Why do you go to your diabetic clinic ?

[paul1873]

Hi

I think from some personal experience I’ve doubted the benefits of visiting a diabetic clinic. No doubt I’m just getting grumpy but having lived with diabetes for some time I find it hard to take advice from people that learn out of a text book and look half my age. I’d like to change this opinion. I’d be interested in anyone’s thoughts on the benefits they receive.

How often do you visit the clinic?

Also, since you’ve been diagnosed have you thought the advice changes often? Has it recently?

Paul

 

[Ardbeg]

As a newbie to all this I'm in "sponge" mode; absorbing as much info as I can.

Whether this enthusiasm for all things diabetic related remains at a peak is debatable.

As a grumpy middle aged man who thinks that policemen today are too young AND too short and also that my MP doesn't even look old enough to shave; I suspect I will end up treating clinic visits like you do Paul.............eventually.

Having recently gone through a mid life crisis (my wife is SO glad I didn't buy a Harley and start wearing leather trousers) I've become very philosphical about life (probably I'm just a boring old fart now) and believe that the old saying "nothing is certain but death and taxes" is fundamentally wrong.

What it should say is "nothing is certain but death, taxes and CHANGE"

In this respect I do fully expect the advice I'm given to alter over the coming months and years depending on a large number of factors (some outwith my control) such as the ability of the person "advising me", the contents and findings of the several books I intend reading, advances in medical science, feedback from various people on this forum and most of all - how I feel my condition is improving.

Bit of a cliche to end, but I suspect keeping your diabetes under control is a journey, not a destination.

But hey...........what the hell do I know. :wink:

 

[shirleymarye]

I go every 3 months when they send me an appointment,my blood sugars were up and down like a yoyo before ! I will be 71 this month and I also get fed up with them telling me the same things every time, what to eat and exercise more,it get's more difficult with a gammy knee ! Now I have adopted low carbing so they will be in for a surprise next time I go ! I have now lost some weight and my blood sugars have come down and I want them to lower my medication. It's going to be so funny when they check me out! They aren't always right !

 

[totsy]

i go to the clinic at my drs surgery every 6 mnths,
i had a lovely nurse whos husband is type 1 so thats good, sadly last time i had a new one who was learning about diabetes which was quite offputting, if i was having problems i would see about going back to the hospital

 

[Celtic.Piskie]

Because they've spent a lot more time studying in medical school than I have.
They get all the updates on treatment, cures, and they talk to a lot of diabetics who may have some useful tips for me.
Life never stays the same. Our bodies are constantly changing, as our requirements.

I go to the clinic because if I didn't, I'd never have found out about bolus/basal therapy. I'd never have found out and tried a pump, (so not for me).
I'd never have heard about the new and interesting therapies they're trying, or had a great dietician to help me with my diet.

What have you got to loose, maybe two hours? You could find out a whole load of great information that could help you. But you won't if you go in with that attitude.
They've spent years at medical school, been to many, many courses / lectures, and -shock- they're young. So what?
When was the last time you went to medical school?

Your loss if you don't go, your gain if you do.

 

[cugila]

Because that is where I get the best treatment.

I go to my local Diabetic Clinic normally every 3 months to see my Endo. He is a great man who is always open and receptive to MY ideas as well as being VERY knowledgable about ALL things Diabetes. As it should be. I have his mobile number and am able to phone him for advice etc whenever I need to. Within reason of course. He is also one of the real experts I can turn to if I have had a question asked on here which I don't have an answer for. He even lets me borrow text books if I want, from his library. This man is a gem........I have nothing but the highest praise for him.

My Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) is fantastic. I see her usually every 2 months although just lately the appointments are more frequent due to a non Diabetes related drug messing up all my Bg readings. Gone from 98% readings on target to 39% on target. :shock: A HUGE difference. I have her mobile number too and she is contactable as with the Endo. I can phone, e-mail or even drop in and get help and advice when needed, something everybody should be able to do. She too is VERY knowledgeable and is also willing to listen to what I want, not just dish out instructions.

They know that I have reduced my carbs quite dramatically from what I used to eat and were very supportive of MY approach. They didn't pressure me to 'eat plenty of starchy carbs etc.' I was able to do what I wanted. Mind you I tend to lead the way in MY treatment. They can see it's working and I appreciate their help and support.

As for people getting information from a textbook, well they all have to start somewhere and even my fantastic duo started off reading textbooks. I would expect them to be reading many as they strive to keep up to date in the latest treatments and advances with Diabetes. They back it up with superb Clinical knowledge and judgement, experience and yes, that information gleaned from textbooks.

They are both much younger than me, That has no bearing on anything. Everybody is much younger than me. I have met elderly 'experts' who frankly talk a load of rubbish, mainly because they are blinkered and stuck in a time zone....the past ! So, give me a keen fresh faced youngster who knows what is the latest and best treatments any day. I want to be dealt with by those who know what they are talking about. Older and wiser is NOT always best, sometimes it is older and stupider.

I take people and experts as I find them. I am also my OWN expert so nobody gets to tell me something which is questionable, to say the least. My own GP and Practice Nurse both admit my knowledge of Diabetes and it's treatments are better than theirs, now I am still learning, so that says a lot for GP/PN knowledge and training ! You have to be your own Doc....so read everything you can lay your hands on and don't be afraid to take advice from those who aren't real experts, but DO know what they are talking about, from their own experiences.

If somebody tells me something which I know is wrong I challenge them. Why should they get away with giving people the wrong information, sometimes dangerous information. So if you see me having a go at somebody, it's because I don't want anybody to make the same mistakes as I did over the last 11/12 years. Mind you if I hadn't made those mistakes I probably would never have ended up on this fabulous forum, this website which is the best on the internet. I promote this website wherever and whenever I can. So should we all.

Both Endo and DSN work together as a brilliant team. I know that my treatment isn't the 'norm'. There are many who never get to see an Endo, many who have never heard of one, whose only Diabetic Specialist is a Practice nurse or a GP with interests in Diabetes. Everybody should get the same sort of treatment as I do. It should be everybody's right. It can be a lifesaver.

 

[Fujifilm]

My diabetic clinic used to be excellent, I would go get my feet, eyes, Bloods etc all done in one appointment.

Now since the idiot Blair and Brown ruined the NHS I have to have seperate appointments for everything what used to take an hour now takes a week.

Still the facilities are still there so I am grateful for that.

 

[kegstore]

Because they've spent a lot more time studying in medical school than I have.
They get all the updates on treatment, cures, and they talk to a lot of diabetics who may have some useful tips for me.
Life never stays the same. Our bodies are constantly changing, as our requirements.

I go to the clinic because if I didn't, I'd never have found out about bolus/basal therapy. I'd never have found out and tried a pump, (so not for me).
I'd never have heard about the new and interesting therapies they're trying, or had a great dietician to help me with my diet.

What have you got to loose, maybe two hours? You could find out a whole load of great information that could help you. But you won't if you go in with that attitude.
They've spent years at medical school, been to many, many courses / lectures, and -shock- they're young. So what?
When was the last time you went to medical school?

Your loss if you don't go, your gain if you do.

Ditto.

Also, I have a superb team, and just because I have been diabetic for 27 years doesn't mean I know everything there is to know about it - working at the cliff-face can often make it difficult to see the big picture.

In my cynical younger days, the only reason I would ever attend was on the rare occasions I needed something specific, like my driving licence renewed. How stupid was that? :roll:

 

[noblehead]

My diabetes care team is in my doctors surgery, I much prefered it when I use to attend the diabetes clinic in the local infirmary, I nontheless keep my appointments so that I can get the latest results of my hba1c and cholesterol, blood pressure check, which are important factors in good diabetes control.

Regards

Nigel

 

[RebeccaSmith]

I go every three months and am under the pead section - I just haven't got round to asking for a refferal, and seeing as i'm still in the honeymoon phase, would rather wait until I get kicked out, as my diabetic lead is only a phone call away and i'm not entirely sure that the adult sector provides the same help services.
I go bluntly because I want to be on top of my condition and control it to my fullest ability and I think that refusing free healthcare for a pretty serious, degrading illness would be beyond stupid, unless the health care provisions are insufficient (my NHS hospital - North Hampshire Hospital is pretty **** good in my opinion).
I have also recently noticed that i'm almost fast tracked...i've been feeling ill all the time lately, had numerous blood tests at the GPs, and when I went to my diabetes clinic, they instantly did more thorough blood tests and other samples. These have come back clear and i've now been offered further testing...testing which I probably wouldn't be offered by the GP, seeing as i've seen about 7 different Dr's now and have repeatedly been told 'it's a virus' (that is a dr's favourite saying I think)...
I do however, very much agree that the consultant has learnt everything from a text book, and I personally would much perfer to have a consultant who actually has the condition - like my diabetic lead has. The nutritionalist is also very little help. She basically says 'do not eat chocolate or you will die.' Saying that to a newly diagnosed 17 year old who used to eat sweets for dinner will not make you a favourable person. I think that professionals need to understand to give and take - to offer help and take first hand experiences of the patient away with them. That nutritionalist should tell me what to do when I eat, not just simply not to eat it, because clearly that is unrealistic, but I feel that with more first hand experience, she'd have known to say that chocolate is okay if you adjust your insulin.

 

[suffolkboi61]

I cant comment of this subject as I have not been to a clinic yet, I do have to go to my local hospital on the 13th for an eye exam, something about the retina?

 

[RebeccaSmith]

I cant comment of this subject as I have not been to a clinic yet, I do have to go to my local hospital on the 13th for an eye exame, something about the retina?

Retinal eye checks look for burst blood vessels due to consitantly high blood sugar levels and indications of retinal neuropathy, if I am informed correctly. It's a common test and specsavers even offers it for free as part of their eye examinations now. It's just a big picture of the back of the eye, and when I had mine done I was able to look at it on the internet

 

[Ardbeg]

I have an eye condition called iritis; which I'm sure the doctor told me was essentially arthritis of the eye.

Is this a common illness among diabetics?

 

[jameshallam]

I am going to see a consultant at the hospital where I was diagnosed next Monday (I was diagnosed in October). Just wondering when i should ask for the next appointment... 1 month - 1 year? Do most people go every 3 or 6 months?

Also what is an endo, what do they do that is different to a normal doctor/nurse?

 

[cugila]

I am going to see a consultant at the hospital where I was diagnosed next Monday (I was diagnosed in October). Just wondering when i should ask for the next appointment... 1 month - 1 year? Do most people go every 3 or 6 months?
At your stage of treatment you really need to be seen at least every 3 - 6 months.
Also what is an endo, what do they do that is different to a normal doctor/nurse?

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor. Endocrinologists diagnose diseases that affect your glands. They know how to treat conditions that are often complex and involve many systems within your body. Your primary care doctor (GP) refers you to an endocrinologist when you have a problem with your endocrine system.

Endocrinologists finish four years of medical school and then spend three or four years in an internship and residency program. These specialty programs cover internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology. They spend two or three more years learning how to diagnose and treat hormone conditions. Overall, an endocrinologist's training will take more than 10 years.

Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system. They take care of many conditions including:
•diabetes
•thyroid diseases
•metabolic disorders
•over or under production of hormones
•menopause
•osteoporosis
•hypertension
•cholesterol (lipid) disorders
•infertility
•lack of growth (short stature)
•cancers of the endocrine glands

 

[badmedisin]

I go to the clinic cos they send me appointments!

I used to have a really great consultant but he retired. Boo. So then I saw a succession of randomers before being assigned to the most horrible woman I've ever met. She shouted at me for being on the contraceptive injection and had a huge tantrum when I said I didn't want an insulin pump. Then she wrote to my GP to say I was depressed, which I wasn't (til I met her anyway!). Everyone who has met this doctor (including other doctors and nurses) thinks she's vile, and I know people who have stopped going to the hospital because she made them feel so awful. I complained about her rudeness and their excuse was "it's because she's from the eastern bloc". OK then.

The diabetes nurses, on the other hand, have always been brilliant. They're always helpful and nice and seem much more up to date than the consultants. For example, the nurses have told me that advice on injection sites has changed since what I was told in 1987, the consultants never mention injection sites. And the nurse has recently told me that lantus doses should be approximately one unit per hour, so around 24 units a day. My consultant has never mentioned this and regularly increases my dose until I was on over 40 units a day. And the consultant has never mentioned DAFNE, and when I brought it up she just said it wasn't available in this area. So I asked the nurse and he's got me onto a course run by the neighbouring PCT.

So I guess it depends on your hospital, but I find that if you want results you need to ask the nurse!

What I really want to know is how you get other makes of doctor to investigate my symptoms like they would for a non diabetic, not just say it's diabetes related and tell me I need better control. As far as I know it is actually possible to have other conditions as well as diabetes...

Sorry, rant over! Am just frustrated as I'm currently averaging about 4 different specialists a month and nobody is doing anything about anything.

 

[Poppetchops]

I have been type 1 for 28 years (now 39) always find that I get on better with one or two people getting to know me and my diabetes rather than attending clinics. This has never worked for me despite having moved around the country several times. Luckily I now see the nurse at my GP surgery who has got to know me and my diabetes related problems. She doesn't generalise either and makes me feel like a person, not a processed item!

 

[lilibet]

Ive been dx for just over a year, and have been to clinic to see (different) endos 5 times
I saw my DNS regularly for first few weeks, then phone calls

I also called them when I wanted to change to basal bolus and I then called them and came in again to discuss my first two weeks on b/b

At my last appt (and the previous) Endos very clear they dont think they can do much to help what they see as good management, but TBH I like to see them as they have taken thryoid, cortisol etc at my request and could be handy for me in future!

I need, and prefer them to do my hba1c, cholesterol etc and feel comfortable enough to call my DNS when I want (which i dont tend to) so thats why I go

Its likely that my appts will diminish as time goes on, given my control,All hba1cs barring diagnosis have been in 5' s and this will be my first 'true' b/b in March so will see then no doubt

 

[dinosaur]

i am at health center in essex.

its a new multi practise clinic.

when i see my diabetic nurse , she is very good , knowledgable and tells you all your test results, how you are doing, does your checks , asks you to come back in a fortnight when she changes your medication to check if that is working and if not she will up it or lower it or raise it every 2 weeks until both me and her are satisfied

when she is not there you get a doctor, the session basically lasts less than 1 minute with him reading your results to you from the computer screen without even klooking at you and then saying goodbye, he was so quick last time , barley had i even sat down, he said my 1ac results were ok, goodbye, about 30 secs later , he was so quick he never even gave me the form for my next 1 ac, and for this i had to rush home from work to make sure i was on time.

in future if the diabetic nurse is on holiday, i will just postpone any appointment with the doctors.

 

[psft001]

Sounds like some of you guys have a good clinic with excellent staff. Unfortunately mine is not so good and the staff somewhat indifferent so I tend to skip my appointments every so often (should be every 3 months) but than goodness for forums like this - at least I can get good practical advice when I need it.

Keep up the good work one and all