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Suspended Treatmentt

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J

Jojo catwoman

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice please. Following my diagnosis with Type 2 in 2018, I was diagnosed with Retinopathy and since 2019, I was having regular injections and laser treatment at the local hospital. I went through the mill a bit really, as the injections sometimes caused haemorrhages which could put me out of action for day. In addition to other issues in my life, I became very depressed. I was told by the Consultant that I could be having various treatments for years to come.
Fast forward to and I haven't been seen since May 2020, due to the Pandemic. I have called them and they say they will send for me asap. I really don't know what to do about this, as I am really worried about the situation and the long term effects that I could suffer as a result of not continuing with my treatment. Is anyone else in this position at present?
 
Sorry, meant to say I could be out of action for days. I didn't want to go out because I looked like a Vampire sometimes.
 
yes it can occasionally be unpleasant especially if you get the blood shot eyes from the injections (it’s only happened to me a few times)

I think you should call to try to book an appointment without any further delay,

I’ve been under treatment for the last 4 years (initially laser but then the injections)

Our local hospital where I receive my treatment seemed to keep going for existing treatment throughout the pandemic (although I’m told many people without any existing retinopathy weren’t in for screening)

Hope you get seen soon,
just as an idea have you had a recent eye test ?
as some opticians (I know Boots & Specsavers) are also now offering a basic retinal screening (ok it’s not the fully dilated pupil) with the 3D scan
it might reassure you (if your anxious)
or if they see bad swellings etc in your eyes... you could then communicate that back to your EyeDept, DSN / GP
remember we are entitled to a free eye test every 12 months,
plus extra test within the 12 months if you feel your vision might have changed
 
Hi goodybags, many thanks for your kind and helpful reply. I have to say that the only contact I have had from my GP's practice since March 2020, is one phone call to ask if I would like the flu jab. I have asked about Diabetic monitoring and keep being told that only emergencies are allowed to come into the surgery at present. I do feel really failed by the system and it's as if the medics don't care anymore.
I see on your profile that you are on similar medication to me, except for Insulin and Ozempic (the latter of which I had never heard of). My situation has been complicated by a car accident in October 2018, which means I had to give up work and I am unable to get as much exercise as I would like. I am trying to lose weight, having put around 1 stone on since Lockdown.
I must admit that I am very anxious about having my eyes tested because I fear bad news. My Diabetes was originally diagnosed by my Optician, due to changes he saw. Although my eyesight seems quite good for my age. I had no symptoms back then and my GP mixed my test results up only to tell me 3 weeks later that I was indeed Type 2.
Thank you again.
 
Jojo catwoman said:
Hi goodybags, many thanks for your kind and helpful reply. I have to say that the only contact I have had from my GP's practice since March 2020, is one phone call to ask if I would like the flu jab. I have asked about Diabetic monitoring and keep being told that only emergencies are allowed to come into the surgery at present. I do feel really failed by the system and it's as if the medics don't care anymore.
I see on your profile that you are on similar medication to me, except for Insulin and Ozempic (the latter of which I had never heard of). My situation has been complicated by a car accident in October 2018, which means I had to give up work and I am unable to get as much exercise as I would like. I am trying to lose weight, having put around 1 stone on since Lockdown.
I must admit that I am very anxious about having my eyes tested because I fear bad news. My Diabetes was originally diagnosed by my Optician, due to changes he saw. Although my eyesight seems quite good for my age. I had no symptoms back then and my GP mixed my test results up only to tell me 3 weeks later that I was indeed Type 2.
Thank you again.
Click to expand...
it looks like you like many others certainly have been treated badly by the system!

do you know if you have any kind of diabetes community support program in your area ? (DSN etc) might be worth having a look online / phone your diabetic unit at your local hospital and ask for help.

Pre 2019 I wasn’t receiving a lot of (well hardly any) help and support
so I know how first hand we can be overlooked,

in-fact other than my treatment for diabetic retinopathy I really wasn’t getting much support at all
I was having a Hba1c tests irregularly and my GP was just berating me and telling me to up the insulin,
take another blood pressure tablet, take a higher dose statin ..etc

there is a Diabetes helpline number & email address at the top of the page
might be worth a reach out and ask the best way to get things sorted ?

hope things work out ok for you
 
Sorry to hear about the difficult time you have been having recently @Jojo catwoman and about the interruptions to your eye treatments.

Glad to hear you have been in contact and that they will be sending for you as soon as they can. As I understand it they are trying to see people in order of urgency.

In the meantime it will be helpful to try to keep your blood glucose levels as level as you can, and your blood pressure down in the normal range if possible.
 
Thank you goodybags and everydayupsanddowns for your advice and support. It seems we do have to look after ourselves instead of relying on the Doctors, but I do worry for those people who are unable to do so. I feel medically we are returning to the past, when ordinary folk could not get access to treatment and just died.
I was told by the Consultant that my condition was very serious and that I MUST keep all appointments to avoid sight loss in future. Now apparently, I have been pushed towards the back of the queue. If I had the funds, I would pay, because I fear the NHS is on its last legs.
Without those regular blood tests, we can only do so much, because we don't know about things such as cholesterol etc, so can't seek help and advice on medication, without that information.
Very much appreciated guys
 
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