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another dumb HCP

wiflib

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,966
Location
Bristol
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Quick review of me as this is relevant (promise).

Diagnosis June '08. Weight, almost 19 stones, 5'10" 47, female

Control taken within a week. Low-carbing, 1 x 500mg metfartin' daily, intensive testing.

Now,
Weight 15 stones. Low-carbing continues.
HBA1c 5.4
Cholesterol - 3.6
LDL - 2.2
HDL -1.0
Trigs 0.9
1 x 500mg metfartin' BD

I have just had a call from my surgery to ask me to see the DSN as I am being .......wait for it.......

over treated!!!!!!!

My initial mirth has subsided, however, as I am more than a little concerned that they will refuse to give me the metformin or the paltry amount of strips I use every month. Now I'm well up for a fight and the DSN recognises me as a fellow HCP, but I really don't want to be forced hand the control of my diabetic state over to someone else. I'm managing incredibly well and intend to do so until the day I shuffle off a VERY old lady.

wiflib
 
Sorry what's HCP (hand control patient at a guess) mean? Why do they think you are being overtreated? I'm confused :?
 
Take a copy of the NICE protocol with you.
 
Health care professional (I think.)

wiflib, I'd say you've done exceptionally well to lose so much weight and keep your numbers down. My doctor panicked a bit when I turned in an HBA1C result of 4.8, and reduced the dose of gliclazide by a third. Yet, I'm not aware that metfartin' puts you at serious risk of hypos, so wonder what they think the problem is.

As you say, money is a fair bet.
 
My money is on them telling you your A1c is too low, yet another misunderstanding of ACCORD.

Of course saving money is the protocol but it will be interesting when you report their excuses.
 
lionrampant said:
If my HbA1c was that low my consultant would probably kiss my feet.
Click to expand...
If it was that low at least you would be ensuring that you have some feet to be kissed.
 
I'm put in mind of the time I went with daughter to have a hamster put to sleep. she was sobbing her heart out and as she pai the bill, she said" that's the price of a life"
We're not worth what she paid to end the existence of that poor, very sick, hamster
 
I've just got back from Chichester. My frail 84 year old Dad (uncontrolled diabetes for 20 years, neuropathy of feet and eyes, knackered kidneys and heart) had a heart attack. He's actually doing better that I could have imagined, but an awful time for the family. He awaiting an angiogram in Southampton when he's more stable and I'm in freezing Leicester. Course, first thing I did was log on and I have to say, a big thank you to Dennis and Lion for making me laugh out loud for the first time in a few days.

Life really does go on, don't it!

Oh, I'll ask my DSN at what level she would like me to keep my HBA1c at and can I have a prescription for insulin as I'm going to need it sooner than I had planned. Seeing her on Tuesday, I'll let you know.

wiflib
 
Hope your dad gets better soon, wiflib. Sounds like he's a stubborn old wotsit which can only be a good thing when you're stuck in hospital! My auntie had a stroke last month and we've just found out she's going to be in hospital over christmas, but at least she's battling away!

Let us know how he gets on,

Bubsy
 
wiflib, just a quick point. I see that you have lost 4 stone very quickly. You may want to get the DSN to arrange an HB test. A reduced HBA1C could be a false low because of anaemia. :roll:
 
Thanks Steve, I'll check that out. My Hb usually runs at a more blokey level in the 15's, so I'm not anticipating any problems, certainly not symptomatic of anemia.

wiflib
 
I'm cured!!!!

I saw a DSN today and apparently, because my HBA1c is in the 5s, I don't have diabetes, I have impaired glucose tolerance.

I'm struck dumb.

wiflib
 
I've got an alternative diagnosis - you've got a possibly incurable case of knowing a helluva lot more about diabetes than your DSN!
DSN? Dangerously Shortsighted Numptie?

Oh and what a brilliant end to a difficult year for you wiflib

Have a great non-diabetic Christmas!

fergus

ps, here's a thought. Given your turnaround, what if you followed the NHS approved diet for the next 6 months and went back with a diabetic HbA1c next time? Cause and effect?
 
D'ya know Fergus, that thought had crossed my mind!!!!!

I was not in the mood for 'discussion' so I will wait until I see the GP who actually confirmed my original diagnosis. I did tell her the reason my levels are so bl**dy impressive is because I keep a tight rein on my control. She thinks it's all down to the miracle that is Metformin. I don't need to test either, not with levels like that. I told her that it was testing that got my levels like that.
I have a feeling I intimidated her. She confirmed with me that I was a midwife and then half way through the consultation, asked if I was a nurse first or came to Midwifery as direct entry (the assumption being that direct entry Midwives know less than nurses, who funnily enough, come to nursing as direct entry and qualify on a lower grade than Midwives). I simply told her I THOUGHT I knew all about diabetes until I got it and what would she like to know?

She has told me to reduce the metfartin' to one a day. She can go swivel.

I shall continue the way I have been doing and stay healthy with all appendages firmly in place.

health and wealth to all!!


wiflib
 
Recommend she read Bernstein. Near enough any diabetic who is motivated enough can get to the 5s
 
My diabetic nurse sounds similar to yours. It's almost like they have an idea of where THEY want your HBA1C to be and try to get you to change to match it!

I certainly didn't get on with my nurse and haven't seen her since, it was her that wanted to reduce my Metformin because I was doing so well :roll:

I've got my HBA1c result for the second 3 month period since diagnosis, so it will be interesting to see what's what.

Does anyone have a link to the NICE guidelines/protocols?

Also, what's ACCORD?
 
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