Distressing appointment with DN

[Maggie75]

Hi everyone,

So I had an appt yesterday with DN to discuss my last HBA1C which was 65 down from 69 3 months ago, not good I know. She started by checking my weight and seemed visibly disappointed that I had actually lost 7 pounds since it was last checked, obviously wanted to have the conversation about weight gain etc. She then informed me I need to do something about my diabetes, well duh, that's why I was there, her attitude was awful, just so mean. We had the conversation about meds, I told her how I had been on the Metformin and the side effects, she wanted me to try Dapaglifozin but I've had bad stomach and pelvic pain since Jan this year and already pee well over 15 times a day (sorry for TMI) and I'm waiting for a kidney ultrasound and appt with urologist later this month so I said I didn't want to take that until this issue is figured out. She snapped at me that this would be recurrent UTI's due to my poorly controlled diabetes and she would not be examining me or offering any advice on this, so does that mean I should just be left in severe pain because she doesn't think my diabetes is well controlled enough? She then said I couldn't be considered for GLP-1 meds as I'm not on Metformin, I didn't ask for these meds, I'd already decided I didn't want to take them as I'm too scared of the side effects. We eventually agreed I would go back on 1 Metformin taken with evening meal with 1 Alogliptin and she told me I would just have to put up with the side effects - so helpful.

So she then went on to berate me about my cholesterol levels which were very bad on last blood test, told me she wanted to prescribe a statin which I said I didn't want to take right now, purely because adding another medication with it's own side effects along with the Metformin would not be good, I told her I'm now following a low carb diet and did manage to reduce my cholesterol with this before but if it was still too high in 3 months I would consider the statin once my system is used to the Metformin more. She was not happy and told me I'm going to have a heart attack, not you're at risk or there's a high possibility but verbatim you're going to have heart attack, and even if you do reduce your cholesterol you'll probably still have a heart attack, so what would be the point in me taking a statin then?

I can't remember the last time I've dealt with a supposed medical professional who was so rude, nasty and unhelpful. I've heard of tough love but this was just meanness for the sake of it. The one good thing is I'm totally determined to stick with my low carb diet and lower my HBA1C and cholesterol just to see the look on her face. Started the Metformin yesterday and I know I'll need to mentally prepare for the side effects, sugar levels are still too high just now to do this on diet alone so I'm prepared for this and will stick to it.

So another blood test tomorrow for iron levels which are apparently too high...what? Don't know what's happening there and then wait for these kidney tests to see what's happening there. Sorry for the long and slightly ranty post, just so annoyed and upset by that horrible nurse, whatever happened to a bit of compassion and kindness.

Maggie

 

[lovinglife]

Sounds like you had a rough time but I’m getting that you also held your own. It’s difficult when you get a HCP who isn’t prepared to listen.

Maybe contact the practice manager with your experience & feelings? I know most people don’t like doing this but they won’t know if no one complains and there may be more complaints already in against her. I had a bad experience during a procedure a few weeks ago and it put the fear of god in me - knew I had to have a follow up procedure that was going to be more invasive. I did tell the nurse on the phone when booking my second one and she was amazing. My next procedure went like a dream and I was given 5 star treatment to make sure I was happy the whole way through, so it is worth letting them know

Just tell them what you wrote here and how it’s made you feel. I would either do it in a letter or an email so there is a record. If you don’t get any joy then you could take it to PALS - they are an independent body

 

[Taighnamona]

Hi everyone,

So I had an appt yesterday with DN to discuss my last HBA1C which was 65 down from 69 3 months ago, not good I know. She started by checking my weight and seemed visibly disappointed that I had actually lost 7 pounds since it was last checked, obviously wanted to have the conversation about weight gain etc. She then informed me I need to do something about my diabetes, well duh, that's why I was there, her attitude was awful, just so mean. We had the conversation about meds, I told her how I had been on the Metformin and the side effects, she wanted me to try Dapaglifozin but I've had bad stomach and pelvic pain since Jan this year and already pee well over 15 times a day (sorry for TMI) and I'm waiting for a kidney ultrasound and appt with urologist later this month so I said I didn't want to take that until this issue is figured out. She snapped at me that this would be recurrent UTI's due to my poorly controlled diabetes and she would not be examining me or offering any advice on this, so does that mean I should just be left in severe pain because she doesn't think my diabetes is well controlled enough? She then said I couldn't be considered for GLP-1 meds as I'm not on Metformin, I didn't ask for these meds, I'd already decided I didn't want to take them as I'm too scared of the side effects. We eventually agreed I would go back on 1 Metformin taken with evening meal with 1 Alogliptin and she told me I would just have to put up with the side effects - so helpful.

So she then went on to berate me about my cholesterol levels which were very bad on last blood test, told me she wanted to prescribe a statin which I said I didn't want to take right now, purely because adding another medication with it's own side effects along with the Metformin would not be good, I told her I'm now following a low carb diet and did manage to reduce my cholesterol with this before but if it was still too high in 3 months I would consider the statin once my system is used to the Metformin more. She was not happy and told me I'm going to have a heart attack, not you're at risk or there's a high possibility but verbatim you're going to have heart attack, and even if you do reduce your cholesterol you'll probably still have a heart attack, so what would be the point in me taking a statin then?

I can't remember the last time I've dealt with a supposed medical professional who was so rude, nasty and unhelpful. I've heard of tough love but this was just meanness for the sake of it. The one good thing is I'm totally determined to stick with my low carb diet and lower my HBA1C and cholesterol just to see the look on her face. Started the Metformin yesterday and I know I'll need to mentally prepare for the side effects, sugar levels are still too high just now to do this on diet alone so I'm prepared for this and will stick to it.

So another blood test tomorrow for iron levels which are apparently too high...what? Don't know what's happening there and then wait for these kidney tests to see what's happening there. Sorry for the long and slightly ranty post, just so annoyed and upset by that horrible nurse, whatever happened to a bit of compassion and kindness.

Maggie

I’m so sorry you had such a mean person who was less than helpful. So unhelpful and a waste of your valuable time. You should defo follow up with your gp. Well done for sticking with your plan in the face of that.
I couldn’t take metformin because of the horrendous effects on my bowels. The slow release version was marginally better.
I wasted years of my life following their dietary advice, made my diabetes much worse and had decades on medication. Now I follow a low carb high fat diet. I’ve lost weight and brought my A1c numbers from 67 to 41 then 39 and now 38. Unfortunately due to pancreas probs I need to take a little insulin at the moment. But im the fittest and healthiest I’ve ever been.
Remember all carbs turn to glucose in your blood stream so I limit my intake to 50 gms per day roughly and live on meat, eggs, butter, fish, chicken, Greek yogurt, nuts and some green veg
Best wishes on your journey.

 

[Maggie75]

Thank you for your replies, I honestly did consider putting a complaint in against her but unfortunately in my medical practice they tend to dismiss you from the practice completely if you do that, I know people it's happened to. I will mention it to GP in passing next time I'm speaking to them though. For now I'm going with 'the best revenge is living your best life', and although she doesn't know it she's given my enough fire in my belly to make sure I stick to my low carb eating and get healthier. Blood sugars are still way too high but I know I need to be patient, considering investing in a CGM to make it a little easier to check.

Maggie

 

[Melgar]

I agree with both @lovinglife and @Taighnamona . One shouldn't have to deal with unpleasantness from a person who is employed to help you understand and treat diabetes. Not everyone has the character and empathy you rightly expect. Report her to your practise manager. She is employed to help you, support you and work with you. Report her.

 

[Antje77]

So another blood test tomorrow for iron levels which are apparently too high...what? Don't know what's happening there and then wait for these kidney tests to see what's happening there. Sorry for the long and slightly ranty post, just so annoyed and upset by that horrible nurse, whatever happened to a bit of compassion and kindness.

Sounds like she's a horrible nurse, I'm so sorry your appointment went this bad.
We have plenty of compassion and kindness on the forum, thankfully, I hope this helps a little.
Well done on standing up for yourself!

As for the high iron levels, there may be a relation beteen this and your diabetes so I'm very happy they are looking into it: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/related-conditions/haemochromatosis-diabetes

 

[Melgar]

Thank you for your replies, I honestly did consider putting a complaint in against her but unfortunately in my medical practice they tend to dismiss you from the practice completely if you do that, I know people it's happened to. I will mention it to GP in passing next time I'm speaking to them though. For now I'm going with 'the best revenge is living your best life', and although she doesn't know it she's given my enough fire in my belly to make sure I stick to my low carb eating and get healthier. Blood sugars are still way too high but I know I need to be patient, considering investing in a CGM to make it a little easier to check.

Maggie

If a practice dismisses a person for reporting rudeness I would think they are on very iffy grounds legally. My understanding is, from when I lived in the UK, patents can be asked to leave the practice if trust has broken down between Dr and patient or if the patient is rude or aggressive to practice staff, not for reporting a member of their staff for being rude. It's very upsetting when you are subjected to rudeness from someone who should be helpful and supportive. People skills are very important.

 

[Resurgam]

@Maggie75 Cholesterol goes up when you lose weight as they are part of the process of moving and disposing of stored fats.
You had lost weight so naturally the cholesterol numbers would be higher - with any luck your normal metabolism will restore itself once things settle down.
However, if you are eating a low carb diet and not seeing good numbers after meals, even after adjusting what foods you eat - that should be waving red flags that there is more going on than plain ordinary type 2.

 

[Maggie75]

Thanks so much for your kind replies and support, it really does help. Tested blood glucose tonight after eating a low carb meal 2 hours after eating and it was 8 so I'll take that, hopefully the metformin will start to work soon as well. Just need to keep going with it. Hoping these blood tests tomorrow will be ok. Thanks again.

Maggie

 

[AndBreathe]

Thanks so much for your kind replies and support, it really does help. Tested blood glucose tonight after eating a low carb meal 2 hours after eating and it was 8 so I'll take that, hopefully the metformin will start to work soon as well. Just need to keep going with it. Hoping these blood tests tomorrow will be ok. Thanks again.

Maggie

I think it's important to mention that Metformin is unlikely to make a huge difference to your blood sugar numbers. The way it works is more like oiling the cogs to allow your body to deal with the sugars better.

I, and so many others, diagnosed with T2, found that the most effective and efficient tool in their diabetes toolbox is what they eat and drink, with exercise again helping a bit.

I'm absolutely not saying Metformin is no good, but so many have expectations that Metformin will rarely fulfill.

 

[Billy Ruffian]

In this instance I'd be making a complaint to the Practice to start with.

I hope all goes well in the future and you find a more sympathetic practitioner. I've been on Metformin for some years without any side effects and find it helps with overall contol.

 

[Resurgam]

Thanks so much for your kind replies and support, it really does help. Tested blood glucose tonight after eating a low carb meal 2 hours after eating and it was 8 so I'll take that, hopefully the metformin will start to work soon as well. Just need to keep going with it. Hoping these blood tests tomorrow will be ok. Thanks again.

Maggie

I had the most dreadful side effects from Metformin and Atorvastatin - fortunately I found I did not need them.
Once I was seeing under 8mmol/l after meals I stuck to those foods and meals and saw my numbers reduce, as presumably it took the pressure off and my metabolism started to recover.

 

[Grandadfatboy]

Sounds to me like your GP practice is the same as mine. If you make a complaint they remove you from their patient register. Sorry you were dealt with like that, it's inexcusable behaviour from a health practitioner. At the end of the day their role should be to advise and encourage you, not to scare you with "You'll have a heart attack". We all know that poorly managed diabetes could result in a heart episode, even a heart attack, but there are more encouraging ways of getting that message across.

I was fortunate enough to seen by my Community Diabetes Team whilst I was having chemotherapy. My suggestion would be, investigate whether you have a Community Diabetes Team (or something similar) in your area, or at your local hospital.

 

[ellesangel]

I'm sorry to read about what you went through and have had a similar rude nurse in the past who Idid make a complaint about though for slightly different reasons ?(humiliating smear test) I wonder if some people like taking on these roles so they get a bit of power to throw around. Congratulations on your weight loss. I 'll have another read down for options of what you can do next. Wishing you all the best.