Newbie with very patronising DN

[Tattyhead91]

Hi all!

I'm so glad I've found this forum, I am 6 weeks diagnosed with T2, yet to see a doctor as they keep referring me to the DN who is the most patronising and really quite upsetting person I've ever had to deal with.

On my first visit to her she told me I needed to change my lifestyle to manage the condition. I have done as suggested and have seen good effects weight wise (18lbs lost). On my second visit to her, today, she casually dropped in to her spiel that a doctor (who I have never seen but who is apparently the practice diabetes specialist) had prescribed me metformin, because "it's good for your heart and I meant to tell you last time but forgot". Last time was a month ago.

Now, I've adopted a low carb diet which I understand may not sit well with metformin. The doctors also do not have the results of my urine tests for kidney function (presumably lost as per my blood test in the first instance).

I am not allowed to monitor my BS with strips and a metre because "we don't do it like that anymore" which just feels counterintuitive to me.

I've seen a podiatrist who says my feet are perfectly normal yet nurse insisted on recording moderate risk due to hard skin (she knows better than the guy who specialises in feet).

She can't answer any questions I have and becomes quite patronising if I push for an answer.

Is this a common experience or should I look at changing practices? Or demand to see a doctor?

Any advice gratefully received!

 

[Andy12345]

hcp in my experience are next to useless, luckily they only have our lives in their hands

hi btw


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Tattyhead91]

Ha ha, that made me laugh! :lol:

 

[Daibell]

Hi. HCPs vary greatly in their expertise. In the past I've had a useless Diabetes GP and a reasonable one. Currently I have an excellent DN who specialises in insulin users. There is no problem with having Metformin and a low-carb diet. Although your DN handled the prescription badly, I wouldn't worry about having the Metformin. It's a good, safe drug and is especially useful if you are overweight. The bit about not using strips anymore is incorrect and stupid. The real reason is about costs to the NHS.

 

[Tattyhead91]

Thank you! I did ask if that was the reason, I think she sees me as a problem patient because I challenge her.

Oh well!

Thanks for both responses!

 

[Unbeliever]

Very often they adopt that patronising attitude when they are slightly out of their depth. Try not to let it worry you. Sometimes they
appear to contradict everyhing you say becase they feel it gives them an air of authority.

Best to ignore it ,if possible and just concentrate on geting the right results , I think you may then find the attitude will change.
Its a pity that many patients don't get the moral support they need on diagnosis, but at least you have found this forum .

 

[Tattyhead91]

I think you're spot on, she is out of her depth.

Thank you for taking the time to reply

 

[carraway]

hi

Sounds normal to me. They are all lunatics. Buy or get your own meter (lots of companies give them away), get some strips, test before and 2 hours after food see what makes your sugars rise.

There is good book I discovered on carbs called 'Carbs and Cals You can see portion sizes in it. Amazed me!

Keep up the weight loss if you still need to and up the exercise.

I've been here just over a month and found out more advice here than anywhere. People her speak from experience, not courses and leaflets.

Cara

 

[1andylock]

In the end it is down to you to make it all OK.
I don't know how you are meant to know if you are on the right track of they don't give you a meter.
So do a lot of reading and not just this forum.
And run with it.
Metformin is OK so don't worry about that it will help.
Low Carb and eat healthily and that's it. Whoops forgot exercise as much as you can and get weight under control and it will all go in the right direction.
Once you get the hang of what make York sugars go up and down then its just a matter of staying in the right course. Its a job for life but worth it.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[julie54]

I agree with all that has been said on here!! It is unfortunately not unusual for most newly diagnosed to have a fairly negative response by G.P/DN, and the battle for testing strips is becoming more and more prevalent - and the only reason is to save money, despite the rhetoric given that it is unnecessary!!! The information given within these forums is invaluable in terms of learning about the condition, the causes, and the ways to manage it. And it does get easier as time goes by. And do keep challenging!! I challenge all the time - and as a result of the lifestyle changes I have made my blood glucose levels are within normal parameters, my weight is reducing, and consequently my health is improving. Good luck Julie

 

[Tattyhead91]

Thank you all so much, it is encouraging to know it isn't that I'm just a pain in the **** patient!

 

[CollieBoy]

Quick Resonse (IMHO),
1)Get meter and strips from own resources.
2)Learn how to test effectively
3)Learn what foods effect your BGs and how much.
4)Learn what WORKS FOR YOU!
5)If your HCP says something, research it and either a) act on it or b) mentally shake your head and carry on.
(Th result of 5b varies some GPs and consultants accept that you have done your homework and rejected their suggestion and accept the result. Most nursing staff cannot see that you have a brain and can make choices as they are just PBI* and they just spout the party line)
* Poor Bl%%dy Infantry

 

[sandysan]

newbie last week seen diabetic nurse , i had a spare meter and was taking my sugar levels on meter , had my first visit the nurse was not very nice , she didn't bother to look at readings , and she said they don't use meters anymore , there not interested in my readings as every three months is a hbac1 test ,, well i felt at ease with doing my readings , and without the meter i will be thinking if my blood is high or low

 

[Unbeliever]

Quick Resonse (IMHO),
1)Get meter and strips from own resources.
2)Learn how to test effectively
3)Learn what foods effect your BGs and how much.
4)Learn what WORKS FOR YOU!
5)If your HCP says something, research it and either a) act on it or b) mentally shake your head and carry on.
(Th result of 5b varies some GPs and consultants accept that you have done your homework and rejected their suggestion and accept the result. Most nursing staff cannot see that you have a brain and can make choices as they are just PBI* and they just spout the party line)
* Poor Bl%%dy Infantry

Totally agree with this Fergus. I wasted years discovering this the hard way. It should be included in the advice to the newly diagnosed as it could prevent a great deal of distress i am sure.

 

[Tattyhead91]

Thanks, Fergus, I'm absolutely taking that on board.

 

[1andylock]

But listen too them. Not all they say will be rubbish. Don't go in already with your back up. My nurse is fantastic so it is hard for me to judge but I souled believe that they have some training and some knowledge even if it comes o er wrong. Don't believe all you read on the internet either check that also and for that matter a lot on this forum has no base on science and is personal opinion in a lot of cases. Read and check and double check. Test and keep testing until you understand it works in your body. And each body reacts differently, what is true for one may not be true for another.

 

[CollieBoy]

As I said, don't just listen, research it (If you do that will be better implanted if it is good & if it is not you can defend your actions ith reasoned argument! the decide your next step.
Nurse : Did you do what I said?
You : "No, because A)...
B)...
C)..."
is better than :
You : "No!because you were a supercillious cow :twisted: "

Better still going back and saying:" You put me on X, I've researched X and I'm worried about effect Y, what else can you suggest?" emphasises that 1) you research your treatment, 2)You arn't afraid to ask questions, 3) you are taking a positive stance on your treatment.