Bit of a Victory

As far as I know Lucy...

Hba1c blood tests are not that expensive (according to my GP) so if you are not able to get adequate bg teststrips prescribed because you are Type 2, then your Hba1c should be tested at least 3-4 times per year.

Great news Lucy :clap:

lucylocket61 said:

Instead of seeing my DSN today, I saw my Doctor (who is lovely and helpful). The Doctor has said it is no problem to do my HbA1c to check it, and I am going next week to have it done. She also said that if I dont want to take cholesterol or bp pills at any stage, that will not affect my position there as a patient. My healthcare should always be a partnership between my doctor and myself.

So I feel much happier and less anxious about it all now.

Thanks for the encouragement and info on my rights people :thumbup:

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As I always say Lucy, Drs often take this view bu it doesn't somehow percolate down to the DSNin the practice.
My Gp said the same thing at my recent annual review. I am fortunate enough[fingers crossed] never to see A GP for anyhing else -so far.
She promised to have a word with the DSN. So what do I find? the DSN's side kick {one of the other Practice Nurses who has been "trained in diabetes} elling me off for not contacing HER or one of the other practice nurses to check that the fasting blood test the Dr had asked for at my annual reiew was ok? Can you believe it? A litle power seems to go to their heads.

I am very pleased you have someone you can talk to and who is on your side. It should ot be the case hat you feel you have to do battle with the person wo should be helping you.
I feel that some nurses have beeen pressurised into taking on this role and this is not right. It is too much to expect and a major eesponsibility that few of them ever really expected to have to assume.

lucylocket61 said:

Instead of seeing my DSN today, I saw my Doctor (who is lovely and helpful). The Doctor has said it is no problem to do my HbA1c to check it, and I am going next week to have it done. She also said that if I dont want to take cholesterol or bp pills at any stage, that will not affect my position there as a patient. My healthcare should always be a partnership between my doctor and myself.

So I feel much happier and less anxious about it all now.

Thanks for the encouragement and info on my rights people :thumbup:

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That sounds like a really good outcome for you and it has put your mind at rest, thats great :thumbup:

I was told HbA1c was an expensive test so I couldn't have another one for a year. I have been borderline for a couple of years and was trying to control by diet but not very successfully. I was officially diagnosed just over four weeks ago and given metformin (2 x 500mg per day) and a pot of urine test sticks (glucose not ketone). I was not given a meter, but have now ordered my own and hoping to get it delivered today or tomorrow. I doubt if there's any chance of getting test strips on prescription for it. So four weeks on I don't know whether the metformin is the right dose, whether there is an interaction with other tablets. I'm on 2 types of BP med and a statin. The leaflet about diet recommended a diet which I know would make me gain weight. No mention of a Desmond course which I've only heard about on this forum.
It sounds like you have a very enlightened healthcare team compared to mine.

I'm afraid healthcare "TEAM" is a misnomer in many cases. The doctor -if you get to one- will say one thing - the nurses who have to acually carry out all the comnflicting instructions they get are often another.

Its always worth asking for a meter and telling them that ou want to check what different foods do to your bg levels.

Metformin is often increased in stages as many suffer side -effects initially.

Lucy initially had a poor response which upset her a lot so we are all pleased for her that she has now found someone supportive.
I hope you too have a better experience in the future.

ll1000 said:

I was told HbA1c was an expensive test so I couldn't have another one for a year. I have been borderline for a couple of years and was trying to control by diet but not very successfully. I was officially diagnosed just over four weeks ago and given metformin (2 x 500mg per day) and a pot of urine test sticks (glucose not ketone). I was not given a meter, but have now ordered my own and hoping to get it delivered today or tomorrow. I doubt if there's any chance of getting test strips on prescription for it. So four weeks on I don't know whether the metformin is the right dose, whether there is an interaction with other tablets. I'm on 2 types of BP med and a statin. The leaflet about diet recommended a diet which I know would make me gain weight. No mention of a Desmond course which I've only heard about on this forum.
It sounds like you have a very enlightened healthcare team compared to mine.

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Hi

If you look at this msg viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30857
you will see that the Hba1c test is no where near being expensive..........