GraceK
Well-Known Member
I had my 3 month diabetes review with the DN last week and a load of blood tests taken. My HBA1C came back excellent control but a few others, including cholesterols and heart enzymes were high. So I had to see the doc about that today. I've never seen this doctor before and he was absolutely lovely. As I'm what they call a 'complex needs' patient otherwise known as a bl***y nightmare, I'm aware that I'm not the easiest of patients to deal with so he must have thought he was in for a right grilling.
He asked how I was, sat back and listened, made eye contact, spoke to ME, not the computer, listened to ME, not the computer and I haven't had an interaction like that with a GP for years!
I told him I was chuffed with the progress I've made in 3 months with the diabetes and then we got round to my heart enzymes and liver tests and he asked if I'd been taking the statins. I swear to God I can't lie to anyone, I'm hopeless at it so I told him the truth. That I am terrified of some of the side effects and especially since I've been hospitalised a few times with angioedema and anaphylactic shock. And that's why I haven't taken the statins. I also told him that I've felt dire for the last two decades and now that the Metformin and diet is doing it's magic and I'm feeling human again, I'm loathe to throw any spanners in the works.
He pushed his chair back and I thought I was in for a long lecture but he said that I was being very sensible taking my time to get used to one lot of meds before I start another. And he said he's not surprised I'm terrified, that he would be too. So that made me feel tons better. Because I come from a family of heart attack and stroke sufferers, obviously I do have to be sensible and do what I can, but he certainly didn't push the issue with me and nor was he dismissive. He reminded me of GPs we had years ago who took time to get to know the patient.
He then told me that if I do start taking the statins after another discussion, that if I get the slightest skin irritation I must not delay and just dial 999 immediately. God help the poor man, we were nattering for a good half an hour and I only had a ten minute appointment, but I don't feel guilty cos that makes up for all the rushed appointments I've had before.
He asked how I was, sat back and listened, made eye contact, spoke to ME, not the computer, listened to ME, not the computer and I haven't had an interaction like that with a GP for years!
I told him I was chuffed with the progress I've made in 3 months with the diabetes and then we got round to my heart enzymes and liver tests and he asked if I'd been taking the statins. I swear to God I can't lie to anyone, I'm hopeless at it so I told him the truth. That I am terrified of some of the side effects and especially since I've been hospitalised a few times with angioedema and anaphylactic shock. And that's why I haven't taken the statins. I also told him that I've felt dire for the last two decades and now that the Metformin and diet is doing it's magic and I'm feeling human again, I'm loathe to throw any spanners in the works.
He pushed his chair back and I thought I was in for a long lecture but he said that I was being very sensible taking my time to get used to one lot of meds before I start another. And he said he's not surprised I'm terrified, that he would be too. So that made me feel tons better. Because I come from a family of heart attack and stroke sufferers, obviously I do have to be sensible and do what I can, but he certainly didn't push the issue with me and nor was he dismissive. He reminded me of GPs we had years ago who took time to get to know the patient.
He then told me that if I do start taking the statins after another discussion, that if I get the slightest skin irritation I must not delay and just dial 999 immediately. God help the poor man, we were nattering for a good half an hour and I only had a ten minute appointment, but I don't feel guilty cos that makes up for all the rushed appointments I've had before.