Sadistic DSN

DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Does anyone else have problems at times with their diabetes team support? My DSN told me to cut in half what I was eating when I eat like a sparrow anyway! She doesn't seem to believe my side effects, nor has she offered me any alternative short acting insulin to replace the Victoza injectable drug which is causing me the side effects. It feels like she's enjoying my suffering; getting very angry and upset with her on the phone she told me sarcastically that she was looking forward to seeing me again -- I sure as hell am not looking forward to seeing her! Talk about my BP and BG rising through stress.

Sorry, needed to rant.


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DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
I dont eat that many carbs as it is - thiugh could increase veg and salad. I really don't think anyone understands how some drugs interract with my body. Currently I have:-

Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema
IBS
Osteoporosis

And currently on antibios for a kidney infection since starting that drug Victoza. It is contra-indicated for someone with any underlying renal problems and I'm wondering that I should have been given it at all. The side effects are horrific! You try living with bowel incontinence at age 48!

Please, don't state the obvious and treat me like I'm an ignorant abuser of my own body. I do eat as 'diabetically well' as I can. Your post has not helped. Support is what I'm after on this forum.
 

jack412

Expert
Messages
5,618
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
it sounds like you need a Dr or specialist instead of the dsn, to work out your health issues and Victoza reaction, can you get a referral to the hospital diabetic unit?
sorry if my post came over as flippant, it wasn't intended as such
 
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Crimsonclient

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,080
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Is there a diabetic clinic at your local hospital, if there is give them a call and ask if you can call in to see them, when there they should be able to help and try getting referred to a diabetes consultant, it sounds like you are really having a rough time with it, I have similar experience with my dsn she is the spawn of the devil. But because I have been referred to the clinic I don't have much to do with her


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.
 
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DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
The dsn is the one attached to the hospital clinic. Yes, I agree, but they just brush over everything and tell me ultimately it's my choice. No attempt is currently being made to offer me a solution with a new second insulin -- this is what makes me most angry. Why the hell do we go and see these people and hand our blood and urine over to them for their benefit in terms of research and stats -- they do not help me. I have found out way more helpful information on this forum than in the consultant's clinic.
 

Crimsonclient

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,080
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Sorry to hear that, I don't know what to suggest about the dsn. However with the Victoza I had a lot of problems when I first started on it and when I spoke to the clinic they said to take the Victoza just before I went to bed and it helped a lot with side effects. I'm not saying it will help you but it helped me


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.
 
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DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Actually that is what I did too and it did help. The thing is, it slows your gut motility, so when you have IBS problems which go from one extreme to the other, it is wreaking havoc with my life. On top of that I get this weird 'menthol ' feeling like I've swallowed toothpaste in my oesophagus and stomach. And the nausea prevents me eating at all. A diet of 2 rivita and a bowl of Tesco soup is not enough nutrition. And I think stress is playing a huge part in keeping my sugars high. The stress of dealing with the medics ...
 

Crimsonclient

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,080
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
I'm not sure about the nausea side of things but Victoza is designed to suppress appetite and if you don't eat much it make me wonder if you may be on the wrong medication BUT I am not a hcp so I can't advise you in that way


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, Simvistatin.
 

Mud Island Dweller

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,161
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
An awful lot.
Put an offical complaint in and follow through may need to push. Contact PALS at the hospital. Eating is not l would say the first problem is the witch.
If you want to help yourself you need to attack a bully head on and make sure in the complaint you stress how abusive she is and use that word and bullying...it sets the alarm bells off and should push you up the que to get dealt with.
Dealt with cretins many times over my parents appaling care and learnt how to word complaints.
 
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))Denise((

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,580
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Could you ask your GP for a referral to a different hospital? I know in some areas it is a long way to another hospital but I think I would be willing to travel to get a second opinion and to get away from that dsn.

What sort of investigations have you had for your IBS? I have IBS-D when I eat wheat, but I diagnosed this myself. A food diary may help with this.
 
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DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
It maybe wheat -or lactose. Though I have maybe one slice wholemeal bread or 2rivita per day. Maybe I need all food allergies and intolerances checked. Can u get this on NHS?

I have seen a gastro-ent consultant privately a few years ago. He did tests and discovered I do have a weakening of the muscle tone in the lower intestines/anal/rectal area. Stool v slow to pass (can easily go a week!) even before the Victoza nightmare.

Antibios are renowned for causing IBS problems too. Am hoping and praying that I can manage to get through the week without ending up in hospital from malnutrition with my daughter starting GCSEs next week.
 

jack412

Expert
Messages
5,618
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
have you tried just meat and fat/oils for calories, till you see the Dr. normal serve of meat with fat and a tablespoon of butter. it should have minimal effect on IBS

there are some here that I have read that had IBS success with LCHF
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
 
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donnellysdogs

Master
Messages
13,233
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
People that can't listen to other people's opinions.
People that can't say sorry.
Have you spoken to your GP about getting your problems with bowels confirmed with a definitive diagnosis?

I asked my GP to see a gastro person about this, but also said I was willing to pay privately (£180). GP recommneded a couple of gastro people. I looked up all Private gastro's and found the one that I preferred and then got an appt. I had all the time in the world with this Gastro consultant by paying privately. He then put me back through the NHS system for all the explorations....

He would have transferred me to a London Hospital and the top specialist in the Country If my problems had continued....

All I am saying is that it may be a different tactic to getting your DSN to listen. After explaining to a gastro person, he could well instigate a letter to your Diabetic Consultant and GP to change your meds because of the side effects...

The other thing that may also help is to tell your DSN tbat you have reported side effects of drugs and has she taken you seriously enough to report these side effects to the MHRA and if not.. Why not? And ask for a fuller explanation as to why she hasnt....

Lastly do you take another person with you to your appts? I think this would be good if they knew just how poorly you are with your stomach and meds. Personally if I am unhappy I always brief my hubby before an appt where I think I may have hassle and he comes with me....I do this with GP's.

Putring in a complaint to PALS is not to be frowned upon. I had to put in a complaint recently direct to my Practice Manager About incorrect advice passed from GP to Receptionist to telephone me with. I spoke to the GP twice by phone and got apologies for the incorrect advice and assurances in the future that this would not happen again. My GP is fine with me since and has given us both a bit more understanding...

You should not have to struggle like this, but you can find a different route to get people to listen...

I wish you luck.. But more so .. Courage to think of different options available to you to take.

Lots of good ideas here...


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Daibell

Master
Messages
12,642
Type of diabetes
LADA
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Insulin
Hi. I can't comment on your wider medical conditions, but Victoza is normally prescribed for those who are noticeably overweight. If you are having problems with it then you must get any excess down by having the right diet; no option. You can then discuss coming off Victoza and having the rapid insulin added. Have you set yourself a daily carb limit of, say, 150gm as an initial target? What is your current weight or BMI. Your DN doesn't sound the kindest around but may be she really is trying to help (in her own way!) to see your weight reduce? BTW if you don't have excess weight then you shouldn't be on Victoza anyway?
 

DFiona

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
BMI is around 28 at last check I think. I have gained some since back on insulin. I don't usually eat more than 100 gms carbs per day. I would prefer to exercise if my eyesight wasn't a problem. But even if I eat zero my sugars increase -- I pointed this out to an out of hours doctor last week - showed her the proof.

Going to try ringing the hospital again now.

Thanks for all the support and tips, peeps. :)
 

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,642
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. Thanks for the reply. A BMI of 28 is not too bad and 100gm of carbs is really good. I wonder why the docs have left you on Victoza? Yes, I would push for a Basal/Bolus insulin regime which will give you better overall control of blood sugar. I assume you aren't on steroids which can be a real blood sugar problem.
 
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K

Kat100

Guest
Well it really does sound that you need support with all that you are going through....
All your issues are very stressful and you need support,..
Support is a two way process though and you need to develop a good relationship with a health care professional you can put your trust in.

It might be an idea to make a list of all the health problems you need assistance with, then perhaps discuss the list with your gp ....
The gp can also refer you to someone to talk to, if this is something you might like to consider....emotional factors should not be over looked where health is concerned , and often we need to feel well with our physical and emotional health needs....let us know how you get on....
 
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noblehead

Guru
Retired Moderator
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Disrespectful people
The dsn is the one attached to the hospital clinic. Yes, I agree, but they just brush over everything and tell me ultimately it's my choice. No attempt is currently being made to offer me a solution with a new second insulin -- this is what makes me most angry. Why the hell do we go and see these people and hand our blood and urine over to them for their benefit in terms of research and stats -- they do not help me. I have found out way more helpful information on this forum than in the consultant's clinic.

As your under the care of the hospital team ask to see the consultant next time, if you ring their secretary up they can arrange this for you. As Denise says earlier, if you have no luck after that then ask to be referred to a different hospital if circumstances allow that, obviously it may mean travelling further afield but it might be a price worth paying.
 
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