My first experience of the Practice Nurse

[JimG]

As said by a few when I posted the other day the nurse followed what appears to be a standard response to my recently diagnose T2.
You are metaformin therefore no need to test as we will test again in six weeks. Testing will not help ecause the meds will be bringing the blood sugar down. Yes diet and exercise help but do not worry as the metaformin will hopefully bring it back and if not we can add glit....
One hour later and after a lenghthy debate including the nurse leaving to speak to the GP they gave me a blood meter and a repeat script for strips and lances.
A referral for feet and eyes is on the way and also an invite to a couple of lengthy induction/information sessions re diabetes. This is too include my wife so she has the same info.
So can I say thanks to all of you both on the boards and in the chat room for preparing me to debate the case and at the end of the day being allowed to assist if not manage my diabetes. Now comes the hard work, testing, dieting and exercising but I now feel much more upbeat than I did this time yesterday.

Thanks again

 

[sugarless sue]

Well done,Jim.You obviously convinced them that you want to take control.First step on the way.

 

[JimG]

Thanks Sue, your right. I cannot blame anyone alse if I cannot move this on now.

 

[ChocFish]

Well done there Jim - I am sure you will get the better of this diabetes, and remember to be kind to yourself and not get too stressed out over diabetes or anything else as this can also raise your blood sugar.

You have made an excellent start, I wish I had been like this when I was first diagnosed many moons ago...so a big pat on your back is due

All the best

Karen

 

[JimG]

Thanks Karen, the support over the past week helped in going in and asking for some control over what was happening to me which I prefer rather that being seen as spectator. Yourself and others assisted that process by supportive statments and info which I managed to cite to the nurse and propapbly persusaded her that I had a rudimentary knowledge of what was going on with my body.
Hope I can now report back further successes when get to grips with diet and exrecise.

 

[gardenfairy22]

Hello Everyone,
First time on the forum though I have been lurking for a couple of weeks. I would just like to say thanks to Jim for his input. Yesterday was also my first visit to the Diabetes Nurse. :? I wasn´t as brave as him, and didn´t press it about self testing, when told it wasn´t necessary. (But went straight out and bought a meter, just in case I can pluck up courage to use it). I am morbidly obese, but told OK to try diet and exercise, no tablets yet. I have been called back in two weeks to see how I am doing.

Has anyone any exercise tips for someone with severe arthritis in knees and hips, and circulatory problems. Has anyone tried that circulation booster machine? How do I find local diabetic groups, is it through local hospitals, I would love the chance to listen to how other people cope, finding it hard to come to terms with it at present.

 

[JimG]

Hi gardenfairy. It was the people on here who helped me take on the issue of the meter. As a new member and recently diagnosed I am so pleased that I logged on to this site and I am sure from what I have read so far that there wll be a number of people offering support and advice. All the best.
Jim

 

[cavelioness]

Has anyone any exercise tips for someone with severe arthritis in knees and hips, and circulatory problems. Has anyone tried that circulation booster machine? How do I find local diabetic groups, is it through local hospitals, I would love the chance to listen to how other people cope, finding it hard to come to terms with it at present.[/quote]

Welcome fellow lurker, re your problems, do you have a gym? They will sort out an exercise regime for you. If you think that is too expensive a visit to your doc and they should issue you with a letter that should get you gym or swimming time for much less. Tai Chi is a very gentle set of specific movements that should also be of benefit.

 

[IanD]

Hi GF22,

There are a number of activities to increase mobility. You could try Top 10 exercises for arthritis.

Obviously you are aware that reducing weight is important. Its to easy if you are immobile to go in for comfort eating, & that means easy carbs, & that adds to the problem. Develop a liking for raw carrots, celery & nuts. NEVER biscuits, chocs or bread. Enjoy your cheese with celery, not with biscuits or bread. Without trying to lose weight (only blood sugar) I lost a stone in 3 months, & it has stayed off.

Another useful activity apparently unrelated to weight is singing. That gets you breathing properly, & if you join a choir (I'm in 3, & haven't had to audition) it becomes a social activity with new friends. It also means you have something to do instead of sitting & eating. Breathing is important to good health. (I know Pavarotti was obese, but I'm sure that was pasta.)

You might even try dancing - it doesn't have to be energetic. But don't accept the biscuit during the tea-break. Remember Joyce Grenfell - "Stately as a Gallion" - dancing bust to bust.

To find a group, you could google, or ask you Dr or nurse. Where are you in the country?

Hope that helps.

 

[hanadr]

Our local authority Sports Centre runs several courses for people with mobility problems. I attend an aquamobility class, which has eveolved and got harder, but I know there's a chair based class too. and one to help people in daner of falling.
Check out your lacal authority

 

[gardenfairy22]

Thank you all so much for the excellent ideas to improve my mobility, (love the Joyce Grenfell picture in my mind :lol: ). The diabetic nurse says I am only to have a sliver of cheese so will probably cut it out completely. Too tempting to have a large block of Canadian Cheddar sitting in the fridge.

Off to phone round for water aerobics classes. Thanks again, good luck to Jim and any others newly diagnosed, in a way its quite nice that we are all in this same boat, just thankful for so many experienced sailors!

 

[Stuboy]

we shold campaign to make it LAW that EVERY diabetic, type 1 or type 2 is GIVEN or OFFERED a blood glucose meter on diagnosis or if they dont currently have one...

I think it's absolutly rediculous that some diabetics out there really beleive they dont need to/shouldn't be testing just because a GP or Nurse who isn't a diabetes specialist told them so.


Good to hear you won the battle

 

[cavelioness]

Hi Stuboy my nurse is a diabetic specialist and she doesnt think I need to be testing as she says everytime my appointment comes up including my hba1c I have very good control despite all my arguements using this site and all the information I have. So I thought of just giving up as it is really pointless. I also went to my doctor but he wont interfere with the dn. So have bought my own meter and 1 lot of testing strips but it is affording them on limited income.
I have an appointment next week and have decided not to give any information. Will just let her do all the talking. Will not be mentioning anything that is bothering me as it is pointless.