Well had my first appt with practice nurse today -had read lots on here so wasn't expecting marvels - but OMG!!
Firstly she checked my BP 100/60 so I'm pleased about that. Asked her about my cholesterol she said 'it's not bad' but wasn't keen on giving me the actual numbers but did write them down in the end. Mentioned HbA1c -she said 'yes we'll repeat that in about 6-12 months' I said ' will that be soon enough to say my levels were very high & I'm on steroids?' ' no it'll be fine you need some time to change your lifestyle'.
She next wanted to check my feet & started in a way that she's obviously been taught - I told her that there was an area on my left heel that alternated between hurting & being numb she didn't even look at that & didn't comment!!
Her lifestyle advice consisted of telling me I'd learn everything I needed on the xpert course but I neede to lose some weight & do some exercise.
I asked if I would be referred to a specialist, with my other medical challenges but she said 'o no we manage all Type 2's here'.
That seemed to be it she obviously was ready for me to leave then & hadn't mentioned testing at all so I told her I'd bought a meter & was testing as I was very keen to really get a hold of this condition & control it. I was really happy because 3 weeks in my levels have been in single figures for the last 5 days & this morning my fasting was 6.8 so I was thrilled with that - she wasn't in the slightest bit interested!!! When I said I'd been low carbing she said 'but with Type 2 you need a healthy diet'?!!
How can anyone maintain any motivation & make improvements when they won't support you testing & onlyoffer the HbA1c yearly? I've worked in the NHS for a long time & have seen the challenges of providing good patient care & especially now with financial restraints but this basically boils down to- the NHS can't/ won't support Type 2 diabetics to improve their health & minimise complications. It's just so awful.
I can't let this lie - it's not in my nature. I am going to write to the GP & practice manager with the evidence requesting 3 monthly HbA1c's & testing strips - I have to take responsibiility for my health
Firstly she checked my BP 100/60 so I'm pleased about that. Asked her about my cholesterol she said 'it's not bad' but wasn't keen on giving me the actual numbers but did write them down in the end. Mentioned HbA1c -she said 'yes we'll repeat that in about 6-12 months' I said ' will that be soon enough to say my levels were very high & I'm on steroids?' ' no it'll be fine you need some time to change your lifestyle'.
She next wanted to check my feet & started in a way that she's obviously been taught - I told her that there was an area on my left heel that alternated between hurting & being numb she didn't even look at that & didn't comment!!
Her lifestyle advice consisted of telling me I'd learn everything I needed on the xpert course but I neede to lose some weight & do some exercise.
I asked if I would be referred to a specialist, with my other medical challenges but she said 'o no we manage all Type 2's here'.
That seemed to be it she obviously was ready for me to leave then & hadn't mentioned testing at all so I told her I'd bought a meter & was testing as I was very keen to really get a hold of this condition & control it. I was really happy because 3 weeks in my levels have been in single figures for the last 5 days & this morning my fasting was 6.8 so I was thrilled with that - she wasn't in the slightest bit interested!!! When I said I'd been low carbing she said 'but with Type 2 you need a healthy diet'?!!
How can anyone maintain any motivation & make improvements when they won't support you testing & onlyoffer the HbA1c yearly? I've worked in the NHS for a long time & have seen the challenges of providing good patient care & especially now with financial restraints but this basically boils down to- the NHS can't/ won't support Type 2 diabetics to improve their health & minimise complications. It's just so awful.
I can't let this lie - it's not in my nature. I am going to write to the GP & practice manager with the evidence requesting 3 monthly HbA1c's & testing strips - I have to take responsibiility for my health