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Chiropodist & Diabetes Eye Test

E

em84

Newbie
Messages
1
Hi all,

I was diagnosed back in June 11 with type 2 diabetes. I have had several appointments with my diabetes nurse since, and have requested each time that I be put forward for my Chiropodist and Diabetes Eye Test, as my feet have never been ideal, and wanted some advice, and also wanted to ensure there was nothing wrong with my sight.

Six Months on I have yet to have the referals appointments regarding these, and I'm wondering if this is 'normal' or whether I should start to complain. A friend was diagnosed 2 weeks after me, and not only has she had the appointments through, shes has completed them both well over a month ago. As it happens, she is with a different practice, and I'm wondering If i've 'slipped through the cracks'

Any advice would be helpful
 
I've never been to see a chiropodist I dont think the hospital I go to do that. I should really see one tho (im unable to pay to see one) at the moment I'm unable to bend forward to cut my toenails due to chronic pain in my hip. I also have two ingrowing toenails that I can't really cut. I have eye tests with my annual review.
 
I should try pushing a bit harder, Sarah69. You should have a retinopathy check for your eyes (they don't test your sight, you need an ordinary optician for that), and that should be repeated annually. Our technicians visit our surgery every 3 months or so - definitely ask when yours is due.

Podiatrists/chiropodists are in short supply at the moment. Our practise nurse does all the necessary foot tickling/pulse checks/inspection for the diabetes side of things, but I asked to see the podiatrist for much the same reasons you gave - difficulty in getting to some toes - and was grudgingly referred by our diabetic specialist GP.

I think a little bit of polite pushing is due from you! if all else fails, make an appointment with a sympathetic GP and demand action.

Good luck!

Viv 8)
 
I was told ALL diabetics are entitled to free access to podiatrists on the NHS, and was given a number to ring if I wanted to visit one!This wasn't for the foot tickling, the nurse does that, but if I have any other foot issues. Sarah, you're entitled to get your feet done for you if you have problems with them.
em84, I did have to wait a long while for the eye test - about 6 months i think. If you don't hear soon, chase!
 
I hope the OP doesn't mind me tagging my question on to this thread.

Regarding "Diabetic Health Checks". I have received my appt for the eye check thingy and when I saw GP about something else last week, he told me to make appt with the practice nurse for a foot check.

Can someone tell me what this involves please? I find it difficult enough going to the surgery for physical examination when I'm ill but the thought of someone fiddling around with my feet is giving me the eebie-jeebies.

At least if I know what I'm in for it's half the battle. Sort of.

Thanks.
 
Ladybird, ALL they do is look to see if you have any ulcers etc you might not have spotted, then touch the ends of your toes with a nylon thingy to see if you can feel it (in case you have neuropathy developing) Nothing to it at all.
 
Thanks for that Malc, it has reassured me.

Don't mind me, sick as a dog since last night and have got the miseries. Was fine until I had treatment done at the surgery last week and have had a virus ever since! Every time I attend the docs I end up ill.

Bah humbug :evil: :wink:
 
 
Ladybird the foot tests are non-invasive and not painful , a gentle prodding with a nylon brush , foot & ankle inspection, perhaps using a tuning fork to see if you can feel the vibrations . Not unpleasant .

Even if you have neuropathy ( I do ) , the diabetic nurses dont seem to do much more than that . Because I have a blood circulation problem I can get neuropathy from that as well and have had ultrasound doppler scans and CATS scans , again not painful .

Podiatrists / chiropidists seem to be in short supply in some areas , so the nurses do the basic tests , provide information and advice .

Cheers
Hamish
 
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