Hi everyone. I live in West Wales and was finally diagnosed with type 2 back in January of 2017 with an HBa1c of 70. I was sent home with a low dose Metformin prescription and a leaflet showing me what to eat.
I must say I was a more than a little confused at this stage, as I already ate a well balanced diet and the leaflet they gave me only confirmed that. Having been told that I had likely been diabetic for a couple of years, I was already suffering with the added problems of neuropathy and retinopathy, and of course the usual suspects, such chronic fatigue, aches and pains, sleep disorders, etc; etc;
After complaining to my GP on several occasions about the metformin upsetting me, she referred me to the diabetic nurse for a chat. She then referred me to the 'specialist practitioner' at the surgery. A mild mannered man with virtually no people skills and even less interest in my personal issues. He reluctantly changed my meds to Gliclazide and sent me back to the nurse, who then issued me with a BG meter along with a very basic tutorial on how to use it. [basically, she hadn't got a clue either] "Only use it now and then" she said. "The strips are expensive and you'll end up like a pin cushion." I was also told that I would still have to see the other GP about my depression, and all she wanted to do was double my anti-mad pills. I thought that depression and diabetes were inextricably linked?
I managed quite well with the gliclazide for a few months, until I experienced several Hypo's in quick succession, at which point and with an HBa1c of 55, my GP told me to come off all meds, as I didn't need them any more.
Thanks Doc. That lasted all of 3 days, before I was in a terrible state and had to go back. He then prescribed a low dose Pioglitazone, which seemed ok for a while until my symptoms got worse over time and my HBa1c had risen to 60, and my depression was unbearable. It was clear that he had under prescribed the dosage. At this point [ I ] suggested that we double the dose and that [ I ] start monitoring myself more regularly.
Since then I have been testing myself up to 6 times a day, and now I have a good set of results to start working on. I managed to blag some more pills and upped my dosage as my BG was still over 10 average. This is not working either and now I'm stuck. I do not trust the practise, yet I still need their help. I hear of many diabetics who have a designated specialist, who monitors new patients closely and works with them until they find their feet and can cope on their own.
I feel let down by my Doctors surgery. Are they all like this in Wales??
I must say I was a more than a little confused at this stage, as I already ate a well balanced diet and the leaflet they gave me only confirmed that. Having been told that I had likely been diabetic for a couple of years, I was already suffering with the added problems of neuropathy and retinopathy, and of course the usual suspects, such chronic fatigue, aches and pains, sleep disorders, etc; etc;
After complaining to my GP on several occasions about the metformin upsetting me, she referred me to the diabetic nurse for a chat. She then referred me to the 'specialist practitioner' at the surgery. A mild mannered man with virtually no people skills and even less interest in my personal issues. He reluctantly changed my meds to Gliclazide and sent me back to the nurse, who then issued me with a BG meter along with a very basic tutorial on how to use it. [basically, she hadn't got a clue either] "Only use it now and then" she said. "The strips are expensive and you'll end up like a pin cushion." I was also told that I would still have to see the other GP about my depression, and all she wanted to do was double my anti-mad pills. I thought that depression and diabetes were inextricably linked?
I managed quite well with the gliclazide for a few months, until I experienced several Hypo's in quick succession, at which point and with an HBa1c of 55, my GP told me to come off all meds, as I didn't need them any more.
Thanks Doc. That lasted all of 3 days, before I was in a terrible state and had to go back. He then prescribed a low dose Pioglitazone, which seemed ok for a while until my symptoms got worse over time and my HBa1c had risen to 60, and my depression was unbearable. It was clear that he had under prescribed the dosage. At this point [ I ] suggested that we double the dose and that [ I ] start monitoring myself more regularly.
Since then I have been testing myself up to 6 times a day, and now I have a good set of results to start working on. I managed to blag some more pills and upped my dosage as my BG was still over 10 average. This is not working either and now I'm stuck. I do not trust the practise, yet I still need their help. I hear of many diabetics who have a designated specialist, who monitors new patients closely and works with them until they find their feet and can cope on their own.
I feel let down by my Doctors surgery. Are they all like this in Wales??
