"Best" things doctors have said to you

[RAPS_od]

Nurse at the retinopathy clinic after I'd just received the first letter ever saying I had background retinopathy in one eye looking through machine at my eyes.

My parents were told the 10 year cure thing when I was diagnosed in 1983..... When my friend's brother was diagnosed in 1997 she said to me "it's ok they've said there'll be a cure in 10 years". I didn't have the heart to point out they were already 4 years over on that estimate with me. Whenever I see chuggers at stations trying to raise money for cures for diabetes usually with claims of 10 years I get very very angry and have to give them a wide berth to prevent launching into a diatribe that this is a big lie. IMHO I'm not sure there ever will be a cure because diabetes medication has become such big business it's not in the drug companies' interest to have one. That's my cynical view after 32 years of type 1.

I was told a cure was "just around the corner" in 1968. It must be a long **** block!

 

[RAPS_od]

I had my yearly check last week and was told that my insulin control is too tight and that I need to relax my control

Oh. My. God.

 

[CarbsRok]

Similar to the conversation that was had when I went in to hospital as a thirteen year old. On arrival, they took my bloods and the consultant said "How are you still conscious?"

Bit like the surgeon who did my op a few weeks back he came into me and asked what operation he was doing on me

My reply was, if he didn't know what was he or I doing here.

 

[Eldorado]

To Dazza1984
I don't understand. If I had an itchy eye that I thought seemed infected, I would go and see my GP, not the optician!

 

[Musicalheather]

I was diagnosed with t1 at the beginning of July this year and I have to say that since being diagnosed I've realised just how idiotic my gp doctors are! Before being diagnosed, I saw 3 different doctors (I found out I was diabetic as I lost my sight suddenly for an entire week and wanted someone to tell me why and to fix me!) and every single one told me that they didn't know what could have caused it, but that I definitely was not diabetic! Lol. I then got sent of for a blood test to look at my vitamin d levels as requested by my doctor to then find that they hadn't tested for it at all and when I queried this with the doctor he said "why on earth would we test for that at this time of year" not like it was HIS idea or anything?! And last but not least my original diabetic nurse was lovely, I only had her for about 2 weeks and then she left the day that they started me on background insulin. I have been waiting ever since for them to replace her with another 'specialist' diabetic nurse .... Who I saw last week. I was so excited to finally have someone who would know what they were talking about and who would be able to answer all my questions (because honestly I've pretty much been left to my own devices with no support) and the first thing out of her mouth was ..... 'I don't really know anything about t1 diabetes... All my patients are t2' it was a head in hands moment!

So any advice is welcome! Xx

 

[dancer]

I was diagnosed with t1 at the beginning of July this year and I have to say that since being diagnosed I've realised just how idiotic my gp doctors are! Before being diagnosed, I saw 3 different doctors (I found out I was diabetic as I lost my sight suddenly for an entire week and wanted someone to tell me why and to fix me!) and every single one told me that they didn't know what could have caused it, but that I definitely was not diabetic! Lol. I then got sent of for a blood test to look at my vitamin d levels as requested by my doctor to then find that they hadn't tested for it at all and when I queried this with the doctor he said "why on earth would we test for that at this time of year" not like it was HIS idea or anything?! And last but not least my original diabetic nurse was lovely, I only had her for about 2 weeks and then she left the day that they started me on background insulin. I have been waiting ever since for them to replace her with another 'specialist' diabetic nurse .... Who I saw last week. I was so excited to finally have someone who would know what they were talking about and who would be able to answer all my questions (because honestly I've pretty much been left to my own devices with no support) and the first thing out of her mouth was ..... 'I don't really know anything about t1 diabetes... All my patients are t2' it was a head in hands moment!

So any advice is welcome! Xx

You should ask to be referred to a hospital consultant where your care should be much better.

 

[Musicalheather]

Can you do that!? I didn't realise that you could request seeing a consultant? How would I go about doing that?

 

[dancer]

Some people are happy with their GP looking after their diabetes but, as Type 1, you have the right to attend a hospital diabetic clinic. I presume most GPs automatically refer Type 1 patients but others ask to be referred so they can get specialist help. You are obviously not getting that help, so just ask your GP.

I could be wrong but I believe @noblehead has a note of our rights which he could forward to you.

 

[Musicalheather]

Oh ok, I had no idea that I just had to ask! I just assumed that as a patient I wasn't allowed to request seeing someone other than who they provided. Thank you

 

[RAPS_od]

Oh ok, I had no idea that I just had to ask! I just assumed that as a patient I wasn't allowed to request seeing someone other than who they provided. Thank you

I know things are different in the US, but shouldn't anyone be able to request a different doctor if the one you're seeing says they know nothing about your condition?

 

[noblehead]

I could be wrong but I believe @noblehead has a note of our rights which he could forward to you.

Unfortunately I don't @dancer.

 

[CarbsRok]

Oh ok, I had no idea that I just had to ask! I just assumed that as a patient I wasn't allowed to request seeing someone other than who they provided. Thank you

You are entitled to a second opinion, your GP should provide this on request. If none forthcoming then request a written explanation as to why not. It's your life and health not his.

 

[tigger]

I believe you can refer yourself into a lot of services under Choose & Book. I've personally never done this as I've either got my GP to refer me or my diabetic consultant.

 

[noblehead]

I believe you can refer yourself into a lot of services under Choose & Book. I've personally never done this as I've either got my GP to refer me or my diabetic consultant.

Not sure you can refer yourself to Choose & Book, thought only a Dr could do this?

 

[tigger]

You might be right. I do know though that you can ring up clinics and ask how to be referred to them. They will then tell you if you need a GP referral.

The reason a GP may keep you is because they get more money from saying they are treating you. Do bear this in mindThe reason a GP may keep you is because they get more money from saying they are treating you. Do bear this in mind.

 

[DonnaC-T]

I had my yearly check last week and was told that my insulin control is too tight and that I need to relax my control

Yep I've been told that too :/ x

 

[Mrs Vimes]

Yep I've been told that too :/ x

Yep, and I test too much.

 

[Chook]

Yep, and I test too much.

I've been told that too.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Oh ok, I had no idea that I just had to ask! I just assumed that as a patient I wasn't allowed to request seeing someone other than who they provided. Thank you

Always ask questions and write them down before you see your GP. Medical professionals are just ordinary people, but with qualifications. I am not proud and will talk to anyone, from the nice street litter picker to a managing director ( or having a falling out with a consultant and a doctor in hospital and I won )
Take care, in time it will get a a little easier for you, with knowledge, confidence. and experience
Best wishes RRB

 

[charleym]

Whilst seeing a GP about a diabetes related issue 3 months after diagnosis of type 1:

Me: Can I also get a prescription for more testing strips
GP: How often are you testing?
Me: About 4-6 times a day
GP: That's too much, you've been diagnosed for 3 months now, why are you so pre-occupied with checking?
Me: Maybe I'll test less in the future but I've been asked to check it at every meal and I'm having 2-3 hypos a day still
GP: Well after 3 months you should know what's happening without testing. I'll give you a prescription now, but just because you get free prescriptions doesn't mean these don't cost money. You need to start taking this seriously, if you'd done so you wouldn't need to test by now.

I was so upset I drove all the way home with me handbrake on. Thankfully the next GP I saw wrote an angry email to this one telling her she was wrong and not to say this to anyone else.