I am finally seeing a doctor about my diabetes type 2 and problems I am experiencing tomorrow evening.
I was diagnosed in December 2009 after booking in a BG fasting test as I was told I was pre diabetic a couple of years before. I thought the Dr’s practice would send for me after 12 months to repeat this test, but they did not. 18 Months down the line whilst visiting the practice nurse for another matter I brought up the fact I had not been sent for.
Upshot was – They do not send out appointments for routine BG fasting tests, I would have to be responsible for booking it myself.
I requested to book the test with the receptionist, only to be told I could not book the appointment, I would need a Dr’s referral. I explained I had just spoken to the practice nurse, and I had already had 3 of these tests in the previous years. The receptionist excused herself to go and speak to the clinical manager of the practice. She was gone a good 15 minutes, when she came back, she told me I could not make an appointment there and then, but I would be sent an appointment in the near future.
I got my appointment 5 weeks later.
When attending this appointment, another nurse took my blood samples before and after the glucose drink. I was then given an appointment for two weeks later to see the diabetic nurse just in case.
On my appointment with the diabetic nurse I was informed that I was now a type 2 diabetic, given a brief outline of what that meant. I was told I needed to inform the DVLA, my car insurance, to book a retinopathy test. I was also booked on the DESMOND course and asked to come back for another blood test 2 weeks later.
I went back and had the blood tests for checking my kidneys, thyroid etc. At that point the diabetic nurse wanted to put me on medication for diabetes and cholesterol.
I explained that both my parents have had severe reactions to statins and had to be taken off them.
I also asked if I could try by diet only to begin with. This was agreed on. My next appointment with the diabetic nurse and blood test is at the end of April.
Never once did I see a doctor about becoming a diabetic.
Since my diagnosis I have had a few health issues, and although I have seen the emergency Dr a few times, and have mentioned that I have been recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic, all I ever seem to get as an answer to my health queries is “It’s a viral infection, rest and drink plenty of fluids”
I have got this answer for colds, sinus problems, muscles in the hips going into spasms, etc.
Last Wednesday my employer called me into the office, after I had had a couple of days off for a nasty cold, and expressed concern that I was not coping with my work very well, and were now concerned that I had a major health issue. I had already told them I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic, and they had sent me to Occupational health dept for more guidelines on work issues with my type 2.
My employer was very nice for this time and told me not to go back to work until I had got all my health issues sorted out. She also asked me to ask the Dr for a confirmation that I was diabetic, as she was concerned that I was not diagnosed by a dr.
I phoned my Dr’s practice last Wednesday asking to see the Dr who deals with Diabetics. Her first free appointment is tomorrow afternoon.
Is it the normal practice not to have been referred to see a Dr upon diagnosis?
I am confused, and a little apprehensive. I do hope the doctor will take my concerns and health niggles seriously as the emergency Dr seemed to have no time for me and I felt he brushed me and my problems aside.
I was diagnosed in December 2009 after booking in a BG fasting test as I was told I was pre diabetic a couple of years before. I thought the Dr’s practice would send for me after 12 months to repeat this test, but they did not. 18 Months down the line whilst visiting the practice nurse for another matter I brought up the fact I had not been sent for.
Upshot was – They do not send out appointments for routine BG fasting tests, I would have to be responsible for booking it myself.
I requested to book the test with the receptionist, only to be told I could not book the appointment, I would need a Dr’s referral. I explained I had just spoken to the practice nurse, and I had already had 3 of these tests in the previous years. The receptionist excused herself to go and speak to the clinical manager of the practice. She was gone a good 15 minutes, when she came back, she told me I could not make an appointment there and then, but I would be sent an appointment in the near future.
I got my appointment 5 weeks later.
When attending this appointment, another nurse took my blood samples before and after the glucose drink. I was then given an appointment for two weeks later to see the diabetic nurse just in case.
On my appointment with the diabetic nurse I was informed that I was now a type 2 diabetic, given a brief outline of what that meant. I was told I needed to inform the DVLA, my car insurance, to book a retinopathy test. I was also booked on the DESMOND course and asked to come back for another blood test 2 weeks later.
I went back and had the blood tests for checking my kidneys, thyroid etc. At that point the diabetic nurse wanted to put me on medication for diabetes and cholesterol.
I explained that both my parents have had severe reactions to statins and had to be taken off them.
I also asked if I could try by diet only to begin with. This was agreed on. My next appointment with the diabetic nurse and blood test is at the end of April.
Never once did I see a doctor about becoming a diabetic.
Since my diagnosis I have had a few health issues, and although I have seen the emergency Dr a few times, and have mentioned that I have been recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic, all I ever seem to get as an answer to my health queries is “It’s a viral infection, rest and drink plenty of fluids”
I have got this answer for colds, sinus problems, muscles in the hips going into spasms, etc.
Last Wednesday my employer called me into the office, after I had had a couple of days off for a nasty cold, and expressed concern that I was not coping with my work very well, and were now concerned that I had a major health issue. I had already told them I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic, and they had sent me to Occupational health dept for more guidelines on work issues with my type 2.
My employer was very nice for this time and told me not to go back to work until I had got all my health issues sorted out. She also asked me to ask the Dr for a confirmation that I was diabetic, as she was concerned that I was not diagnosed by a dr.
I phoned my Dr’s practice last Wednesday asking to see the Dr who deals with Diabetics. Her first free appointment is tomorrow afternoon.
Is it the normal practice not to have been referred to see a Dr upon diagnosis?
I am confused, and a little apprehensive. I do hope the doctor will take my concerns and health niggles seriously as the emergency Dr seemed to have no time for me and I felt he brushed me and my problems aside.
