Not impressed with general practice

[Diseased_Bunny]

What are my options?

Background: T2, been on ozempic for 2 years (July 2021), this was reduced from 1mg to 0.5mg due to the shortages (Sept 22), then in may 2023, I was moved to trulicity 1.5mg. Last bloods were when I was on the 1mg Oz, with a 1ac of 48, had one last week so since then the meds have halved and also changed, with a reading of 64. Phone call from the diabetic nurse at GP basically said she believed it was my lifestyle that was affecting the numbers NOT that they halved the meds that they were issuing. Asked to speak to GP as they have the authority to change the medication, her reply was I will have to ring up at 8 am each morning to get an appointment. Just feel that they aren't taking it seriously.

 

[ElenaP]

What are my options?

Background: T2, been on ozempic for 2 years (July 2021), this was reduced from 1mg to 0.5mg due to the shortages (Sept 22), then in may 2023, I was moved to trulicity 1.5mg. Last bloods were when I was on the 1mg Oz, with a 1ac of 48, had one last week so since then the meds have halved and also changed, with a reading of 64. Phone call from the diabetic nurse at GP basically said she believed it was my lifestyle that was affecting the numbers NOT that they halved the meds that they were issuing. Asked to speak to GP as they have the authority to change the medication, her reply was I will have to ring up at 8 am each morning to get an appointment. Just feel that they aren't taking it seriously.

Unfortunately this seems to be the way that GP surgeries operate nowadays. Your diabetes nurse not willing to make you an appointment with a GP is not unusual. My GP surgery excepts people to phone (and queue on the phone) at 08:00 hrs. Last time I did that, I was offered a telephone appointment three weeks later.

 

[carolm]

Hi Bunny,
I'm type 2 on a diet, no medicine yet. Yes, they blamed your lifestyle, save the NHS money as they don't have to do anything. They just don't want to do the job they are paid to do as its more work and they are probably overloaded. They blame me as well! I think I was given diabetes meds a few years ago. I had to stop the ones that made matters worse.
Can you get into the surgery and find a helpful receptionist who can book a slot in a diary at that time? (May not be easy)
Try emailing them, or in UK we have the Care Quality Comission who are set up to regulate care. I'm not sure if they can do anything. Your are entitled to a gp appointment , 2nd opinion and they are making it difficult to get one as their system is preventing it. There must be a governing body for them or at least some guidance they are supposed to follow.
Others on this forum will have been there as well and be able to advise better.

Different medication, similar issue!
I'll be discussing my medication with a gp today (if he listens and has read the note from the blood test analyis contractor), and yet again trying to explain about automimmunity and thyroid trouble. He cut my thyroid dose, after a week or so stuck in a chair sleeping, I put the dose back again. Aparently a gp spoke from a private clinic and their are now on my record, so I'm a naughty girl as I didn't want to go to sleep all day and night. I quite like living and at 71 I want a proper 2nd opinion. I have asked to speak to a specialist and will again. No use gp speaking on my behalf, he doesn't know me.

I'm a full time carer so may not have time to reply today but if I get anywhere will put the info on this forum.
good luck Carol

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi @Diseased_Bunny The use of diabetes meds for Obesity has certainly caused problems.
But the last time you posted (March 2021) you were doing Low Carb and no mention of diabetes meds. - What happened to force you onto Ozempic by July 2021?

 

[Rachox]

I would be inclined to contact the practice manager explain everything and ask if he/she can arrange a GP appt for you.

 

[carolm]

See my previous post. Spoke to gp. Told him I wanted to speak to a diabetes nurse. They don't have one now but one gp is a specialist. Had to make an appointment with him at the end of the week. Gp would not discuss the results.
I asked about the note re analysis, he just kept repeating I had to go on tablets! I was told yesterday I need antibiotics for an infection (another possible UTI), I've reported symptoms for that before but got nowwhere. I seem to remember that infections raise blood glucose. can anyone confirm or deny that. I've been told a few things where one medic has one idea and another thinks differently. I'm not medically trained and today I felt that he thought he could tell an old lady his opinion and she would think how clever he was and obey.

 

[ianf0ster]

Yes @carolm there are about 40 different things (apart from food) which can raise Blood Glucose at least temporarily.
These include:
Illness or Infection
Stress or lack of sleep
Medication (mostly Steroids and Statins but also other ones)
Exercise - this can also reduce Blood Glucose (since it uses up energy). Overall, apart from temporarily, exercise is good for diabetics.

 

[jellyang]

Your story sounds very similar to mine.
When I was first diagnosed my surgery were really helpful and supportive .
Fast forward 8 years and it gets harder to get any appointments and any support.
A few years back my surgery withdrew free testing sticks then I too have been riding the Ozempic train .
My Numbers are extremely high . I try but don't get any help .
I had a call from my diabetic nurse yesterday who might i was said 'its all your fault'
I was so distressed and am still angry now .
Yes they are understaffed and underfunded but often seem to forget we live with this everyday but thats fine because they have read the book & got the t-shirt so must know best.
If we don't fit into the boxes it must be our fault.
We are all different , what works for one doesn't work for all.
I hope you get your situation resolved

 

[Billy H]

What are my options?

Background: T2, been on ozempic for 2 years (July 2021), this was reduced from 1mg to 0.5mg due to the shortages (Sept 22), then in may 2023, I was moved to trulicity 1.5mg. Last bloods were when I was on the 1mg Oz, with a 1ac of 48, had one last week so since then the meds have halved and also changed, with a reading of 64. Phone call from the diabetic nurse at GP basically said she believed it was my lifestyle that was affecting the numbers NOT that they halved the meds that they were issuing. Asked to speak to GP as they have the authority to change the medication, her reply was I will have to ring up at 8 am each morning to get an appointment. Just feel that they aren't taking it seriously.

Called GP every day is for illness or sudden changes in conditions. From what you say, a telephone consultation would be appropriate because you just want to discuss prescribed medication. Since you wish to discuss ongoing treatment of an existing condition that is not appropriate to require you to call every day for an appointment. If the receptionist refuses to give an appointment, ask for the practice manager.
If no luck, tell them they are breaking several laws including Equality Act (diabetes is classed as a disability) and Human Rights Act and inform them you will contact Patient Services.
If your condition is impacting on your mental health, ask the receptionist or practice manager for the contact details of an advocacy service in your area as you intend to get representation. (It is"usually social services initially for referral but the surgery should have contact details).

 

[Billy H]

Your story sounds very similar to mine.
When I was first diagnosed my surgery were really helpful and supportive .
Fast forward 8 years and it gets harder to get any appointments and any support.
A few years back my surgery withdrew free testing sticks then I too have been riding the Ozempic train .
My Numbers are extremely high . I try but don't get any help .
I had a call from my diabetic nurse yesterday who might i was said 'its all your fault'
I was so distressed and am still angry now .
Yes they are understaffed and underfunded but often seem to forget we live with this everyday but thats fine because they have read the book & got the t-shirt so must know best.
If we don't fit into the boxes it must be our fault.
We are all different , what works for one doesn't work for all.
I hope you get your situation resolved

Your practice has gone against NICE guidelines, Equality Act, Human Rights Act, National Care Standards and so much more legislation. Contact your local MP (or MSP, MLA etc in Devolved areas) and ask them to contact the Health Secretary to look into your treatment. Your healthcare provider will sit up and behave properly when they get a parliamentary enquiry as to why you are being refused appropriate treatment.
You can get you elected representatives contact details by searching 'who is the MP for (your town/area)'