So much to get through in so little time - any advice?

[Ghost Hunter]

Hi

I have an appointment with my GP later but have so many things to discuss with her I dont want to sound confused but want helpful results!

I have to discuss:

The 'fuzzy' pain just below my right rib cage. This occurs at all sorts of times, may be connected with eating or might be connected with medication cant pinpoint it.

TOM problems. I have had a period now for at least 2 months probably longer, typically however it stopped yesterday afternoon, but I can be sure it will restart after I see GP its almost as if TOM has gone into hiding 🙄

I am still extreamly tired all the time and have already had a thyroid, liver, kidney, HBA1C test done last month and all were 'clear'.

I want some more help with weight loss as I dont think I am managing well enough myself! I have mobility problems and coupled with the tiredness I find it hard to motivate myself into keeping fit which obviously has a big impact on losing weight. Yet I have been keeping a 'diary of calories' for just over past week and I am actually often quite a lot less under what was recomended on the 'Food for thought' course I attended earlier this year, yet I find it hard to eat much more!

The new drug 'Victoza' my dad has told me about which might help me (I have a copy of the article to show GP).

New Health trainer scheme for a 'weight loss & fitness buddy'.

Weight Watchers referal in Sept via PCT.

The need for more diabetes support so I understand and can take control.

A DSN?

A meter so I can start testing (as I have been told in past there's no need to if type 2, but even my Dad who is type 2 tests as do lots of others on here so why am I being told no need for me?)


Being nervouse doesnt help!

Thanks everyone.

 

[Mand]

Hi ghost hunter

Good luck with your appointment. Let us know how you get on. Sorry, but i cannot think of anything else to add to your list of things to ask about but i would have thought that a blood testing monitor is essential, as well as more support with a dsn.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[Steff]

hi ghost just keep calm , what i did and many on here will say the same is write down in your notebook everything that you want to discuss/ask etc etc and dont feel silly for getting the pad out while yuou are there incase you forget something they will think your doing good asking all these things its better then to not ask and to be left all confused.Another thing dont let the gp bambuzzle you will any long termonology just ask if you dont understand it is also better to have a clear picture in your mind,allso any things she says back to you write them down as you are bound to have forgotton half of it i know i would lol x

Good luck x

 

[VBH]

I suggest:
1) Take a list of everything you want to discuss so that you don't miss anything.
2) Take someone else if possible so that they can pick up anything in the replies you miss
3) Don't accept "clear" or "fine" as blood test results. Get a printout. I've heard tales of people being told their HbA1c is "fine" and on later examination it turns out to have been 9. You might want to take particular interest in the thyroid tests if you've had trouble with losing weight.

If your supermarket has its own in-store pharmacy, you can usually get a meter for ?4. The problem is getting the doc to prescribe strips though and even on ebay they get expensive. I suspect that if you test when you are particularly tired, you will find your BG is high.

But with the first 2 points you mention, it sounds like something else is going on in addition to the diabetes, which needs to be sorted. So I think you're right to have those at the top of the list and deal with those as a priority.

edit: Oops. I left out "4) Take notes cos by the end of that lot you will have forgotten what was said at the start"

 

[AlanJardine]

I agree with everyone about writing a list before you go, and take that with you.
Phone some of the companies who supply meters and express an interest. You will probably find that at least one company will give you a meter for free. They make their money on the test strips, so getting you 'hooked' on theirs makes sens to them.

For next time, tell the receptionist that you want to book a long appointment. Most surgeries will schedule longer appointments but won't tell you unless you ask. Then, you or the doctor won't feel so rushed.

Tiredness can be a major symptom of depression. If you are struggling to cope then that may at least be a factor. Diabetes and depression go hand-in-hand.

 

[Caroline Wilson]

I agree with all of above. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Ghost Hunter]

Sick of being treated like an idiot 😛

Hello everybody and thanks for the help and support.

My appointment didn't go very well at all yesterday and I am still very fed up 😡 about it!

Some reasons why include:

Dr not having any recolection of previous appointment just over a month ago, from which this was supposed to be a follow up after dr had requested information from more knowledgable sources!

Contradicting their own sentances. Especialy with info reguarding TOM troubles (wont go into detail but if you'r really interested I will PM you!)

Asked for help with Diabetes. Told Dr since diagnosis (aprox 8 months ago) I have been on DESMOND course and seen GP nurse a few times for reviews and had a couple of HBA1C tests but ?that was it?. I feel I don?t understand my condition and I feel lost, confused and left to fend for myself. Asked dr if there is a local point I can contact if I get concerned or need advice or information. All I am given was change from 6 to 3 months between HBA1C tests.

Dr advised other than a support group based in nearby town there was little else. Also said the local support group was actually attended by a 'different age ratio' so might not be for me as older generation with more concerns.

Suggested Diabetes UK has a useful help line if you ever I had any questions and of course they have their website where I can find out more information on type 2 Diabetes anytime of day or night all year through. As for courses the DESMOND introduction to diabetes 1 day workshop is all there is really which I have already attended and the Food for thought course I have also done.

The diet of people with diabetes is generally the same guidelines as everyone else for healthy eating. There are no textbooks or set instructions you really do have to find out for yourself what suits you better.

If you have a few questions you can always make a note of them and ring them through or bring them into the surgery and ask if I can have a look at them and have them answered in a day or two. Or there is always the nurse at the surgery if you need to make an appointment for her to explain something, she is very clued up on Diabetes as you know from your reviews.

Alternatively Diabetes UK run intensive holidays sometimes for a week others for a weekend which are heavily subsidised by Diabetes UK but they aren?t free. I have attended a couple myself in the past as a ?helper? and found them very useful for personal experience.

With regards to testing was old I don?t really need to its just a healthy balanced diet that helps. At which point I asked if testing would help me understand the effects diabetes has on my blood sugar and in turn would this help me understand my diabetes and help me care for myself and perhaps help me control my diet better. Dr didn?t really give a definite reply other than to suggest that I could test if I wanted to but it shouldn?t become an obsession maybe I could have a go and play around to see what effects different foods have on my blood sugars and maybe take a record over a week but it didn?t need to be a regular thing.

I did not question reply but it did raise a point in my own thoughts as to why does everyone else I know with type 2, (including my own father) test and are told to ?test, test, test? but they are playing it down with me? I could understand if I was on ?diet control? only but feel as I have rapidly progressed to Metformin since diagnosis, with diet only ?adjustment? that I am either not coping very well or there?s something amiss with my diabetes care and self control!? Why is there a Diabetes unit / clinic in narest town hospital yet I haven?t been referred to it for advice? I know it exists as it is where I attended my place on the DESMOND course.
I asked Dr again about finding it hard to lose weight and Dr said it was due to my slow metabolism possibly due to diabetes. The Metformin is useful at helping weight loss. There was a suggestion there were things they could give me to assist with weight loss but it was dismissed as potentially I didn?t fall into the category.

Mumbled something about PCOS to which I respnded it has never been confirmed that I do have PCOS, despite my own research and having almost every symptom on the list to diagnose it which is when I came to see Dr months ago and the suggestion seems to have been ignored.


I have been told several times by Dr and GP Diabetes Nurse there is no need for me to ?test? but I can if I want to. I have asked if they think it is necessary and they have not given a straight reply saying it is of no real benefit to me at present but if I would like to have a play around they could arrange a test kit for me but they didn?t recommend I tested too often as it shouldn?t become an obsessive part of my routine. I don?t think these were the actual words quoted but this is how I have been made to feel. I didn?t feel any concern from Dr over the facts I presented again to her.

Whilst on the food for thought course earlier this year I did track my food intake as per calories and adjusted some of my eating habits that had strayed off course since I quit my registration to Rosemary Conley diet & fitness. I was presented with a breakdown of what I should eat calorie wise each day for the information they tested me for (BMI, height, weight, activity level) and calculated for my personal study and healthy weight loss and have been told how many Calories a day I need. I have tracked the calories I have eaten over the past 2 weeks so far and they have been just under or much less than the guideline suggested on the Food for thought course I attended and I have not altered my eating habits since the course. Other than 2 days where I was slightly over the suggested intake of calories but we are all allowed one day a week for ?treats or oversights? so long as they are not grossly out of proportion and not 1 ?meal? consisting of all the days calories or more in one sitting. So again obvious healthy eating guidelines!


As for the 'new drug' I didnt bother asking as I felt I wasn't getting far as it was! So I am now going to take her suggestions get advice from DUK website and use it as my battle for help continues.

No wonder I was exhausted when I got home

 

[sofaraway]

Is there no expert pateint courses in your area? maybe not if DESMOND is avaliable.

So did you take up the offer of testing and getting a meter etc? It might be that when you can go back and demonstrate how you are actually using testing to influence your decision and improve your control they will be happy to prescribe more test strips. In reality most type 2's aren't testing, and those who are have often had to be pro-active in the matter.

I think "There are no textbooks or set instructions you really do have to find out for yourself what suits you better" Is pretty sound advice really.

What is is specifically that you are confused about, or what parts of diabetes do you not understand? Maybe we can help you out. We've got some very knowledgable type 2's here.

Sorry to hear you felt disapointed with the appointment. I wonder if you do have more knowledge than you have confidence that you do.

 

[Proudspirit]

i'd change GP's

I had trouble with the GP that diagnosed me, i went over her head to the diabetic nurse and she told me to see the gp that specialises in diabetes, he isn't great but better than the first.

It looks to me that you don't trust the GP and so need to change and get someone who understands.

Good luck

Julie xx

 

[Ghost Hunter]

Sofaraway -

"Is there no expert pateint courses in your area? maybe not if DESMOND is avaliable."

Obviously I am not aware of one, will look into it thanks.

"So did you take up the offer of testing and getting a meter etc? It might be that when you can go back and demonstrate how you are actually using testing to influence your decision and improve your control they will be happy to prescribe more test strips. In reality most type 2's aren't testing, and those who are have often had to be pro-active in the matter."

Yes I took up offer, Dr sent an email to Nurse to get me set up, will wait and see what comes of it! I like being pro-active like you say it shows I am doing my utmost to be 60% responsible for myself but even so I would like to see the other 40% of responsibilty coming from 'them'.

"What is is specifically that you are confused about, or what parts of diabetes do you not understand? Maybe we can help you out. We've got some very knowledgable type 2's here. "

Help and advice is always welcome as I better myself and my knowledge and like pro-active approaches! Everything confuses me so I am going to take the small step I have so far acheived in last 8 months back again and start from afresh maybe something went amiss with my understanding that has led to my comfusions


Proudspirit

"i'd change GP's

I had trouble with the GP that diagnosed me, i went over her head to the diabetic nurse and she told me to see the gp that specialises in diabetes, he isn't great but better than the first.

It looks to me that you don't trust the GP and so need to change and get someone who understands.

Good luck

Julie xx"

It's not that I dont trust Dr its the fact I was asked to see Dr by Surgery diabetes nurse when newly diagnosed (aprox 8 months ago) as they were 'the Dr' in my surgery that had an intense interest in Diabetes especially in women!

Previous to that I always made an appointment with a male Dr who I trusted and was always went out of the way to be helpful.


Appologies for posting like this Quotes button seems to have not worked 😱

Thanks again 🙂

 

[Vanessa]

We've been away for a few days and just catching up with all the posts but just really wanted to re-iterate Sofaraway's point that there are many on here with experiences of the day-to-day aspects of diabetes that are our reality and difficult for someone, no matter how well trained as a health professional, to appreciate. DUK also specialises in the topic area rather than diabetes being one of many chronic health problems that our general practitioners and their teams come across with regularity.

I hope you are feeling less frustrated today - at least your GP offered you opportunities for testing and that can be somewhat unusual. Like you I struggled with the weight loss challenge but wouldn't be regarded as heavy enough for drug treatment by the NHS - found it really hard work to sort out what seems to affect me and have to be really tight on calorie intake and exercise to make a difference.

 

[sofaraway]

Thats great that you will be getting a meter and some strips, probably 50 to begin with but it's a start. Once you start testing you can see how different foods are affecting you and this will help you to modify your diet.

About being in control and responsible for your own condition i think that it is really important that we are, but oviously we do need some support and information to be able to take on that responsibility.

Have you read Type 2 diabetes the first year?
http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=1554
I haven't read it personally but have only heard good things about it. As it's aimed at newly diagnosed people then it might be a good way to start again and pick up any bits you missed out along the way. I know that it was almost 3 years into diabetes until i had any real understanding what the hell was going on. I didn't take alot on when I was diagnosed at 15 and was pretty scared about things for the next couple of years.

 

[Ghost Hunter]

We've been away for a few days and just catching up with all the posts but just really wanted to re-iterate Sofaraway's point that there are many on here with experiences of the day-to-day aspects of diabetes that are our reality and difficult for someone, no matter how well trained as a health professional, to appreciate. DUK also specialises in the topic area rather than diabetes being one of many chronic health problems that our general practitioners and their teams come across with regularity.

I hope you are feeling less frustrated today - at least your GP offered you opportunities for testing and that can be somewhat unusual. Like you I struggled with the weight loss challenge but wouldn't be regarded as heavy enough for drug treatment by the NHS - found it really hard work to sort out what seems to affect me and have to be really tight on calorie intake and exercise to make a difference.

Hello thanks and I hope you enjoyed your break.

As I mentioned before I am going to put my frustrations aside for the rest of the weekend and dig out my DESMOND and Food for Thought course booklets and start again with my 'self education' on Monday

As for the weightloss I have quite a lot to lose now to be in my 'ideal weight range' even at the top end borderline overweight let alone obese and it just keeps rising no matter what I try!

I am also going to phone about the personal trainer buddy which is free in my area and see if I can have one for weight loss which is a step in the wight direction.

My main grievance with GP was the fact they had no recolection of me seeing her about TOM problems at begining of June which is why I went for follow up yesterday as I hadnt heared anything for over a month and was waiting for an update.

I really do appreciate the help everyone and if anyone can recomend any DVDs / CD's or books I might get from the library that will help me get a grip then I would appreciate the suggestions please.

I will post a list of questions as they arise.

Thanks 🙂

 

[Ghost Hunter]

Thats great that you will be getting a meter and some strips, probably 50 to begin with but it's a start. Once you start testing you can see how different foods are affecting you and this will help you to modify your diet.

About being in control and responsible for your own condition i think that it is really important that we are, but oviously we do need some support and information to be able to take on that responsibility.

Have you read Type 2 diabetes the first year?
http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=1554
I haven't read it personally but have only heard good things about it. As it's aimed at newly diagnosed people then it might be a good way to start again and pick up any bits you missed out along the way. I know that it was almost 3 years into diabetes until i had any real understanding what the hell was going on. I didn't take alot on when I was diagnosed at 15 and was pretty scared about things for the next couple of years.

Hi

Thanks for the link not sure if I have or not, will re read it and re read it again until I have digested it properly!

To restart again can only be a positive step.

Thanks 🙂

 

[Ghost Hunter]

Thats great that you will be getting a meter and some strips, probably 50 to begin with but it's a start. Once you start testing you can see how different foods are affecting you and this will help you to modify your diet.

About being in control and responsible for your own condition i think that it is really important that we are, but oviously we do need some support and information to be able to take on that responsibility.

Have you read Type 2 diabetes the first year?
http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=1554
I haven't read it personally but have only heard good things about it. As it's aimed at newly diagnosed people then it might be a good way to start again and pick up any bits you missed out along the way. I know that it was almost 3 years into diabetes until i had any real understanding what the hell was going on. I didn't take alot on when I was diagnosed at 15 and was pretty scared about things for the next couple of years.

Hi many thanks again I have just ordered myself a copy of that book and will hopefully receive it end of next week.