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Paediatric care to adult care?

Casey_Jane

Casey_Jane

Member
Messages
16
Location
Cornwall, England
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I was wondering about the transition between paediatric care going into adult care. As I am due to change soon and I have heard that there is hardly any support and I can't see how that works.
 
Hi :) Have you asked your consultant or DSN? They may be able to reassure you about the process, and give you an idea about what'll happen.
 
I'm going to move this thread to the Children and Teens section where I hope you'll get some answers :)
 
My transition wasn't very good but that was mainly down to my lack of motivation and self care.....

I think it will just be a different clinic possibly and different doctors............and they will expect you to be self sufficient, or at least a lot more than you would be as a child.....

long term diabetics though will already be doing it all themselves pretty much by the time adult clinic arrives...
 
I was transferred to adult's early at 16 years because my paediatrics was so ****! So I guess I dont have much advice! Sorry!
 
azure said:
Hi :) Have you asked your consultant or DSN? They may be able to reassure you about the process, and give you an idea about what'll happen.
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I have asked about it and they don't seem to give much information I have also tried looking it up online and have found nothing so now trying here.
 
Is it in the uk? Nhs? I had the same thing 2 years ago and I prefer the young adult clinic as it gives you full responsibility. However I think it depends on the person. I for example lose motivation to stay in control and there isn't anyone to keep me 'in check' unless I ask for it. So there are positives and negatives. But help is always available if you ask
 
bumblebee95 said:
Is it in the uk? Nhs? I had the same thing 2 years ago and I prefer the young adult clinic as it gives you full responsibility. However I think it depends on the person. I for example lose motivation to stay in control and there isn't anyone to keep me 'in check' unless I ask for it. So there are positives and negatives. But help is always available if you ask
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Yes in the UK, not finding much information about it and sort of stressing out whilst having all the support from family and friends but sometimes I need the support from the people 'who know best.'
 
Your dsn, and care team should help you through transitioning to adult clinic. You usually attend a different day from usual where the paediatric team are there as well. So whilst getting to know your new nurse and specialist, you have familiar faces if you do need help. From then you can then say once you're settled with the new team to attend as usual.

There is definitely a lot less pressure when you attend adult clinic. In paeds in was like they were breathing down your back, constantly at you trying to improve. In adults there is a lot more emphasis on being able to self manage. However help is there if needed.
If you have an annual check up (blood test, urine sample, blood pressure) that will continue to happen as normal. However it is likely you will have to have a blood pressure and urine sample taken at every visit. Blood test is only required once a year at your annual check up.
If you used to have your blood taken (from arm) from the clinic itself. You will now have to go to the phlebotomy part of your hospital. This is better as these guys are specialised and can take it in one go.

Hope this helps
 
Thank you, I usually have to go to my doctors to have my blood test anyway cause my clinic can never get any blood. I'm the type of person that needs the support from the nurses and clinic so, to not have that support is what I'm worried about.
 
Casey_Jane said:
Yes in the UK, not finding much information about it and sort of stressing out whilst having all the support from family and friends but sometimes I need the support from the people 'who know best.'
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The help will always be available if you need it, it's just a different system, you have to 'book' to see the nurse etc. But seriously, don't worry about it. The transition is to the young people's clinic so they are sensitive to the needs of young people. Xx
 
Hi @Casey_Jane
on your next visit ask to speak to your new adult DSN and sit down and have a proper chat with her -- explain all of the feelings and worries you are having - I am sure she will help and be supportive.
make a written list of your concerns too -- that will help if you get a bit mixed up or forget anything in front of her.
 
himtoo said:
Hi @Casey_Jane
on your next visit ask to speak to your new adult DSN and sit down and have a proper chat with her -- explain all of the feelings and worries you are having - I am sure she will help and be supportive.
make a written list of your concerns too -- that will help if you get a bit mixed up or forget anything in front of her.
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Thank you
 
Casey_Jane said:
Thank you
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it is always hard to make a change to something unknown in any part of our lives -- relationships , jobs , university , etc etc,

so a change in medical routine will be just as huge ( even more because it is your life )
 
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