljc]

Thanks Robin.

 

[New-journey]

Well, thanks for the intros people. There are many things to think about obviously, and as the dust settles I can start to make sense of it all. For now I have to concentrate on testing and diet. I hate the idea of medication, so I will aim to take none, or very little, if my personal situation allows it. I am coming out of hospital today, which is a good thing, but also a tad worrying - I'm slightly obsessed by the idea of having a 'low' in the middle of the night when nobody is near me. I suppose I will get over that irrational fear as well! Thanks again. I will no doubt hound you with questions over the coming months.

That's is good news you are coming out of hospital and I wish you great travels and as good health as possible. I don't think any fear is irrational, there is so much to understand and take in and in time it does get easier. This forum is so supportive and gives fantastic advice.

 

[Magarnett]

I can't believe I'm writing on this forum. I have a million questions. Can I list any of them here? no, my mind is too confused! Just let me release, it might help others, as well as me...

So, I'm 46, not overweight, I exercise, (even if it is not as regular as before), I eat well (mostly), drink far less than I used to, and yet here I am with diabetes! How?, I ask myself! I am actually in a hospital in China right now because I'm travelling. I got here about 10 days ago and went to a docs to get some antibiotics because of a chest infection getting worse. Doc tells me I actually have pneumonia!!! (I can't believe this either because I actually felt - and still feel - fine other than a wheezy chest and cough) and admits me as an inpatient. Insurance is covering it. All fine there. They do all of their tests and ask me if I know I am diabetic, "WHAT????", I say. "Nonsense!"

Here I am trying to deal with the fact that I have these two major things going on in my body and I'm so far from home! The docs have put me on Metaformin and Acarbose(?) 3 times a day and are telling me to check my BG levels 5 times a day. I am actually supposed to be moving on to Laos in a week, which the docs say I can do but I have to go slow due to the pneumonia recovery, which is clearing up really well in just 7 days.

I've had these 7 days in this hospital to sit and fester in my thoughts. I feel guilty about not having yearly check-ups for the last 4 years; lost like I'm totally alone with this (in a foreign country); completely overwhelmed by the massive amount of information I now have to try and take in; scared to death about having my feet and hands chopped off, not to mention the blindness! Eff me!...

I'm trying to think back to see if I can find any symptoms and the only ones I can think of are getting up to wee in the night and most definitely ED problems (men don't like to talk about this, but I think it's important here), but that's it; no weight loss, thirsts, or anything else on the list.

It's very reassuring to see others on here, especially those who have just been diagnosed also. I can see in the future that it is all a matter of 'taking control' of my own health and using knowledge as a medicine in its own right to make to right choices. But for now, I am as lost and uncertain as all of you other 'newbies'.

I was diagnosed 2 months ago metformin and weight reduction advised no moniter prescribed so still in the dark have just cut out all sugar
told I could eat fruit and 1 mullerlite youghurt that's it .Don't know why I have diabetes never had a sweet tooth but did have the thirst and other symptoms peculiar to women. Feel really sorry for you my son travels for work to China and the pollution there necessitated him obtaining a ventolin spray and he still has a cough. General reaction to my news dismissive am sick of being told oh my wife brother mother sister has it.Read up about possible complications and eventually found another sufferer who said he was scared too when he got the diagnosis and it was a great help. Hope you get home safely and the pneumonia clears up all the best magarnett

 

[Magarnett]

I asked the Doctor about cost for inhalers I used to be on combined one called Symbicort that I could use as a preventer and if I had an attack, when the dail said I had about 25-30 doses left it would go in my bag to carry around. The Local authority then decided people should be put on a cheaper one called Flutiform, but that could not be used with an attack so it meant I then needed to be prescribed Ventolin, so I am now prescribed an inhaler that is likely to expire before I use. Even factoring I was having to be prescribed 2 inhalers and having to maybe grow one away before using it all it was still cheaper to prescribe the 2 than the one.

So much waster in the NHS I am chronically asthmatic now progressed to COPD have copius amounts of drugs one called
Spireva necessitates a special device to administer drug I am prescribed a new one every prescription must have at least 40 working devices should only supply as needed magarnett

 

[grovesy]

Welcome.

 

[Pet70]

I was diagnosed 2 months ago metformin and weight reduction advised no moniter prescribed so still in the dark have just cut out all sugar
told I could eat fruit and 1 mullerlite youghurt that's it .Don't know why I have diabetes never had a sweet tooth but did have the thirst and other symptoms peculiar to women. Feel really sorry for you my son travels for work to China and the pollution there necessitated him obtaining a ventolin spray and he still has a cough. General reaction to my news dismissive am sick of being told oh my wife brother mother sister has it.Read up about possible complications and eventually found another sufferer who said he was scared too when he got the diagnosis and it was a great help. Hope you get home safely and the pneumonia clears up all the best magarnett

Thanks. Don't feel too sorry for me; I love China. The pollution is a major problem but it's a great place. It's not clear from my earlier messages, but I actually live in Shanghai. I am travelling at the moment after Xmas in UK. Found myself in hospital away from everyone, that bit sucked. I'm in Laos now and I am testing all the time to see how food makes my BG levels go up or down. It's quite interesting and not always predictable. Buy yourself a monitor and look at how your levels are doing. I would say eating fruit could be a nightmare for you if you're not sure what they're doing to your BG levels. I'm quickly realising that taking control means doing everything yourself. The pneumonia is clearing up fine (I think) - I'm breathing easy and I know my BG levels are low enough for normal healing to happen. I feel like I'm at the beginning of a real journey here in more ways than one. It's not easy all the time, especially backpacking around SE Asia - I must be mad! I love my life, diabetic or not! Good luck with everything 🙂