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Not sure where to start

J

Julie456

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi Everyone
I have been type 1 for about 35 years and never really had good control and have fallen out of the NHS system of reviews and tests several times now. I am really starting to suffer with complications including gastroparesis, nerve pain and feet and eye issues but am terrified of ‘being told off’ by medical staff for my lack of diabetic control. The anxiety and mental health issues have reached a peak - not helped by feeling physically unwell. I have managed to bring my blood sugars down recently as a first step and booked an eye screen appointment but I contacted my GP so that I could discuss my fear and anxiety over all of this and the response I got was just to book a review with the practice nurse. With all respect to her I don’t feel she will have the diabetes knowledge to be able to support me and my anxiety has now increased ten fold. Do I have a foot and blood check in the hope that this will lead to more specialised appointments and support or is there another route to try and get this.? I really need to make changes but need understanding and support to do so. Sorry for the rambling but don’t know where else to turn
 
GP's are the gatekeepers of the NHS, they can and will refer you to a hospital consultant if and when needed, so your best access to consultants is via the GP. Most practice nurses have knowledge of diabetes and they also have a breadth of experience with other illnesses. If you want to gain more in depth medical knowledge, appointments with consultants, my suggestion is make the appointment with the practice nurse and discuss all your problems with her. You can ask for a referral to your local diabetes clinic who will have all the expertise you need to deal with your diabetes. The anxiety can also be dealt with by the clinic or the GP both of whom can refer you further. But your first step is the practice nurse. Make sure you discuss all you problems with the nurse, write them down as an aid to memory before you go if that will help you. It won't all be instant but you have made the first steps by acknowledging the problems and contacting the GP, well done.
 
Thank you for the advice. That’s really helpful. One step at a time makes sense. And the notes beforehand sounds like a good plan too.
 
Hi. My practice nurse is very good and listens and draws on a lot of knowledge. She deals with my insulin so not just a T2 nurse. Don't just assume she will be no good. I'd rather have the nurse than the 'diabetes' GP who doesn't listen and is arrogant.
 
Thanks. I think my view is based on past experience but you’re right I have to give her a fair chance rather than make assumptions. Thank you
 
Hi all I cannot find how to start a new thread, I’m also newly diagnosed, I have found a pattern that confuses me, if I have toast my sugars are very high after 2 hours, -13mml
But if I have a large slice of chocolate cake and ice cream my sugars are normal? - 6.4mmol
 
From one Tash to another welcome!

If your on the app you can use this function to start a new thread.



To the OP. You have made a start and that is great, you have the ability to take control & manage your interactions with health care professionals. You can ask your nurse to refer you to a consultant just the same as a doctor
& if not your local hospital will have a patient liaison service (PALS) where you can get a second opinion.
 

Hi,

It's very easy to fall behind with it all & end up slipping through the system.(been there for a while myself.)
Your GP should refer you to the hospital diabetes specialist consultant? In my case I still get bloods & wot not done at the surgery. But have appointments regarding my T1 at the hospital.
 

Hi,

In the sub fora you wish to post if using a browser you should find a button marked "post new thread." On the top right hand side of the section.

Then you get a box to write the body of your post & a bar to title your topic.

Hope this helps.
 
It’s very easy to fall out of the system - and understandable from both parties. This is your diabetes so you’ve got to grab hold of it. Which it sounds like you’re doing. GP nurses have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of diabetes knowledge in the last few years - this expertise is no longer the remit of specialist hospital teams. I’d advise you to consider your first appointment as a step on a ladder. There are doubtless loads of hospital-led services you could avail yourself of, but as has been said, the local surgery appointment is your first step. Take it slow, plan what you want to talk about, try to manage your anxiety if you can. Your surgery will very likely refer you if needs be and then bang - you’re back in the system. Just didn’t expect everything on day one. The system is there to help you, but you need to work within its processes
 
Also, it may help if you take someone else with you to your appointment with the DN. You can discuss what questions you wish to ask before you go and also what outcomes you want before you leave the appointment. Having a friend with you can help to allay your fears, take notes, intervene if key questions are not answered etc. Good luck with starting to get some issues resolved.
 
Thank you for all of your advice. I am going to call the surgery on Monday and book the appointment with the Practice Nurse and go to the appointment with my list of questions prepared. At the moment it’s difficult to take anyone due to the restrictions in place but notes will really help. I feel more positive about the appointment now thanks to all your advice and suggestions.
 
Hey Julie,

Gutted to read this, followed by your struggle with anxiety.

Based on your brief information here, I would say that your anxiety has been built up, from anger ( Anxiety is the end result of this very emotion ). It's hard to see the connection first and people always assume that it starts with anxiety and people have an angry outburst, which is true. But just reading your first few sentences, I truly think it's anger towards multiple things and that's your kick starter in this anxiety.

Anxiety is a ******, but I would recommend a book I fount extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Living Like You Mean it - By Ronald J Fredrick Ph.D.

That's the best I can offer in this case! I have only been type 1 for nearly a year now, so you're no doubt way ahead of me in terms of knowledge and experience on this disease. Just hope my experience on Anxiety, can maybe help you.

All the best.
 

Thanks Rhys. I will certainly check out the book you mention.
 
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