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Surgery blocked my monthly prescription!

B

Bazhba1c51_

Member
A week ago, I checked the "MyGP" app. on my phone to find out when I could order more medication. On the screen shown that was not available and should contact the surgery. I was told they had sent several messages, and my phone was not working. She continued saying that since it was not my fault, they would allow me to get only half of the medication at my local pharmacy. In return, I would have to book an appointment at the surgery for a non-fasting blood test and foot, blood pressure, height and weight check.
The blood test was on Friday, 28 July 2023, at 9:45 AM, and the other tests by 10:50 AM.
After all the tests were done, I asked when they would reactivate my cancelled prescription. They told me would be sorted same day by the pharmacist. No sign of it.
They know my landline number, there is always an email to contact me but did not use them. Are they allowed to block my medication?
There is more to it, but for now, I am only interested to find out if they are entitled to behave this way.
Kind Regards
Basil Lopez
 
GPs in England have to do an annual diabetes check as part of their contract. And annual medication reviews.
Some don't manage it though.
But post the pandemic many of them are catching up on this and if you don't respond on the contact numbers they have, they are supposed to freeze the repeat prescription.

I managed to get mine to remove my landline as that meant I came home to messages and spent up to an hour in the phone queue.
 
Bazhba1c51_ said:
A week ago, I checked the "MyGP" app. on my phone to find out when I could order more medication. On the screen shown that was not available and should contact the surgery. I was told they had sent several messages, and my phone was not working. She continued saying that since it was not my fault, they would allow me to get only half of the medication at my local pharmacy. In return, I would have to book an appointment at the surgery for a non-fasting blood test and foot, blood pressure, height and weight check.
The blood test was on Friday, 28 July 2023, at 9:45 AM, and the other tests by 10:50 AM.
After all the tests were done, I asked when they would reactivate my cancelled prescription. They told me would be sorted same day by the pharmacist. No sign of it.
They know my landline number, there is always an email to contact me but did not use them. Are they allowed to block my medication?
There is more to it, but for now, I am only interested to find out if they are entitled to behave this way.
Kind Regards
Basil Lopez
Click to expand...
Must be something in the air. I had my bloods taken and a week later a 'review' with a nurse who knew little about type 1s and nothing about pump therapy. A few days ago I order my usual Libre 2 sensors on a very long running prescription - rejected. No call or message from the surgery. I call them and get told I can discuss it with another DSN on the 22nd August. 'What am I supposed to do until then?' I ask. 'Dunno really' was the answer.
 
Thank you for your reply, but I am not satisfied with it. I have to visit once or twice a year the diabetic clinic. Not related to the Surgery. I have often told them there is an issue with my phone and that they should call the landline if they can not connect. They agreed to do so, and yet...
This is an abuse of their authority at best.
They know I am type 1; I also have prostate medication. I only receive enough to use in a month. If I miss a dose, I wake up several times at night.
I use a diabetic sensor; anything that goes wrong is back to finger pricking. On several occasions, I placed the sensor on the back of the arm; such is my luck, I pulled it twice by accident. I could not get a replacement until next month. I checked a video in Germany. The man explained in detail the best places to place the sensor. I tried it over the pectoral area. I have to shave every time I replace it, but I never again had an issue and the readings are accurate. It bothers me when medical staff, who are not trained or suffering from the condition, try to lecture and patronise me about it.
Following Monday, I will contact SWEET to hear what they say about it.
You see, In the USA you can buy insulin over the counter; in Spain, there are opening private clinics, and I can have access to the medication I need.
I did not ask to have this condition, and I am not begging for the sake of it. Yet money and resources are wasted, and type 1 sufferers are told time and time again that this is our own doing.
They say people get into professions for the following reasons, either they are passionate about it or they are just in for the money.
There are good professionals out there, the key is to find them.
Once again thank you for your response
Regards
Basil Lopez
 
Sounds like several surgeries are getting confused?
If you get your prescription from them even though the Diabetic clinic does your diabetic reviews then I think all they need to do is reauthorise your insulin.
If you are struggling with that then ask to speak to the practice manager, and if that doesn't work ask your DN to intervene or go to the senior partner (mine just resolved an issue over a medication for another health condition after a locum there messed up).
 
Hopeful34 said:
Is that for type 1's managed by the hospital as well. All my diabetes care is done by the hospital, not had anything from surgery for years, and wouldn't want it re diabetes.
Click to expand...
In my humble opinion, I feel like a ping-pong ball here. From hospital to surgery and to clinic, and start all over again. They lose the blood test results or the clinician retires and someone less qualified takes over and suddenly decides to cancel appointments and back to square one at the surgery.
I read once that Essex has the best rates when it comes to providing medical supplies and care for diabetes sufferers. Should I consider myself lucky or feel sorry for the rest of the Country?
 
To
Bazhba1c51_ said:
In my humble opinion, I feel like a ping-pong ball here. From hospital to surgery and to clinic, and start all over again. They lose the blood test results or the clinician retires and someone less qualified takes over and suddenly decides to cancel appointments and back to square one at the surgery.
I read once that Essex has the best rates when it comes to providing medical supplies and care for diabetes sufferers. Should I consider myself lucky or feel sorry for the rest of the Country?
Click to expand...
I am in Suffolk and had the same problem in 2012. I wrote a formal letter to the Practice Manager and copied in the GP. Normal prescriptions were restored within less than a week. Nobody should have to do this, but when faced with a critical condition this is the only weapon we have. Good luck!
 
eventhorizon said:
Must be something in the air. I had my bloods taken and a week later a 'review' with a nurse who knew little about type 1s and nothing about pump therapy. A few days ago I order my usual Libre 2 sensors on a very long running prescription - rejected. No call or message from the surgery. I call them and get told I can discuss it with another DSN on the 22nd August. 'What am I supposed to do until then?' I ask. 'Dunno really' was the answer.
Click to expand...
The L2s.. I had this about a year ago?

The Libres were on my online prescription list, but there was no option to tick it for an order.
On phoning the surgery. A very helpful receptionist informed me that I need to contact my chemist to order them.
In my case,
They were put on (what they call) a “batch prescription” ordered direct from the chemist.
I’ve dropped in, in person to order on occasions to be told by the pharmacist, “we got them in stock now. I’ll sort the order out for you.”
 
eventhorizon said:
Must be something in the air. I had my bloods taken and a week later a 'review' with a nurse who knew little about type 1s and nothing about pump therapy. A few days ago I order my usual Libre 2 sensors on a very long running prescription - rejected. No call or message from the surgery. I call them and get told I can discuss it with another DSN on the 22nd August. 'What am I supposed to do until then?' I ask. 'Dunno really' was the answer.
Click to expand...
Don't get me started. Need to find the right person that cares for you at the right time and in the right place. I am blamed for not taking care of my diabetes. I eat better than many people I know with type 1 and 2. I have learnt to understand my body's needs better in the time I have had diabetes.
I would recommend some of these individuals catch diabetes and have a taste of their own preaching.
I was told once by a GP before I was diagnosed that in 5 years I would be dead. I can tell that years have passed and I am still here, while healthier people than me are long gone. Looking back He was not far from it. I was told time and time again I could not have this or that. Turned around months later and I get offered that and more, even if it is not what I want.
Still waiting for a pump though, maybe one day....
Hope you get it in the end. The constant finger pricking, the anxiety, it is not worth it. Ask them to get you the latest sensor available. Germany has the latest technology, we are far behind. I went for the reader instead of the app on my phone. Simple and efficient. in the meantime check lots of youtube videos to get familiar with the sensor. I placed it on my chest. Try what is best for you. Had it on the back of my arm and came off several times on handles, doors etc.
If damaged you will not get another until next month. I wish I could get a good pump or one of those that delivers insulin when required. Pens are basic and practical, but I have had enough of looking like a junkie.
Best of luck
 
Grant_Vicat said:
To

I am in Suffolk and had the same problem in 2012. I wrote a formal letter to the Practice Manager and copied in the GP. Normal prescriptions were restored within less than a week. Nobody should have to do this, but when faced with a critical condition this is the only weapon we have. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Jaylee said:
The L2s.. I had this about a year ago?

The Libres were on my online prescription list, but there was no option to tick it for an order.
On phoning the surgery. A very helpful receptionist informed me that I need to contact my chemist to order them.
In my case,
They were put on (what they call) a “batch prescription” ordered direct from the chemist.
I’ve dropped in, in person to order on occasions to be told by the pharmacist, “we got them in stock now. I’ll sort the order out for you.”
Click to expand...
My diabetic nurse told me I would have to sign an agreement, send it to her and register with LIBRE. A bit of red tape but got it in the end,
Whereas my GP kept waging the dog around full of excuses.
 
Jaylee said:
The L2s.. I had this about a year ago?

The Libres were on my online prescription list, but there was no option to tick it for an order.
On phoning the surgery. A very helpful receptionist informed me that I need to contact my chemist to order them.
In my case,
They were put on (what they call) a “batch prescription” ordered direct from the chemist.
I’ve dropped in, in person to order on occasions to be told by the pharmacist, “we got them in stock now. I’ll sort the order out for you.”
Click to expand...
There was a time when nobody talked about carb reduction; nurses did not flinch when mentioned. I took the matter into my own hands, and for the last two years, I have had the best readings with the minimum amount of insulin.
For personal reasons, I am back eating carbs; the latest nurse told me to use a food bank. I have great respect for people with no option but to use the service, but just checking the labels makes me cringe. It is not just the carbs; it's what's hidden and what worsens inflammation.
Personally, Diabetes is the worst of cancers; it shuts down slowly all your vitals and before we know it is too late.
When GPs tell me, "1 question-1 answer", I reply: I do not have the luxury of time you are preaching. If I close my eyes tonight, tomorrow, I may be gone. So Full of free advice when sitting behind a desk and a PC monitor!
Ignorance is not bliss, personal education is paramount, and I am learning not to rely on those who believe they know my mind and body better than myself.
 
Bazhba1c51_ said:
My diabetic nurse told me I would have to sign an agreement, send it to her and register with LIBRE. A bit of red tape but got it in the end,
Whereas my GP kept waging the dog around full of excuses.
Click to expand...
I’d been self funding for 2 years. GP was up for it. But it was down to my endo to prescribe.
After a year of hassling my endo. He agreed & sent a letter to my GP. “Be a good fellow” in tone (I was CC’d in.) “& put it on script.”

I’ve not needed to sign anything.. You would need to set up a “Librelink” account on installing the app to phone as a matter of course, which can be shared with HCPs on libreview. But you would need to be sent an “invite” by email from your nurse & accept for them to view the data..
 
Bazhba1c51_ said:
There was a time when nobody talked about carb reduction; nurses did not flinch when mentioned. I took the matter into my own hands, and for the last two years, I have had the best readings with the minimum amount of insulin.
For personal reasons, I am back eating carbs; the latest nurse told me to use a food bank. I have great respect for people with no option but to use the service, but just checking the labels makes me cringe. It is not just the carbs; it's what's hidden and what worsens inflammation.
Personally, Diabetes is the worst of cancers; it shuts down slowly all your vitals and before we know it is too late.
When GPs tell me, "1 question-1 answer", I reply: I do not have the luxury of time you are preaching. If I close my eyes tonight, tomorrow, I may be gone. So Full of free advice when sitting behind a desk and a PC monitor!
Ignorance is not bliss, personal education is paramount, and I am learning not to rely on those who believe they know my mind and body better than myself.
Click to expand...
Hi,

Just spotted this as I was posting.

I’m sorry to read you may not be in a fair financial position right now.
I’ve seen the “tide” turn, myself…

I also agree that your diabetes is yours & visa versa. (Mine is mine.)

I seem to get consistent decent BGs when gigging. (I front a band.) I spoke to another T1 at one venue at the end of the night. (My Libre got spotted.) She told me her gigs sent her high? Maybe I’m just more comfortable with crowds. (No liver dump from “stage fright.?”)

When I mentioned this to my nurse. She responded, “give up the day job & do music full time..”
I get your sentiment.

Keep talking to us. Best wishes.
 
On L2 and 3 supplies.
If you are under the care of a specialist diabetic clinic and consultant who will authorise the sensors they will set up an automated supply with Abbot. They then supply 3 months sensors in advance. If you are T1 you should be cared for by a specialist clinic. I was only referred to such a clinic end of last year and I have been T1 for 48 years. Although we have a National Health Service there are alarming regional variations in delivery. If you are being misled or ignored use all the means you can.....MP ( or in Wales MS or Scotland MSP.), CAB, local Diabetes UK branch, Chief Exec of health board or Trust etc to help. Also consider that sometimes the experiences related here are down to incompetence and or disinterest by GP's or their staff and you have fight through that. Be assertive.
 
They do this for Dexcom in my area, but not for Libre, which had to be ordered from the gp. Originally the hospital ordered Libre and we had to collect them from the hospital, but then it was changed to the gp, as the hospital hadn't the staff to do it.
 
honeybunny1 said:
On L2 and 3 supplies.
If you are under the care of a specialist diabetic clinic and consultant who will authorise the sensors they will set up an automated supply with Abbot. They then supply 3 months sensors in advance. If you are T1 you should be cared for by a specialist clinic. I was only referred to such a clinic end of last year and I have been T1 for 48 years. Although we have a National Health Service there are alarming regional variations in delivery. If you are being misled or ignored use all the means you can.....MP ( or in Wales MS or Scotland MSP.), CAB, local Diabetes UK branch, Chief Exec of health board or Trust etc to help. Also consider that sometimes the experiences related here are down to incompetence and or disinterest by GP's or their staff and you have fight through that. Be assertive.
Click to expand...
Hi,

I think I’ve heard of this. Are the supplies sent by post? (Or currier.)
 
ElenaP said:
I am sorry, but your are mistaken if you think that injecting insulin makes you look like a junkie.
Click to expand...
This depends on the era diagnosed? I started on glass syringes in 1976. By the time I was at college I was using the generic plastic syringes.
I was spotted injecting. Got a “rep” as a “junky.” It was my leg, not a vein...?
 
Jaylee said:
Hi,

I think I’ve heard of this. Are the supplies sent by post? (Or currier.)
Click to expand...
In my experience, I only got a supply every month, two sensors. Once the nurse approved the paperwork, She notified the GP, and I registered with the Abbott website. They sent me a reader free of charge, and although I was supposed to get a free sensor, it never happened.
I can subscribe to them to get additional sensors for a monthly fee.
They sent me a dummy sensor to get a feel for my skin by post. If you have any questions, email or phone, they are very supportive, and the website gives you plenty of answers. I would order a supply from them if money is not an issue. Pharmacists can get low stock or late deliveries, and GP orders can get erratic. Sensors can get faulty from time to time. Abbott can send you one free if the sensor is not working.
 
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