Please sort me out.

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lucy123

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi,

I was diagnosed in June and got off to a very good start, with very little help from GP or nurse.

I did really well with diet and very good exercise taking on a personal trainer too.

I suddenly feel a little let down - and worry I may go astray on the diet.

I feel let down by my Gp and then Nurse who didn't really seem concerned that I have been told I have Diabetes - I felt a little like she was saying what are you worrying about - you only just have it (although she didn't actually say it - that was how I felt). She said no to strips, dietician, etc and has kind of made me think I am exaggerating.

Then to add to this I felt let down by my trainer at my last session.

My fasting was 7.9 when diagnosed, but today I have had 2 hours after food readings of 9.6 and 8.8, although they have now returned to 5.5. I don't understand if this is anything to worry about and don't know anyone else to ask.

Also the other day I had a 4.3 reading (lower than ever had). I know i can't have hypo's as not on medication but felt really weird. husband said I was sitting staring and grinning and was slightly aware of doing it. Hands were freezing only on fingertips though. He gave me some granary bread and instantly I felt better.

I am only new to this and really would appreciate any help/advice from anyone on this as I don't feel the medical profession is interested in me at all.

Sorry for the winge but suddenly feel very low, I could cry - and I don't do that often.
 
Aww poor you Lucy. Sorry you are feeling rotten. It was much the same when I was diagnosed 4 years ago. No strips, no advice - nothing until things got worse really apart from an appointment with a fat dietician. I get lots of help now though but wish I had found this site earlier on so I could have helped myself more. I suggest you see your GP and tell him/her just how you are feeling as you really don't need this getting on top of you. I'm sure a few more knowledgable folk will be along shortly.
 
It's absolutely vital that we get proper support, especially in the first few weeks as you get used to the idea of having the Big D. I'd go and see your doctor and tell them how you're feeling make it plain that he/she can't just expect to give you the diagnosis and then leave you to get on with it. You need some support. Is there a Diabetes Support group nearby that you could join?

We do have some diet controlleds in here and I don't doubt they'll be able to give you some support from that angle. That's what I like about this place, there's always someone around who knows what you're experiencing.

In the meantime, welcome in and big hugs.
 
Thanks Lizzie and Alison (I really felt the hug - thanks).
I appreciate you both listening and hopefully more will jump in too.
Why am I finding it so hard to go back to the nurse and tell her how I feel.
I think I am so angry she has said absolutely no way re strips and dietician - and believe me she meant it.
I feel I just have to wait until things get worse and then let her have it full throttle!
 
lucy123 said:
Thanks Lizzie and Alison (I really felt the hug - thanks).
I appreciate you both listening and hopefully more will jump in too.
Why am I finding it so hard to go back to the nurse and tell her how I feel.
I think I am so angry she has said absolutely no way re strips and dietician - and believe me she meant it.
I feel I just have to wait until things get worse and then let her have it full throttle!
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Hi Lucy, I think you are right to feel angry. It is you that has the diabetes, not them. I often suspect that they are used to seeing much worse cases, so tend to underestimate the impact that the diagnosis, and the early days of living with diabetes, can have on a person. Shame on them - they should realise that diabetes HAS to be treated with respect - however 'marginal' they might think you are. You ARE taking it very seriously, and have made a fantastic start on learning how to control things and how to improve your situation and prospects for your future health - they should be happy about this and congratulate and support you, not make you feel as though you are concerned over nothing. Grrr!!!

The levels of 8.x and 9.x are not far off what you might hope for at two hours, depending a lot, of course, on what you ate. The 4.3 might have made you feel odd because you are used to having a 'higher' normal until recently, so it will make your brain think your levels are lower and react with a 'false' hypo. As you get more used to having levels in the lower end of your target range, you will feel much more comfortable at this level.

Don't lose heart Lucy! Stick with us and we will accord you the support you deserve! 🙂
 
Thanks Northerner.
Well I have just cried for the first time since I can remember. I think it is suddenly sinking in and without you all, I would actually feel very down.
Thanks for the reassurance on how I felt with the low reading - it was a little scary for me and my hubbie - who I have to say was brilliant. I have felt low since it though.

Is it possible i am expecting too much from the nurse as I am not on medication and my levels aren't too bad (I think). Maybe if I end up on medication they will give me more attention?

Also the GP said if I had to go on medication it would be one of the newer ones due to the fact that i am very overweight - any ideas what med she is talking about?
 
Hello Lucy,

You don't sound too different from me at the moment. To be honest, I treat my GP and DSN as just backup rather than frontline support. My GP is OK, but the DSN wasn't much use.

Readings of 9.6 and 8.8 after 2hrs are not too bad and the fact that it continues down to 5.5 is pretty good (your pancreas is obviously still producing insulin!). I get similar readings, usually after a particularly carby meal.

I also have had readings in the low 4's (usually after my midday walk after eating) and, at first, I too felt pretty grotty. It'll take time for your body to get used to the lower blood glucose levels. Meanwhile, try and recognise when this happens and have a little snack or perhaps just keep some glucose tablets to hand (not necessarily to treat hypos, but just to give yourself a little boost every now and then).

Don't be too hard on yourself, it sounds to me that you're making progress.

Andy 🙂

p.s. I took me so long to write this, Northerner repeated everything I wanted to say! Or, did I repeat everything that he said? Perhaps the latter!
 
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I don't think you are expecting too much, no. Diabetes is not something that you can have in greater or lesser degrees - it's how well you manage it that's important, and you should get support for that regardless. It's not like comparing a sniffle with the flu, so you shouldn't be made to feel as though you are being over-anxious or fussy just because you want to understand it and what it may mean for you as an individual. Unfortunately, there are good and some very poor health care professionals - you seem to hve got the latter. Perhaps they think they are reassuring you in some way (although not succeeding!)

If you are overweight then actually you are in a good position to improve your situation and possibly have many years free of medication. By sticking with your exercise programme you will do wonders for your diabetes management and your levels - so get out there with fresh enthusiasm and go for it! 🙂

Some meds make people more prone to put on weight. You may have read the discussions about Byetta, which can help with weight loss as well as improving levels - but I think that is a long way in the future for you.

There's nothing wrong with a good cry too, so don't feel that you are being over-dramatic. I often feel like a good cry, it's a perfectly natural reaction to what can sometimes be quite an overwhelming thing.

You've made a brilliant start Lucy, I hope that you sleep well tonight and feel much more motivated tomorrow! :D
 
Thanks Andy
I guess I am just on a low today and yesterday but its not like me at all, normally bubbly and happy go lucky. The informatin re low readings reassures. any idea on the freezing finger tips?
 
Thanks Northerner - yet again you are there for me.
I really appreciate all your replies,
I think a good nights sleep will help.

In the olden days it would have been wine - but i quit months ago - so there is a positive - getting through this mini crisis sober!
 
lucy123 said:
Thanks Northerner - yet again you are there for me.
I really appreciate all your replies,
I think a good nights sleep will help.

In the olden days it would have been wine - but i quit months ago - so there is a positive - getting through this mini crisis sober!
Click to expand...

It's the new you! :D
 
lucy123 said:
Thanks Andy
I guess I am just on a low today and yesterday but its not like me at all, normally bubbly and happy go lucky. The informatin re low readings reassures. any idea on the freezing finger tips?
Click to expand...

I can't say for sure, but suspect that it may be down to reduced blood circulation (i.e. uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage in the nerves and small blood vessels at the peripheries (e.g. toes and fingers).

Of course, it may not be that. Only your GP would be qualified to say for sure.

Andy
 
i too was told at first not to test, that i didn't need to but let me have urine sticks instead on prescription so i bought my own test strips at 25 pounds for 50 until i went along to my DN one day with my little log book and showed her how testing was helping me with foods to eat or avoid and she then decided to give me test strips on prescription (i think i had 2 or 3 attempts with her before she agreed). Don't give up and do the same. I am D/E controlled and have my 2nd HbA1c results at the end of this month and am a bit nervous as i started off really well (losing weight etc) but i need that motivation again to keep me back on track. My levels are normally within the guidelines set by NICE but i occasionally have the odd high reading (by that i mean double figures) but i now have an idea of the foods which raise them. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to ask on here as this forum has helped me so much since diagnosis 🙂
 
thanks Carina - there is hope then that the nurse relationship may improve as time goes on,
 
lucy123 said:
Thanks Northerner.
Well I have just cried for the first time since I can remember. I think it is suddenly sinking in and without you all, I would actually feel very down.
Thanks for the reassurance on how I felt with the low reading - it was a little scary for me and my hubbie - who I have to say was brilliant. I have felt low since it though.

Is it possible i am expecting too much from the nurse as I am not on medication and my levels aren't too bad (I think). Maybe if I end up on medication they will give me more attention?

Also the GP said if I had to go on medication it would be one of the newer ones due to the fact that i am very overweight - any ideas what med she is talking about?
Click to expand...
I doubt it lucy as im on metformin & my dr and practice nurse acted blase as well, not mentioning testing, meters, dsn (diabetic specialist nurse)
& they expect me to sit down and take there drivel word fer word (tries very hard not to swear) and chase after them to make an appointment so they can test my blood and talk down to me like a naughty school boy well they have another thing comming lol

Ive learnt more on here then the so called health (spits) specialists in my surgery has ever mentioned, ty to everyone that helps and gives advice so willingly without thinking about it 1st 🙂

The NHS (spits) need to read and digest what goes on in here and maybe... just maybe....try to understand the way they treat people & adjust accordingly !!!
 
Lucy, hope you are feeling much better now. I count myself really lucky as I found this forum within days of diagnosis otherwise I was just told over the phone and left to get on with it.

My GP is brilliant but the practice nurse is just doing her job, no more. If she has a tick list and it says to ask the patient a question, she will ask but I get the impression there is not a box for her to tick to say she has listened to a word they said.
 
Hi Lucy

Sorry to hear how scared you have been. It is really unfair of your team to leave you dangling like this. A bit of support and lot of information at the outset could set you on the road to never needing any meds. What happened to encouraging folk to look after themselves and prevent the predicted meltdown in the NHS due to diabetes getting out of control in this country?

On the other side, Lucy, from talking to my excellent DSN, I know how cuts have made her life very difficult - she struggles to give all her patients time when her hours have been cut in half and half of the surgery nurses have left and not been replaced. Maybe your nurse would like more time with you but is fighting her own losing battle.

From what you report of your levels, you are not actually doign too badly- as others have said one can expect highish levels 2 hours after eating - it is normal for them to come down after this time and a level of around 4 is quite accetable - your biggest problem is a proper lack of understanding not anything you have done to yourself!

This may not be your thing but it works for me. I would write down all your fears and feelings - helps to get them into some sort of perspective and then make an appointment with your nurse and let her read it. She will see you are serious and hopefully see that she needs to give you some time and some advice and support.

Failing that tell her we will send the hit men in 😉 I gave my DSN this web site address and told her she will get all the info she needs on here about patient feedback! She thought is was a great idea - our turn to educate the medics eh? Good luck Lucy - you are doing fine xxx
 
Good morning Lucy, I've just caught up on the Forum posts (having had a recent tummy bug I haven't been too up on what's been going on here!) and I am so sorry you feel so low and let down by your Team.

I'm 2 years in with the Big D and still have a good cry at times - oddly enough I don't look on it as being defeated now, just sort of letting off steam.

As others on here have said, you are doing so well with your attitude when first diagnosed and you do need more support from your Dr and Nurse but you will certainly get it on here anyway - ask what questions you need to and rant when you want to as well !

In the meantime, people have said what I wanted to so all I can do is send hugs.
 
Hi All,

I am feelling much better today after a good nights sleep. I think it all just got too much yesterday. I guess I am going to battle on and then show the nurse how well i have done and when she asks me how - I will say by testing!

I actually saw a number on my scales today that i haven't seen for years! That has cheered me up some!

I do feel I am at the stage though where I feel i could give in and cheat on my healthy eating plan - anyone any words of wisdom or encouragement to keep me going. I want that 2 stone marker!
 
Shocked (but sadly not very surprised) to read of your doctor's attitude. Diagnosing you with a lifelong condition and basically saying, "Come back and see me once things have got really bad" rather than helping you to get into the right habits and approaches now.

Too many docs seem to think that T2 progresses inevitably at a steady rate, and that it's not worth worrying about someone's treatment until they are at level X. Experiences of many T2s I've read online show that this is absolutely not the case. Every diabetic will manage their own condition in their own way. Some may need medication, others may not. Not that medication should be seen as any kind of failure on the part of the diabetic, but I'm not sure it should be seen as inevitable either - any more than complications should. Diabetes has a tendency to get trickier over time but many T2s seem able to keep their condition in a holding pattern.

You would think that coming across someone motivated and proactive like you would encourage the doc to be more helpful, not less. To help you in controlling your condition, improving your wellbeing and living a long, happy life.

Sounds like you've got yourself a BG meter, which is great news. GPs are very often resistant to allowing T2s access to test strips. Some even consider it to cause problems (though I've never been able to figure out how).

If you've not come across it before you might find the famous Jennifer's Advice interesting. It involves some quite intensive testing for a short period (tricky I realise when you are financing the stips yourself). The idea is to get a picture of what foods have what effect on your blood glucose - everyone is different, though some overall principles apply. It is worth pointing out however that for many T2s the standard-issue 'starchy carbs with every meal' dietary advice is often very problematic, and leads to high BGs, higher cholesterol and weight gain.

Good luck and keep going. Hope you'll get some good support & advice from T2s around here 🙂

Mike
 
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