Did anyone else take a back step after the diabetic nurse??

MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
We don't have specific diabetic nurse at our practise just the general nurse... she can't write prescriptions or change the dosages of medication we have to see our doctor for that. The only food advice she gave at the first visit to her after diagnosis was if we ate bread rice and pasta.. which I rarely did,, was to eat wholemeal instead of the white stuff she never mentioned the ..eat well plate. . When we see her for blood test results...my husband and I are both T2... she is only really interested in what the results are and how we are feeling she never asks how we are eating and as mine had gone down from 46 to 42 in the first 3 months after diagnosis she was really pleased about that but not so pleased nor was I that my cholesterol had gone up quite a bit since I had been eating more fat like cream butter and full fat cheese so have cut them down now
From what I have been watching it depends on what type of lipids you are high in as some are good and others not x
 

MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
I have also had a great experience with my DNS. However, I do think medical professionals are nicer to type 1s because there's less stigma. This is obviously very unfair, but sadly I think it's true.

@MissMmac - if you really don't want to see your DNS, your GP should be able to sort the blood tests out for you.
That's gonna be my plan from here on now as am not bothering with her again for sure! Just got the "information" she handed to me and the list of food to eat OH HALLO CARBS! I feel like taking on the NHS with this utter rubbish at the moment but instead have decided to just take me on and have spent most the afternoon writing out foods I have found I like and the recipes so I at least can start geting some decent meals in as they have been seriously lacking! Though just been most naughty and tried half of one of those Lidl high protein rolls with some herb cream cheese...nearest thing to bread in nearly 2 weeks but I'm not testing at the mo as need to get a meter so what the hell! It's a one off and I know they are low in carbs even if I am trying to knock out grains all together (done well on that so far but then again..meals have been pants lol). I'm back in the room and back on my game and sticking several middle fingers up to yesterday's experience...tonight when the other half is home I plan on burning the useless information she bestowed upon me! x
 
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jane67

Member
Messages
15
So..this message comes straight from having been to see the "diabetic" nurse...what a total and utter farce! She read off a transcribe that was, of course, old school NHS rubbish and whilst she said it was refreshing to meet someone who had done the research etc etc still the appointment went on, making me feel like I was being obstructive and rude. All it contained was the negatives which as a newly diagnosed (maybe just me) I DO NOT need to hear right now. I've been doing really well, she has just turned a positive day into one that is now filled with grrrrrrrrrrrrr. My partner is trying to be positive with "but you're ahead of the game" which I know I am but I cannot stand people who do not know what they are talking about, apparently being charged with my health. She made me feel like I might as well just put myself in a coffin now and be done with it as all I am facing is certain death, amputation and blindness...yes maybe that is the way my head took it but even still.
I, being a nurse, have always been a lover and steadfast supporter of all things NHS but this....this was just a total waste of my day and I am SO angry. As much as I want the blood tests to see how I am getting on, the rest can go to hell, I don't want to engage with them.
Sorry it's a bit ranty and negative I am just SO angry and upset and things have been so good xx
It's horrible that you have had this experience but I have to say the diabetic nursing service in Southend on Sea are fantastic. So may be next time you'll get one of the better nurses. Chin up its not all doom and gloom at least you had done your research x
 
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MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
It's horrible that you have had this experience but I have to say the diabetic nursing service in Southend on Sea are fantastic. So may be next time you'll get one of the better nurses. Chin up its not all doom and gloom at least you had done your research x
Considering she was the lead nurse for the practice I don't hold much hope in honesty but also, today I don't care! Looks like I need to move back down south then!! xxx
 

Vettriano

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I am so glad it's not just me having this experience. I am newly diagnosed and my first appointment with my DN was pointless. I left feeling more confused than when I arrived, she told me conflicting advice to the handouts she gave me. I was also informed that there are education courses available but they don't send everyone and she would check with the doctor to see if I needed to go, no urine sample tested. She seemed really focused on how my test results were so high for someone of my age. Frustrated doesn't begin to describe it.

My saving grace is my sister who is diabetic also and a district nurse manager so is very knowledge on both fronts, her medical experience where she lives has been completely different to mine and she tells me the care I should be getting.
 
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ck18

Active Member
Messages
34
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Have had 2 meetings with GPs DSN since being diagnosed as T1 2 years ago and had district nurses calling to house daily for 11 weeks just after diagnosis. District nurses said my blood sugar readings are excellent! 1st GP DSN meeting - I knew more than her but my blood sugar readings were excellent! Hospital specialist said the same. 2nd one - went through informing DVLA (already done a year before!), told me my blood sugar readings were excellent, but told me GP DSNs can't do anything for me as I'm under the hospital Diabetc specialist and their DSNs and GP DSNs specialise in T2, not T1. My GP reckons he's more experienced than the hospital specialist! Funny thing was - I saw same hospital diabetic specialist a month later, my bs figures were roughly the same and he told me off because my blood sugar levels were much too low as I was taking too much insulin - I've only ever been told how much to take by various DSNs and have not been told how it work it out myself - just advised to use trial & error. TheGP DSNs say I should have been on a course within weeks if being diagnosed, although I was laid up and housebound for 12 weeks at the time after the hospital accidentally punctured my lung while trying to drain my spleen. GP DSNs can't refer me for any courses as only the hospital DSNs can do that - they've advised me they've only just restarted the courses, after. 5 years gap, and it's for those having major problems with their levels and mine are fairly balanced. Am waiting for my next appt with hospital specialist next month to see how long I have to wait to see a specialist as having problem with veins in both legs and can hardly walk without pain - going to ask for private referral if queue too long! One team doesn't really seem to understand what the other does!
 
Messages
19
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I can only recall my DSN saying two things to me...

1. Your HbA1c is too low

2. Eat fewer eggs


.....I'm not sure I'll bother going back.


Eat fewer eggs? Do you find eggs keeps your blood sugar well controlled and weight down?

Would love to know I love eggs so if this happens then I'd eat eggs a lot. Lol.
 
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Paulgrayston

Active Member
Messages
36
So..this message comes straight from having been to see the "diabetic" nurse...what a total and utter farce! She read off a transcribe that was, of course, old school NHS rubbish and whilst she said it was refreshing to meet someone who had done the research etc etc still the appointment went on, making me feel like I was being obstructive and rude. All it contained was the negatives which as a newly diagnosed (maybe just me) I DO NOT need to hear right now. I've been doing really well, she has just turned a positive day into one that is now filled with grrrrrrrrrrrrr. My partner is trying to be positive with "but you're ahead of the game" which I know I am but I cannot stand people who do not know what they are talking about, apparently being charged with my health. She made me feel like I might as well just put myself in a coffin now and be done with it as all I am facing is certain death, amputation and blindness...yes maybe that is the way my head took it but even still.
I, being a nurse, have always been a lover and steadfast supporter of all things NHS but this....this was just a total waste of my day and I am SO angry. As much as I want the blood tests to see how I am getting on, the rest can go to hell, I don't want to engage with them.
Sorry it's a bit ranty and negative I am just SO angry and upset and things have been so good xx
I have one nurse at local surgery and one at hospital. both tell me totally different from the other. I get more information from speaking to other diebetics. waste of time these nurses!
 

Sue H

Member
Messages
8
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I can only recall my DSN saying two things to me...

1. Your HbA1c is too low

2. Eat fewer eggs


.....I'm not sure I'll bother going back.
wow that is a good HbA1c i was concerned mine was too low at 35 down from 90 ...thankfully my DN is great (y)
 
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eddie1968

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,661
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Pasta, sorry to me it's vile, yeuch lol (and full of nasty carbs)
I'll redress the balance here, all DSN's I see at my local hospital diabetic unit are always cheery, don't treat you like a five year old and never moan at me. They are always showering me with meters, bags, new insulin pens, pen cases and don't need to ask and spares/replacements replaced pronto. Any NHS person who does my nut in gets it back - I'm very assertive from the bat of meeting any staff and they know I don't suffer fools gladly. I am however a gentle and polite person but I have my limits. :)
 
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Zoeleanne

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 2
So..this message comes straight from having been to see the "diabetic" nurse...what a total and utter farce! She read off a transcribe that was, of course, old school NHS rubbish and whilst she said it was refreshing to meet someone who had done the research etc etc still the appointment went on, making me feel like I was being obstructive and rude. All it contained was the negatives which as a newly diagnosed (maybe just me) I DO NOT need to hear right now. I've been doing really well, she has just turned a positive day into one that is now filled with grrrrrrrrrrrrr. My partner is trying to be positive with "but you're ahead of the game" which I know I am but I cannot stand people who do not know what they are talking about, apparently being charged with my health. She made me feel like I might as well just put myself in a coffin now and be done with it as all I am facing is certain death, amputation and blindness...yes maybe that is the way my head took it but even still.
I, being a nurse, have always been a lover and steadfast supporter of all things NHS but this....this was just a total waste of my day and I am SO angry. As much as I want the blood tests to see how I am getting on, the rest can go to hell, I don't want to engage with them.
Sorry it's a bit ranty and negative I am just SO angry and upset and things have been so good xx
I only been twice to diabetic nurse since been diagnosed type 2 diabetic and each time I've come away more confused and feeling down
 

Oggykev

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Chin up they are not all the same, the message is slowly getting through.
My dn started off giving me the nhs company line 6months ago I educated her she reads the forum and has changed into a complete star.
Last check up acouple of days ago she agreed that low carbing was the best thing for me so I told her I was checking bg levels daily and showed her the meter.
She then told me that there had been a problem with the strips I was using, accuchek aviva and they were being superceded. Then to my complete surprise she handed me a new accuchek performa meter and strips told me I was doing well and to come back in 6months to see her.
So it is changing keep in there and do what you want to it really works. Lots of hugs
 
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MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
I am so glad it's not just me having this experience. I am newly diagnosed and my first appointment with my DN was pointless. I left feeling more confused than when I arrived, she told me conflicting advice to the handouts she gave me. I was also informed that there are education courses available but they don't send everyone and she would check with the doctor to see if I needed to go, no urine sample tested. She seemed really focused on how my test results were so high for someone of my age. Frustrated doesn't begin to describe it.

My saving grace is my sister who is diabetic also and a district nurse manager so is very knowledge on both fronts, her medical experience where she lives has been completely different to mine and she tells me the care I should be getting.
I am SO sorry that you are having to deal with this as well and having to rely on family...this forum and the members are a MIRACLE workers, their wealth of support and knowledge and, as I have said before, patience is out of this world. You might still be in the place I was when first diagnosed and not be able to take it all on board...do I what did...save everything even if you cannot read it at that moment and then when you can, you go back and it feels less overwhelming. In the meantime...we're all here xx
 
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MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
I have one nurse at local surgery and one at hospital. both tell me totally different from the other. I get more information from speaking to other diebetics. waste of time these nurses!
It's wrong...it's SO wrong...as we know I am a nurse and if I thought I had ever given the wrong info. even through no fault of my own I would hang my head in shame..it's just awful x
 
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MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Chin up they are not all the same, the message is slowly getting through.
My dn started off giving me the nhs company line 6months ago I educated her she reads the forum and has changed into a complete star.
Last check up acouple of days ago she agreed that low carbing was the best thing for me so I told her I was checking bg levels daily and showed her the meter.
She then told me that there had been a problem with the strips I was using, accuchek aviva and they were being superceded. Then to my complete surprise she handed me a new accuchek performa meter and strips told me I was doing well and to come back in 6months to see her.
So it is changing keep in there and do what you want to it really works. Lots of hugs
I had one of those meters but through work so I have just bought my own as was struggling to get anything for the performa and might be leaving the job so would need to hand it back. Most jealous of those who are getting the support they need...thank all that is good in the world for this forum for the rest of us and @eddie1968 i wanna come on your appointments!!! x
 
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eddie1968

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,661
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Pasta, sorry to me it's vile, yeuch lol (and full of nasty carbs)
I had one of those meters but through work so I have just bought my own as was struggling to get anything for the performa and might be leaving the job so would need to hand it back. Most jealous of those who are getting the support they need...thank all that is good in the world for this forum for the rest of us and @eddie1968 i wanna come on your appointments!!! x
Lol..all the nurses are sweeties. Congrats to the DSN's in the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board - stars all of them. :)
 

MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Lol..all the nurses are sweeties. Congrats to the DSN's in the Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board - stars all of them. :)
Ahhhh a dear friend of mine, also in the wonderful land of Scot, was telling me the difference in care her son received when he moved.....to Glasgow! Though it was still the same health board....well as long as I can fly back to my mum and sister in deepest darkest Kent...I'm up for moving! LOVE the country and am sure the walking would be further added to..though the dog will not thank me..might have to get her a buggy! xx
 
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Milly R

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Sorry to hear you've had such an awful experience. Coincidentally, I just came back from an appointment with my diabetics nurse and was feeling totally discouraged when I came across your post. I was diagnosed in March of this year with Type 1 Diabetes and although I have been doing everything I can since diagnosis to improve my HbA1c and get a handle on blood glucose control it feels like the diabetics nurse knocks me back for ten each time I attend these appointments. I do think a small bit of positivity and encouragement from the medical team would be much more helpful than all this criticism and negativity. Mind you, I live in Ireland so the system might be different, but if I had posted something today, it would pretty much have been word for word what you said. Chin up anyways, don't let it get you down! ;)
 

smeeagain

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Ahhhh a dear friend of mine, also in the wonderful land of Scot, was telling me the difference in care her son received when he moved.....to Glasgow! Though it was still the same health board....well as long as I can fly back to my mum and sister in deepest darkest Kent...I'm up for moving! LOVE the country and am sure the walking would be further added to..though the dog will not thank me..might have to get her a buggy! xx
So..this message comes straight from having been to see the "diabetic" nurse...what a total and utter farce! She read off a transcribe that was, of course, old school NHS rubbish and whilst she said it was refreshing to meet someone who had done the research etc etc still the appointment went on, making me feel like I was being obstructive and rude. All it contained was the negatives which as a newly diagnosed (maybe just me) I DO NOT need to hear right now. I've been doing really well, she has just turned a positive day into one that is now filled with grrrrrrrrrrrrr. My partner is trying to be positive with "but you're ahead of the game" which I know I am but I cannot stand people who do not know what they are talking about, apparently being charged with my health. She made me feel like I might as well just put myself in a coffin now and be done with it as all I am facing is certain death, amputation and blindness...yes maybe that is the way my head took it but even still.
I, being a nurse, have always been a lover and steadfast supporter of all things NHS but this....this was just a total waste of my day and I am SO angry. As much as I want the blood tests to see how I am getting on, the rest can go to hell, I don't want to engage with them.
Sorry it's a bit ranty and negative I am just SO angry and upset and things have been so good xx
 

MissMac

Well-Known Member
Messages
234
Sorry to hear you've had such an awful experience. Coincidentally, I just came back from an appointment with my diabetics nurse and was feeling totally discouraged when I came across your post. I was diagnosed in March of this year with Type 1 Diabetes and although I have been doing everything I can since diagnosis to improve my HbA1c and get a handle on blood glucose control it feels like the diabetics nurse knocks me back for ten each time I attend these appointments. I do think a small bit of positivity and encouragement from the medical team would be much more helpful than all this criticism and negativity. Mind you, I live in Ireland so the system might be different, but if I had posted something today, it would pretty much have been word for word what you said. Chin up anyways, don't let it get you down! ;)
The thing I learnt very quickly here is no matter what you are going through someone, somewhere has gone through or felt the same...I have to hold my hands up and say that I never really paid much mind to how someone might feel with a diagnosis of diabetes...probably as I was too busy running about but it's no excuse. I am so sorry you too have felt despondent and like all your fantastic work is not being recognised...this nurse made me feel like no matter what I did, in 3 months they would be firing metformin at me...they haven't met me properly! As for telling me not to walk anywhere bare foot...she can well and truly *post own expletives* x