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JUST SEEN THE DOC ... POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

GraceK

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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.

:D :D :D That VitD3 is definitely having an effect.
 
Gracek...

This has really lifted me reading your post.
Was smiling with a warm glow in my feelings for such wonderful understanding
and time your doctor gave you.

He listened and was letting you express how things are from 'your' points of veiw.
The results in have reflected all efforts you have made in a fabulous positive and
productive way. [the HCP's like the figures and statistic's dont they :roll: ]

Am really happy and so pleased for you gracek .
Great news and results from an understanding doc too :thumbup:

Anna.
 
Thats great news Grace :thumbup: My doctor is the same, he sits back, listens to what I have to say and then we go on from there. Someof my appointments have been wellover the 10minutes slot ( but I know you can ask for a double slot upon request)

What a great start to the week for you :D

Best wishes RRB
 
anna29 said:
Gracek...

This has really lifted me reading your post.
Was smiling with a warm glow in my feelings for such wonderful understanding
and time your doctor gave you.

He listened and was letting you express how things are from 'your' points of veiw.
The results in have reflected all efforts you have made in a fabulous positive and
productive way. [the HCP's like the figures and statistic's dont they :roll: ]

Am really happy and so pleased for you gracek .
Great news and results from an understanding doc too :thumbup:

Anna.

Ha! Thanks Anna, I'm chuffed with the past 3 months thanks to the forum. I know I keep saying that but it's true. Having said all that I've just tested my blood and it's 11.2 :shock: I wondered why I was buzzing and hyper this evening and put it down to the busy day I've had cos I went for a job interview before my doctor's appointment and my car decided to start playing up and wouldn't start this morning so it's been a bit of a flappy, busy day.

Anyway, it just occured to me that in all my rushing around looking for an auto electrician and preparing for the interview, I forgot to take my Metformin today and I also totally forgot I had diabetes when I walked into a sweetshop on the way to the interview, to buy a bottle of water and some Trebor mints so I wouldn't be breathing garlic chicken at my interviewer. :oops:

Totally forgot I was diabetic this afternoon, ate about 6 mints on the way to the interview on top of forgetting the Metformin.

My BS has never been that high for weeks, so would you put that down to just forgetting one dose of Metformin or a combination of today's frenetics?
:think:

Can't wait for Emmerdale, that's the only TV programme that relaxes me for some reason. :lol:
 
Robinredbreast said:
Thats great news Grace :thumbup: My doctor is the same, he sits back, listens to what I have to say and then we go on from there. Someof my appointments have been wellover the 10minutes slot ( but I know you can ask for a double slot upon request)

What a great start to the week for you :D

Best wishes RRB

RRB ... yep it makes so much difference having a doc who actually looks at you when you're in the surgery. It really grates on me when I get one who just asks me questions while keeping their eyes on the screen. I know they have to look at the damned thing but it's so impersonal.

On another tangent ... I have a lovely little robin who visits my garden every day for the fat balls and concoctions I put out for him to eat. My favourite bird. They're so tame and friendly but I've never seen two together, have you? I get regular visits from a pair of collared doves, they're inseparable. One sits on the fence and keeps dixie while the other one eats, then they swap places. :D I love this time of year cos of the birds that come down every day.
 
Just seen Doc,not sure of the experience

Just been to Drs,could not see my usual one so i saw the GP that deals with Diabetes.I walk in sit down and the conversation starts,so you now have diabetes yes i said,but....GP carries on add another tablet to take with metformin,tells me i may need a colestral tablet.......Finally he stops and i say thank you for all your help regarding my diabetes but I came about my legs,i have cellulitus again and i couldn't see my usual Dr......I can't complain we got there in the end.

Anne
 
GraceK said:
Robinredbreast said:
Thats great news Grace :thumbup: My doctor is the same, he sits back, listens to what I have to say and then we go on from there. Someof my appointments have been wellover the 10minutes slot ( but I know you can ask for a double slot upon request)

What a great start to the week for you :D

Best wishes RRB

RRB ... yep it makes so much difference having a doc who actually looks at you when you're in the surgery. It really grates on me when I get one who just asks me questions while keeping their eyes on the screen. I know they have to look at the damned thing but it's so impersonal.

On another tangent ... I have a lovely little robin who visits my garden every day for the fat balls and concoctions I put out for him to eat. My favourite bird. They're so tame and friendly but I've never seen two together, have you? I get regular visits from a pair of collared doves, they're inseparable. One sits on the fence and keeps dixie while the other one eats, then they swap places. :D I love this time of year cos of the birds that come down every day.

Grace the Robin is my favourite bird, but I know they are fiesty little things. To see a Robin in my garden is wonderful with Blue **** a very close 2nd.

Not long ago 2 Robins,a male and a female, were flying frantacally,in the evening in my back garden, because their 3 little babies were on my patio :( and mum and dad were so concerned. We tried to save, Robyn,Rio and Rubee but the last one died at lunchtime the next day, very very upsetting. I tried my hardest to save them, but the poor little things must of had internal injuries and so young. A very british and iconic bird, not the same as the American Robin though. I do love the Robin, so sweet looking and fluffingly cute :D

Best wishes RRB
 
Awwww what a shame. :( But how lucky you met the whole family! You're honoured because I've never seen more than one. And yes they are so cheeky and unafraid and very territorial. This little fella makes me laugh because when he lands on the bird table he sort of stands there with his little legs splayed and surveys the whole garden. He does it even when next door's cats nearby and the strange thing is the cat always leaves. But once he's fed his face, he's off and leaves room for the other birds to come down. I find the different breeds tend to have their own dinner times so there's no fighting - they all arrive on different 'flights'. :D
 
Grace - that is wonderful, it's great you're doing well.

Also makes a nice change to see some positive comments about NHS/Doctors. I like you, am fortunate to have a decent Doctor looking after me :thumbup:
 
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