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Check up 3 months after dx.

L

Lynn76

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I was d/x in June, the nurse told me I don't need to test. Tried the Dr since to get the strips as I bought a meter, no the guidelines say you don't need to test. So again I bought my own. Went to see the nurse last week 3 month check up, (which after new d/x I thought was about right) nurse sat there and said "What are you here for, remind me"? I was gob smacked! In the end she rang to get my HbA1C results, (which have reduced from 6.6% to 5.7%, but would they if I had not been testing to find out what was ok and what was not)? She checked my weight, (only because I commented on my weight loss) lost 2 stone, and that was it!! She didn't ask how I was feeling if the medication seemed to be working, nothing, I was amazed, didn't prick test, nothing!
(I wouldn't have even had the HbA1C test if it hadn't been for the podiatrist, I have to have minor surgery, so she wanted the up to date results for that).
The nurse put me on 2 x 500mg of Metformin, which the Dr has since increased to 3 x 500mg, but the nurse never even asked if I was feeling any better, nothing! I did think initially it was quite a good team, but now I wonder, can't get strips on prescription, had to buy my own meter, can't afford to buy too many, so I have to be careful how many I do use! I can't say I'm too impressed now! Should the nurse have done a more thorough exam after 3 months, or was I expecting too much?
 
No, not great Lynn , but as harsh as it sounds the bottom line is, we really need to take charge of our own health. I, along with thousands of others have had very frustrating instances of lack of treatment ,diagnosis pertaining to chronic illnesses, it does not surprise me. It's just a sign of the times I'm afraid.
Do as much self research as you can on your condition, It already looks like you have done that and are doing a fantastic job in controlling your Diabetes and taking charge of your overall health...THAT, is the main thing :D So well done you on the weight loss and good HbA1c result...just carry on doing what you have been doing and you won't go far wrong.
There's not a lot of hand holding out there I'm afraid but you have done the most important job and coped and got great results with or without that nurse...so good going :D And be proud of yourself.
 
My 3 month test I also got my feet tickled to see if they were ok!
 
You should have a battery of blood tests as well as a foot and eye exam at least annually (although, as I understand it, many don't get that for unknown reasons). Since your HbA1C was very good (even on diagnosis) your doctor may not have felt that quarterly checks were necessary.

Of course, unless you literally ambushed the nurse (she may not be qualified to actually do any of the tests - I had to wait 2 months for a blood test since the phlebotomist was on holiday) she should have taken the time for a more thorough consultation.

I agree that it's unfortunate that T2s treated with diet and exercise alone (and possibly Met?) don't get test strips, both to help with diet planning and to check that diet and exercise alone is still sufficient (especially since consensus is that the condition will inevitably progress to the stage where medication is required)
 
It's the way of the world, Lynn, in diabetes as well as everything else. They shout at you if you do badly, but do you get any praise for doing well? Nope!

I think you've done brilliantly, and so do all the other posters on your thread, so you'll just have to accept praise from us and keep up the good work! :D

That's why this forum is so great - none of us is alone any more!

Viv 8)
 
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