clearviews
Well-Known Member
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I am priviledged to be able to make a small contribution to the the future doctors in the remote, regional and rural areas in Australia. I am a patient volunteer and simply play the role of a patient so that future doctors can practice their emerging skills on people like me, be it communication, diagnostic, examination etc.... Part of our role is to give feedback as to what we think about how the student approached and conducted their session.
One day perhaps there might be such a programme for the dieticians and similar HCP where volunteers such as myself might be able to give honest constructive praise and criticism of how they felt they were treated before the HCP is released into society.
This is a graduate programme and this year the first students finish their 4 years of training and are 'launched' into their chosen careers as GPs. I am totally confident that this group of people will be the doctors I have no hesitation in recommending my family attend these future HCPs in the future.
My experiences in the last 2 years as a diagnosed diabectic have been mixed.
GP is OK but not knowlegeable in diabetes care.
Dietician never, ever suggested that diabetics might be compromised by starchy carbs and that there was an opportunity to take control of my BGLs by limiting them. She could only teach a government mantra that says I should reduce my saturated fats and eat X number of carbs per meal and snack and all the vegetables I want from the free list plus several serves of low GI fruit.
Diabetes Nurse was encouraging and never suggested that my 6+ fasting readings should be/could be better. They made me feel good but didn't improve my figures.
Endocrinologist was amazing. Rudely told me that my figures were not good enough, prescribed Metformin and said and I needed to understand that I could not include carbs in my diet until I had lost 15kgs and 20 cms from my waist.
He does need a better bedside manner but he is passionate about low carbing and believes in low fat too but I will forgive him for the the latter as I continue to high fat and reduce my heart disease indicators in blood test results due to my experience and research.
After 2 years I am about to make an appointment with the dietician to tell them that their advice did not ever give me non-diabetic BGLs and exactly what DID. How will they ever know that their advice did not work for me unless I have the courage to tell them?.
I deserve what I have achieved and without the help of the internet and amazing professionals like Dr Richard Bernstein and forum discussions I would never have made it to where I am today.
Alison
One day perhaps there might be such a programme for the dieticians and similar HCP where volunteers such as myself might be able to give honest constructive praise and criticism of how they felt they were treated before the HCP is released into society.
This is a graduate programme and this year the first students finish their 4 years of training and are 'launched' into their chosen careers as GPs. I am totally confident that this group of people will be the doctors I have no hesitation in recommending my family attend these future HCPs in the future.
My experiences in the last 2 years as a diagnosed diabectic have been mixed.
GP is OK but not knowlegeable in diabetes care.
Dietician never, ever suggested that diabetics might be compromised by starchy carbs and that there was an opportunity to take control of my BGLs by limiting them. She could only teach a government mantra that says I should reduce my saturated fats and eat X number of carbs per meal and snack and all the vegetables I want from the free list plus several serves of low GI fruit.
Diabetes Nurse was encouraging and never suggested that my 6+ fasting readings should be/could be better. They made me feel good but didn't improve my figures.
Endocrinologist was amazing. Rudely told me that my figures were not good enough, prescribed Metformin and said and I needed to understand that I could not include carbs in my diet until I had lost 15kgs and 20 cms from my waist.
He does need a better bedside manner but he is passionate about low carbing and believes in low fat too but I will forgive him for the the latter as I continue to high fat and reduce my heart disease indicators in blood test results due to my experience and research.
After 2 years I am about to make an appointment with the dietician to tell them that their advice did not ever give me non-diabetic BGLs and exactly what DID. How will they ever know that their advice did not work for me unless I have the courage to tell them?.
I deserve what I have achieved and without the help of the internet and amazing professionals like Dr Richard Bernstein and forum discussions I would never have made it to where I am today.
Alison
Interesting - we have a patient diabetes group at the local DGH and it consists of staff and pts - works quite well.
HCPs are there own worst enemies really - they just don't promote all the good stuff they do - partly because they are too busy.
Then some one comes on here or other forums and tells the whole world we are all idiots. I wish that some of you could sit in on clinics to actually see what is really happening.
I know that you all look at your own control and understand what happens and works for you but I and other HCPs see 100s of people every year and build up a wealth of experience!
End of another rant lol!
Allyx
Then some one comes on here or other forums and tells the whole world we are all idiots. I wish that some of you could sit in on clinics to actually see what is really happening.
I know that you all look at your own control and understand what happens and works for you but I and other HCPs see 100s of people every year and build up a wealth of experience!
End of another rant lol!
Allyx
As you asked, examples of bad GPs (note the patients are close friends or close family members):
1. GP knows patient has migraines. GP prescribes type of contraceptive pill that should not be taken with migraine.
2. GP knows what medication patient is on. GP prescribes another type of medication that should not be taken with the first medication.
3. GP suggests anti depressants to patient, before even mentioning counselling.
4. GP knows patient has a medical condition. GP prescribes medication to patient that should not be taken with that condition.
5. And in my case, GPx2 says type 2 diabetes, I was 22 at the time! And not that overweight then. I finally see consultant. Consultant says of course not, don't be silly, far too young, tests for type 1, of course it is type 1.
Edit:
Actually some praise too:
1. I had a mole removed, under a local, the doctor could see I was worried/scared, when she had finished cutting it out she very quickly (and without saying what she was doing - trying not to embarrass me I think) hid anything with blood on or with a needle/blade so I wouldn't see them. I thought that was very thoughtful of her, she didn't need to do that. Very neat cut and stitches too.
2. I asked a GP about something, he said he didn't know much about it, and got a medical book out and looked up about it during the appointment, and told me what it said in the book. I really like honesty like that, you can't expect people to know about everything.
3. As I said before all specialists I have seen have been very good.
1. GP knows patient has migraines. GP prescribes type of contraceptive pill that should not be taken with migraine.
2. GP knows what medication patient is on. GP prescribes another type of medication that should not be taken with the first medication.
3. GP suggests anti depressants to patient, before even mentioning counselling.
4. GP knows patient has a medical condition. GP prescribes medication to patient that should not be taken with that condition.
5. And in my case, GPx2 says type 2 diabetes, I was 22 at the time! And not that overweight then. I finally see consultant. Consultant says of course not, don't be silly, far too young, tests for type 1, of course it is type 1.
Edit:
Actually some praise too:
1. I had a mole removed, under a local, the doctor could see I was worried/scared, when she had finished cutting it out she very quickly (and without saying what she was doing - trying not to embarrass me I think) hid anything with blood on or with a needle/blade so I wouldn't see them. I thought that was very thoughtful of her, she didn't need to do that. Very neat cut and stitches too.
2. I asked a GP about something, he said he didn't know much about it, and got a medical book out and looked up about it during the appointment, and told me what it said in the book. I really like honesty like that, you can't expect people to know about everything.
3. As I said before all specialists I have seen have been very good.
Guys,
I have been diagnosed with T2 for approx 18 months now and not 100% sure what a HCP is. My best NHS advice has probably come from DN's , though my best overall advice has without a shadow of a doubt come from the internet. My grandson was born with a rare condition 2 years ago, his pedeatrician of 20 years dismissed my concerns about him as an over reactive first time grandparent. With a few hours of internet research, I diagnosed a rare condition that affects 1 in 50,000 births. I sent the consultant a comprehensive clinical assessment method from the University of California and the next day, he asked to see me and my daughter to confirm my diagnosis. So 20 years of pediatric experience versus a few hours of internet research???
I am now a committee member of the UK family support group of this rare disease. NEVER belittle the efforts of those who use the internet or indeed the power of the internet as a useful and contributing resource. After all, without it, this forum would not exist!.
All the best Steve
I have been diagnosed with T2 for approx 18 months now and not 100% sure what a HCP is. My best NHS advice has probably come from DN's , though my best overall advice has without a shadow of a doubt come from the internet. My grandson was born with a rare condition 2 years ago, his pedeatrician of 20 years dismissed my concerns about him as an over reactive first time grandparent. With a few hours of internet research, I diagnosed a rare condition that affects 1 in 50,000 births. I sent the consultant a comprehensive clinical assessment method from the University of California and the next day, he asked to see me and my daughter to confirm my diagnosis. So 20 years of pediatric experience versus a few hours of internet research???
I am now a committee member of the UK family support group of this rare disease. NEVER belittle the efforts of those who use the internet or indeed the power of the internet as a useful and contributing resource. After all, without it, this forum would not exist!.
All the best Steve
Patch
Well-Known Member
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- Type of diabetes
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Great work, Steve.
If only the HCP's could dedicate as much time as we do on researching our condition. Obviously, they don't have the time - but I wish they would realise that the research we do IS valid.
Seems to me like they dismiss any research we do ourselves because we're not "qualified".
If only the HCP's could dedicate as much time as we do on researching our condition. Obviously, they don't have the time - but I wish they would realise that the research we do IS valid.
Seems to me like they dismiss any research we do ourselves because we're not "qualified".
Patch - HCP do research in fact it is easier with the internet and there are all sorts of things go on that you would not hear about - team meetings, journal clubs, study days, etc. I get daily diabetic updates but you do have to be selective of course! I do think there is a danger now that for any condition it can become an obsession !
The problem is that yours is not research really - it is your experience but most listen to their pts honestly.
I am curious from a previous post what condition did you diagnose and did you take the medics to task - pm if you don't want to discuss it on here.
Allyx
The problem is that yours is not research really - it is your experience but most listen to their pts honestly.
I am curious from a previous post what condition did you diagnose and did you take the medics to task - pm if you don't want to discuss it on here.
Allyx
Hi Ally, the condition is known as CHARGE syndrome, which refers to the physical impacts of the disease (coloboma, heart, artesia, retardation of growth,ear or hearing abnormalities). There are about 200 child aged cases known to the NHS. To be honest the consultant involved at the birth unit, quickly became irrelevant and as the condition is extremely rare, I could understand the problems involved. What I did take exception to was the consultant's attitude to me personally. Though in fairness he was both amased and extremely apologetic after the dust had settled. My biggest concern at the time, was that the pediatric nurses were trying to feed him and he was not physicaly abe, he required a jpeg tube. The feeding could have led to major problems associated with matter finding its way to his lungs. We are now tied in to experts in the disease, including the man perceived to be the "global expert" and the lead UK consultant works closely with our support group, so I have no residual "issues" with the initial medical team.
BTW the condition is usually caused by mutation of the CHD7 gene, which in my grandson's case was confirmed by a blood test.
All the best - Steve.
BTW the condition is usually caused by mutation of the CHD7 gene, which in my grandson's case was confirmed by a blood test.
All the best - Steve.
Thanks Blue for explaining that - I have never encountered the condition. Some younger paediatricians are more switched on to look for unusual conditions.
How is your grandson now.
Allyx
How is your grandson now.
Allyx
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Well my wife rang her doctors this morning to ask for a appointment and was told there wasn't any until this time next week, asked if the gp could ring her back and was told possibly if time was allowing. The doctor did ring back, expressed her concern and said to come down tomorrow afternoon where she will slot my wife in into her clinic...............can't get much better than that I say! 
Nigel
Nigel
Have to say my DSN has been brilliant over the past week or so - met her for the first time last week where she spent almost 2 hours talking to me about starting on insulin and all the other necessaries. This week my visit lasted over an hour and on the way out she wanted to know what I was like with computers - when I answered there werent a problem she gave me a new Bayer USB meter which works a treat!!
Just like any other service industry - not all practitioners are 'good.' Some healthcare professionals are dedicated, committed, well-informed, and genuinely care about their patients. Others are working toward a paycheck, making life convenient for themselves, not keeping current with what's happening in the field, and - frankly - can't be bothered. The NHS doesn't always help, with their 'hidden parameters' and unpublished directives and overriding emphasis on 'cost effectiveness,' often at the expense of patient health. But a dedicated doctor or nurse will find ways to work within the system and still provide the best care for their patients. Medical workers who just want to put in their time wll do the minimum. I think that's every bit as true of mechanics, or teachers, or cashiers, as it is of doctors and others in the healthcare field. The only thing you can do about it is 'shop around' until you find a surgery or healthcare team that really does put the patient first.
I have met and been treated by some very good practitioners and some real idiots. Unfortunately it was the idiots who treated me first. I only realised their lack of knowledge after I lost 10kg in 6 weeks, had an ulcerated leg and all the usual symptoms. I then resolved to become an expert in diabetes because I needed to control my treatment. The advice I give to any diabetic is become an expert patient in your particular type of diabetes. Far too many diabetics do not understand their condition and so are not in a position to judge their doctors properly. I have met far to many diabetics who trust their doctors but are suffering from diabetic complications. I should add that I have chosen good care now. I am now in a position to judge my care. So folks, BECOME AN EXPERT, YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
My one complaint is that after I becoming well with my diabetes and getting a low HbA1c, my GP who did not know about diabetes, gets a bonus. No justice in this world
My one complaint is that after I becoming well with my diabetes and getting a low HbA1c, my GP who did not know about diabetes, gets a bonus. No justice in this world
