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Feedback From My Gp And Dn Appointments This Week.

DCUKMod said:
I think it's worth noting that when Dr Unwin's paper came out it was very, very much against the more common and popular tide, in terms of T2 diabetes management, whereas the conversations around LC/Reduced Carb or however else we choose to express it, are more mature and better received in many quarters these days.

There is more and more evidence from more papers/studies as well as lots of n1 anecdotal stuff appearing all the time, and the seeminly repellant edges have been knocked off the concept.

We are in interesting times.
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The evidence is growing.
 
A suggestion from me would be to look a the annual "stuff" all people with diabetes should be receiving from their GPs (like reviews, foot and checks and so on) and ask your GP to confirm their patients are offered these services, and in a timely manner. There are also standards they should be upholding in terms of education. All those diagnosed with T2 (I couldn't swear to T1, so will exclude that from my comment for now) should be offered an educational course, within 9 months of diagnosis. Whether we agree with the specifics of that education is another story, but all should be invited to it.

I would want to know if all are offered it, and what the average time frames are. To my mind, if something isn't offered until 9 months post-diagnosis, the person will either have sorted themselves out or be of the impression it's not all that important if it can wait 9 months. I would also want to know where that education is held and if it is accessible from my locale.

You can tell I'm also quite passionate about this and, coincidentally, had a conversation on this very subject with a friend of mine who is a former hospital DSN, on Friday afternoon. Apparently, the education courses in my area are held on the outskirts of our nearest city, and not on any form of direct bus route from the town our GPs are based in. Very handy!

And "they" wonder why T2 educational course uptake is poor?
 
Debandez said:
I'm like a woman possessed on this one! I've always believed in putting up a fight when things aren't right. I have a complaints template actually. It sounds like I'm a right moan but I'm not. I'm an extremely positive and upbeat person. Glass half full. But I hate it when things aren't fair and have to fight my corner. Always been the same. I don't think my complaints template will get the response we need on this massive issue! It needs more drastic action! And more than just me. And we are doing just that:) #togetherwecandoit
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I am very much the same, I like to think that everyone should be treated fairly and with openness and honesty. I don’t have a template but am not backwards in coming forward when things aren’t right.
I have just done battle with airline companies over our flights for Oct, took a bit more effort than it should have but got the result that I feel is fair and right.
I also did my bit to promote low carb on Friday, went for my routine eye test, first one since diagnoses so I needed to inform them of my diabetes. They asked what medication I was taking, none says me, puzzled look from optician, normal blood sugars achieved in 7 months through diet says I, OMG was the response I got, that’s very interesting tell me what you did, so I did.
 
Well what a turn up for the books! I've joined my PPG. The practice manager who chairs the monthly meetings could not be more supportive. She is going to send all local surgeries our usual info and let them know about the monthly tesco meeting for diabetics. Also that I'm giving a talk on my journey. I'm way out of my comfort zone with getting up and speaking but hey hoe. Needs must.

At the last PPG she asked me to speak about my journey. I did. Her PA has been in contact since and asked if he could do a write up on my journey in the surgery newsletter. He has done this and a fantastic job he has done too. I thanked him and sent an email just this morning to the PM. I attached our booklets. And asked for her guidance. Maybe she could just send tbis latest leaflet with my covering letter to all surgeries (plus the usual info).

She replied straight away. She is taking my story to her next meeting of practice managers! And she has asked for a meeting with the Drs to see 'if they can work with me - to work with the diabetic pts , I will keep you posted '. I can't tell you how happy I am. And can't thank you enough for your help in putting together all our booklets currently doing the rounds. Especially @shelley262 @Rachox @bulkbiker @Goonergal @xfieldok @DJC and many others too numerous to mention. I know this is just a small step forward. Tiny in the bigger scheme of things but it feels like I've just landed on the moon with all the forum members with me!
 
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Debandez said:
Well what a turn up for the books! I've joined my PPG. The practice manager who chairs the monthly meetings could not be more supportive. She is going to send all local surgeries our usual info and let them know about the monthly tesco meeting for diabetics. Also that I'm giving a talk on my journey. I'm way out of my comfort zone with getting up and speaking but hey hoe. Needs must.

At the last PPG she asked me to speak about my journey. I did. Her PA has been in contact since and asked if he could do a write up on my journey in the surgery newsletter. He has done this and a fantastic job he has done too. I thanked him and sent an email just this morning to the PM. I attached our booklets. And asked for her guidance. Maybe she could just send tbis latest leaflet with my covering letter to all surgeries (plus the usual info).

She replied straight away. She is taking my story to her next meeting of practice managers! And she has asked for a meeting with the Drs to see 'if they can work with me - to work with the diabetic pts , I will keep you posted '. I can't tell you how happy I am. And can't thank you enough for your help in putting together all our booklets currently doing the rounds. Especially @shelley262 @Rachox @bulkbiker @Goonergal and many others too numerous to mention. I know this is just a small step forward. Tiny in the bigger scheme of things but it feels like I've just landed on the moon with all the forum members with me!
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Amazing results Debs well done you.. my mob are still dragging their feet but I haven't given up yet!
 
Debandez said:
Well what a turn up for the books! I've joined my PPG. The practice manager who chairs the monthly meetings could not be more supportive. She is going to send all local surgeries our usual info and let them know about the monthly tesco meeting for diabetics. Also that I'm giving a talk on my journey. I'm way out of my comfort zone with getting up and speaking but hey hoe. Needs must.

At the last PPG she asked me to speak about my journey. I did. Her PA has been in contact since and asked if he could do a write up on my journey in the surgery newsletter. He has done this and a fantastic job he has done too. I thanked him and sent an email just this morning to the PM. I attached our booklets. And asked for her guidance. Maybe she could just send tbis latest leaflet with my covering letter to all surgeries (plus the usual info).

She replied straight away. She is taking my story to her next meeting of practice managers! And she has asked for a meeting with the Drs to see 'if they can work with me - to work with the diabetic pts , I will keep you posted '. I can't tell you how happy I am. And can't thank you enough for your help in putting together all our booklets currently doing the rounds. Especially @shelley262 @Rachox @bulkbiker @Goonergal and many others too numerous to mention. I know this is just a small step forward. Tiny in the bigger scheme of things but it feels like I've just landed on the moon with all the forum members with me!
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Brilliant news! I just posted about my successful appointment with my nurse too! Chip chip chipping away!
 
Well done, it takes a while to realise that some people who seem to wield power are people just like us and really want someone to help them out who is 'expert' because of personal experience. Your story is inspiring and you have achieved a lot this year. I am sure you have plans for where you are going already for next year. Enjoy Christmas and New Year, draw breath and then get going again.
 
Phoenix55 said:
Well done, it takes a while to realise that some people who seem to wield power are people just like us and really want someone to help them out who is 'expert' because of personal experience. Your story is inspiring and you have achieved a lot this year. I am sure you have plans for where you are going already for next year. Enjoy Christmas and New Year, draw breath and then get going again.
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You are so right.
1 year in and I have a totally different perspective on life to 12 months ago. Want our story to be on TV. Straight from the horses (aka diabetics!) mouths. Not really sure how or when it will happen....but it will happen.

My inspirational story about putting my t2d in remission is just one of so many, not just on this forum but many other diabetes forums all over the world. The WWW is going to help make the changes we are so looking forward to happening. So many of us becoming activists :-) and it feels great.
 
@Debandez
To set the scene, yesterday I had an appointment with a Phlebotomy qualified HCA with the intention of reviewing my latest BP and HbA1c readings etc and came away feeling it was a bit of a waste of time. I do however have an appointment soon with my GP where I am hoping for something more useful.

As a consequence of my frustration I began to look for a a different route into things and scouring my GP surgery website I noticed reference to PPG. I have therefore emailed them with the idea of joining them in some capacity.

I later conducted a search on the forum on Patient Participation Group and came across your thread. It’s early days yet, I haven’t had a reply to my email but hopefully will get one soon.

I have also just read Dr Unwins paper that is available on this thread.
 
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Listlad said:
@Debandez
To set the scene, yesterday I had an appointment with a Phlebotomy qualified HCA with the intention of reviewing my latest BP and HbA1c readings etc and came away feeling it was a bit of a waste of time. I do however have an appointment soon with my GP where I am hoping for something more useful.

As a consequence of my frustration I began to look for a a different route into things and scouring my GP surgery website I noticed reference to PPG. I have therefore emailed them with the idea of joining them in some capacity.

I later conducted a search on the forum on Patient Participation Group and came across your thread. It’s early days yet, I haven’t had a reply to my email but hopefully will get one soon.

I have also just read Dr Unwins paper that is available on this thread.
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Brilliant. For me it was a massive step in the right direction. From little seeds acorns grow.

I 'infiltrated ' and as a result was invited to the xmas PPG lunch with 3 x Drs. One was very interested in what I had to say (no escaping, xmas lunch or not he was going to get it!!!). He is now referring diabetics to me for a chat. Only just had my first referral but it felt amazing. Dr understood exactly what lchf was about too. And the practice manager has been amazing. Got a room sorted for me to give my first talk on my journey. Was more successful than I thought it was going to be. Thought I might be talking to myself! 12 people there. Surgery want a date from me for my next one. I feel I do have a very supportive surgery (although not all Drs are as enthusiastic as you can see by the post above about my Dr thrusting his 'don't confuse your Google with my medical degree - trivialities like that wont stop me Haha). Yes joining my PPG was definitely a great move. I'm going to a big meeting on 21st March. Many high profile members of NHS there. I'm excited!!! Its an all day event. I will report back. Still plugging away on the PR front too. As are many forum members. Every time you open a newspaper, magazine or listen to the radio we are there (I can dream). We are definitely getting it out there at every opportunity. Its building momentum for sure. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
 
Debandez said:
Brilliant. For me it was a massive step in the right direction. From little seeds acorns grow.

I 'infiltrated ' and as a result was invited to the xmas PPG lunch with 3 x Drs. One was very interested in what I had to say (no escaping, xmas lunch or not he was going to get it!!!). He is now referring diabetics to me for a chat. Only just had my first referral but it felt amazing. Dr understood exactly what lchf was about too. And the practice manager has been amazing. Got a room sorted for me to give my first talk on my journey. Was more successful than I thought it was going to be. Thought I might be talking to myself! 12 people there. Surgery want a date from me for my next one. I feel I do have a very supportive surgery (although not all Drs are as enthusiastic as you can see by the post above about my Dr thrusting his 'don't confuse your Google with my medical degree - trivialities like that wont stop me Haha). Yes joining my PPG was definitely a great move. I'm going to a big meeting on 21st March. Many high profile members of NHS there. I'm excited!!! Its an all day event. I will report back. Still plugging away on the PR front too. As are many forum members. Every time you open a newspaper, magazine or listen to the radio we are there (I can dream). We are definitely getting it out there at every opportunity. Its building momentum for sure. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.
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I will be taking a mallet with me at my next GP visit for the circumstance under which my GP whips out one of those mugs that you referred to. :D
 
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