Doctors..if I swear..will I be banned from this forum..

[Finsky]

I've been to see 'dear' doctor today in hospital..diabetic review...'banging my head on wall'...
I really don't know if I should laugh, cry or scream with frustration. Did go through all the usual 'blah blah'...then to discussed the blood test results...'blah blah'. And when I mentioned that only way to keep my blood sugar levels in check (as my medication on its own is not up to it) I have started to do fasting..14:10 seem to agree with me and also lowering my carb intake.
WELL...he wasn't impressed..."WHY DO YOU DO THAT!" His eyes glazed over when I tried to explain.. obviously it wasn't interesting enough. And his response was "I do not blame you for your high reading, but we as medical profession are to blame for not giving you right medication". He didn't get it that the whole point is taking LESS medication...'banging my head on the wall again'....he did managed to mention that he is not in business making profit by prescribing medicines, that NHS cannot afford it..(hmm...)
Anyhow...in the end I did agree to change to some new medication...didn't agree to statins, AGAIN...didn't agree stopping my eating regime which has improved things a lot.
In positive note, he was a doctor who wasn't shy saying things bluntly..so I could answer back to him with same manner and neither of us did take offence of each other..and he didn't seem to be in hurry neither!! But other than that I feel like I did waste nice sunny day..
Time will tell what effect these new to me medicines have.
BTW...sorry about ranting....I just had to get this off from my chest and already feel better about it...shame that so often I have to talk about doctors in such a negative manner...there must be some good ones out there...somewhere...

 

[Oldvatr]

.I just had to get this off from my chest and already feel better about it...shame that so often I have to talk about doctors in such a negative manner...there must be some good ones out there...somewhere...

Yup. I got one!

 

[Finsky]

Yup. I got one!

You are sooooo lucky! Do what ever it takes to keep hold of him. Sadly I did used to have good'n, but he did have disagreement with the hospital, left and started as private doctor....sadly not for my purse strings.

 

[Lamont D]

I got bad GPs, who have learnt from me!
And a really good specialist endocrinologist!

Swings and roundabouts!

 

[Finsky]

As for my 'new' meds...well, I'm going to trial different Metformin with a hope that tummy can take it, then I'll be starting with some GLP-1 type..once a week injections, reducing insulin by 50%. According to NICE, I don't qualify...results not 'bad enough' and I'm not big enough, but doctor thinks that I would be better off now rather than wait what future will bring. I think that was his big 'thinking out of box' moment!

 

[petepontiac]

Great dietician, brilliant diabetic nurse, very good consultant. (must be a Welsh thing) And my GP has taken me off Statins due to it causing me to buy shares in Andrex, if you get my drift

 

[Finsky]

I got bad GPs, who have learnt from me!
And a really good specialist endocrinologist!

Swings and roundabouts!

I wish I would know who 'my' GP is...it is fairly large surgery with many GPs...I've yet to see same person twice. Though I never seem to see GP with diabetes issues anyway, always been referred to 'in house' diabetic nurse...'definitely room for improvement with her knowledge'...she is one that I do try to avoid and don't see otherwise than the usual 6 monthly 'ticking the boxes' reasons. I'm lucky to have WONDERFUL diabetic nurse in hospital who I can see if and when I need her.

 

[petepontiac]

Same here I can phone or visit the Diabetic clinic at any time. It is great being a stand alone building within the hospital complex.

 

[Finsky]

Oh...and the 'dear' doctor asked me my height...something that is written on every page on my hospital notes, and something that is quite unlikely to change in a hurry, I've truly passed growing age! And when I told him my height...."are you sure, absolutely sure!?" 'well if you don't trust me and your fellow doctor's previous notes for measuments..why don't you bloody measure it yourself!!!' I didn't really say that loud, did bite my tongue when thinking of it....

 

[Lamont D]

Every appointment at my endo I get my height measured, I've been five seven forever!

My dsn, has to give me my diabetic review, and I do sit there trying not to laugh, as she goes through the motions. You can sometimes even think that she gets what I am about and tries to understand my condition, she shakes her head and I smile!

And, yes, I have gone through this a few times now! Do I think she really understands not eating so called healthy food and being really healthy without them?
No, not really!

 

[marniemms]

I am a Type 2 and have been for + 7 years now following extensive surgery and complicated infections.I was told that the antibiotics I was prescribed and took for 5 years, ( Cipro) was the cause of my diabetes (???) never got my head around that. Started on Metformin of various strengths but had to give that up after three years of absolute misery. Since then have tried many different medications and ended up on Glimepiride 4mg and Onglyza 5mg which worked for + 2years. Then my
readings started increasing again and I was told there is only one other tablet that could help and that was Glidtpion (Pioglitazone) and if this did not help I would have to progress to Insulin injections. Needless to say but the Glidtpion did not help and the side effects were horrendous . I battled on for 3 months but eventually had to stop taking it. During that 3 month period I spoke and wrote to both my GP and the Diabetic nurse regarding the side effects and was told to persevere . At my last review I was told the the Glidtpion was working and had reduced my readings significantly. Although on my Activa readings very little had changed. (My readings were around 14.0 to 20.0.) They insisted that I persevere. However by this time I had lost about 20 % of my hair, gained 6 kg in weight,suffered from headaches and blurred vision,constant indigestion and nausea
to name a few. I refused to continue taking the Glidtpion and would not consider Insulin as an option. I confirmed this in writing for the record. I said I would continue with the Glim/Onglz combination as they did not cause me any problems and I would try an alternative method of control. In January I started the low carb diet and began taking supplements that are recommended by a number of web sites. B12,D3,Q10,Chromium etc. I had a review with the Diabetes nurse on Monday. My sugars are now in the 10.0 0/ 12.00 range. I sleep well,tummy problems have disappeared , I have lost 3 kilo in weight and my hair is growing again. Success ? The nurse actually said to me “ Marnie I think we have failed you, we should have listened to you, I am sorry “.
There is a saying which goes “ the Lord helps those who helps themselves “. In my case it looks like this is so.

 

[Finsky]

I am a Type 2 ... I sleep well,tummy problems have disappeared , I have lost 3 kilo in weight and my hair is growing again. Success ? The nurse actually said to me “ Marnie I think we have failed you, we should have listened to you, I am sorry “.
There is a saying which goes “ the Lord helps those who helps themselves “. In my case it looks like this is so.

Thumbs up for you! You must feel good after that apology.
I get sick of repeating all the comments I have had over the years from those 'who know the best' in medical professions...if I had followed their instructions and ignored my body's 'shouts of help', I would have been truly seriously ill or what I think is more likely scenario...DEAD!
It is the quality of life that outweigh the correct numbers...but I do have to stop and listen to myself every so often and question if it is just my own stubbornness against 'what ever' or am I truly honest how I feel. I'm trying to keep open mind..
We had a battle with statins issue again...and he was quite convincing with his argument...but I made firm decision (again) and refused from them...though I said it, 'no thank you for now...not too many new things in same time..' to get him off my back.
It will be different doctor again when I'm due for next appointment, so we'll see how pushy he will be.

 

[sl0042]

you are alll very lucky; I was diagnosed 3 years ago at age of 68 with type 1; Went to the doctor who passed me to the hospital.
Next time I went to the surgery I was told 'sorry only do type 2 , dont know very much about type 1 ; go to the diabetic nurse at the hospital.
So now I see a consultant every 6/7 months; however any problems I can contact the diabetic nurse who is very helpful

 

[Daibell]

I am a Type 2 and have been for + 7 years now following extensive surgery and complicated infections.I was told that the antibiotics I was prescribed and took for 5 years, ( Cipro) was the cause of my diabetes (???) never got my head around that. Started on Metformin of various strengths but had to give that up after three years of absolute misery. Since then have tried many different medications and ended up on Glimepiride 4mg and Onglyza 5mg which worked for + 2years. Then my
readings started increasing again and I was told there is only one other tablet that could help and that was Glidtpion (Pioglitazone) and if this did not help I would have to progress to Insulin injections. Needless to say but the Glidtpion did not help and the side effects were horrendous . I battled on for 3 months but eventually had to stop taking it. During that 3 month period I spoke and wrote to both my GP and the Diabetic nurse regarding the side effects and was told to persevere . At my last review I was told the the Glidtpion was working and had reduced my readings significantly. Although on my Activa readings very little had changed. (My readings were around 14.0 to 20.0.) They insisted that I persevere. However by this time I had lost about 20 % of my hair, gained 6 kg in weight,suffered from headaches and blurred vision,constant indigestion and nausea
to name a few. I refused to continue taking the Glidtpion and would not consider Insulin as an option. I confirmed this in writing for the record. I said I would continue with the Glim/Onglz combination as they did not cause me any problems and I would try an alternative method of control. In January I started the low carb diet and began taking supplements that are recommended by a number of web sites. B12,D3,Q10,Chromium etc. I had a review with the Diabetes nurse on Monday. My sugars are now in the 10.0 0/ 12.00 range. I sleep well,tummy problems have disappeared , I have lost 3 kilo in weight and my hair is growing again. Success ? The nurse actually said to me “ Marnie I think we have failed you, we should have listened to you, I am sorry “.
There is a saying which goes “ the Lord helps those who helps themselves “. In my case it looks like this is so.

The use of Glitazone drugs is now deprecated due to the side effects - some serious. It does work quite well, but better avoided. The sulphonylureas such as Glimepiride and Gliclazide are pretty safe and with few side effects.

 

[stuart178]

Here's a little tip I use when I see my doctor or nurse and all of a sudden they listen and don't give you any bs.put your phone on record put it on the desk so they can see it and tell them it's recording what's being explained to you as you can't remember everything and you don't want to forget anything.also in future appointments they can't say I never said that because you can play it back and say yes you did works a treat.

 

[Oldvatr]

The use of Glitazone drugs is now deprecated due to the side effects - some serious. It does work quite well, but better avoided. The sulphonylureas such as Glimepiride and Gliclazide are pretty safe and with few side effects.

I was on Actos (Piogitizone) for a few years, but then got moved onto Avandia (Rosiglitizone) to save the practice money. A year later I had 2 strokes. I went to the doc and told him I was having TIA's, but he said no, because I could walk and talk. A week later I was driving when the first struck. I was just outside A&E of a local hospital across the road from my GP surgery, so I parked the car and admitted myself. The next morning the county hospital confirmed my stroke, then discharged me with a couple of aspirins and told me to see my GP. one week later I had my second stroke.

 

[Pipp]

Oh...and the 'dear' doctor asked me my height...something that is written on every page on my hospital notes, and something that is quite unlikely to change in a hurry, I've truly passed growing age! And when I told him my height...."are you sure, absolutely sure!?" 'well if you don't trust me and your fellow doctor's previous notes for measuments..why don't you bloody measure it yourself!!!' I didn't really say that loud, did bite my tongue when thinking of it....

As I have aged I have lost almost two inches from my height. Happens to some of us.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

BTW...sorry about ranting....I just had to get this off from my chest and already feel better about it...shame that so often I have to talk about doctors in such a negative manner...there must be some good ones out there...somewhere...

I had to think long and hard about your comments which aren't at all unusual. I've been on this and other diabetic forums for a number of years, and everything that you have said is what a lot of other forum members have said.
I've been exceptionally lucky because my GP, although not 100% supportive of my low carb approach, merely said "Be careful of hypos". I was taking Gliclazide at the time so very good advice.
When I had my first HbA1c after low carbing, even my GP was over the moon with my results and even put WELL DONE! in my notes. Dropping Gliclazide, Januvia was an excellent result and she didn't bat an eyelid when I said I was dropping Atorvastatin as my total cholesterol, trigs etc were now very good. I asked her why the party line about diet for diabetics was the way it was and she explained that the experience had been in the past that if a doctor tells a patient to change their diet, they are less likely to do it and therefore their BG was much more difficult to control, so prescribing meds was the easiest thing to do.
I still know several type II diabetics who are happy taking their meds and eat what they like and look at me as though I'm daft to change my diet and avoid the meds.
I don't think your doctor's attitude and approach to your diabetes makes him a bad doctor, especially as he is towing the party line. My doctor, even after seeing my results will still not tell another patient to lower their carb intake.
Things are changing though, in the same way that we have been told to consume less and less alcohol over the years, no doctor would ever argue if you told him/her that you had given up alcohol.
It's good to have a RANT, I do t all the time. All the best.

 

[Robinredbreast]

you are alll very lucky; I was diagnosed 3 years ago at age of 68 with type 1; Went to the doctor who passed me to the hospital.
Next time I went to the surgery I was told 'sorry only do type 2 , dont know very much about type 1 ; go to the diabetic nurse at the hospital.
So now I see a consultant every 6/7 months; however any problems I can contact the diabetic nurse who is very helpful

Hi, that is terrible, just shocking to think that this is happening in the 21 st century, makes me mad thinking about it

 

[Finsky]

QUOTE="DavidGrahamJones, post: 1070273, member: 245335"]I had to think long and hard about your comments which aren't at all unusual. I've been on this and other diabetic forums for a number of years, and everything that you have said is what a lot of other forum members have said.

I don't think your doctor's attitude and approach to your diabetes makes him a bad doctor, especially as he is towing the party line. My doctor, even after seeing my results will still not tell another patient to lower their carb intake.
Things are changing though, in the same way that we have been told to consume less and less alcohol over the years, no doctor would ever argue if you told him/her that you had given up alcohol.
It's good to have a RANT, I do t all the time. All the best.[/QUOTE]

I've had now time to reflect to yesterday's things..and I do agree with you...he is not a 'bad' doctor as such, BUT...I think what is the biggest upset with him (and most that I've seen), is that they do not listen and they are too busy talking through their mantra. It is like the patient, the person inside is not relevant...it is all about numbers. And when you manage to get word between his 'ritual talk'...it is like you have interrupted him.
The one 'diabetic' doctor that I truly rated, he was listener AND his approach with every other patient of hime I talked to, was VERY personal...yes, he was ALWAYS late with his appointments, but I didn't meet anybody who did mind that, as you eventually did get out of that room feeling being GLAD you've seen him. We always talked all kind of everyday issues with diabetes to see how he could tailor the meds etc. around them...and where possible suggesting other form of improvements.
Most of these 'younger generation' doctors make you feel like it is all about them and their excellence.
Hmm....I'm starting to rant again....
I honestly thought, I would get pat on my back, after reporting my good success lowering my sugars with fasting and lower carb levels...proving it can be done...but he showed no interest what so ever to those facts and being actually 'told of off'..not so much by words but his attitude.
...rant levels are starting build up again....BREEEEEATH....
To me human skills are as important as capability to 'tow the party line', how else they are ever going to get all the base details effecting patients health right. Many fatal medical issues that are reported in news, problems dismissed or not recognized in time seem to be down for that fact...they don't trust you and listen their patients feelings..'computer says...there fore it is so...'.
....THAT'S IT..I've built up for full blown rant stage...better stop while I can...! ;D

Well, lets hope dear doctors are watching that Gloria Hunniford's (or what ever her name was...) documentary about diabetes and diet that is coming on...looks promising and it is about carbs and diet's effect to sugar levels.