Strips question again, docs won't supply?

[tozol]

Hi guys,

Diagnosed last august type 2, and as a lot have experienced lately I have seen on here, i'm sadly at a doctors who under no circumstances, will provide me with strips for either one of the 2 meters I got after advice from this forum, even I would say they openly discourage any meter use, however my Ex father in law type 2, gets them from the same doctor, (pre- surgery policy change).

Well guys, I must say I have liked using my 50 free strips to keep an eye on my levels, which, my personal view is I think its an essential tool,and it keeps me in check with my eating habits.

Been on Metformin since the start, and doing OK on it, but I have had readings in the range of 3.1 to 11.7, usual mid afternoon average is 5.5 to 6.5, so keeping in check.

My question really is how the hell can I get some strips, I'm on incapacity benefit, and £26 for 50 is an impossible task, so is there any way at all I can do something, or any tips/help guys.

My favorite meter is a contour, only a few strips left, and my other non used one is freestyle lite.

Any help/tips would be appreciated guys.

thanks

 

[xyzzy]

If you think you might be able to afford £5 per 50 strips and can afford £20 up front then the SD Codefree Meter from the healthcare.co.uk shop on eBay may be your best option. Its had pretty good reviews from people on the forum. If you then tried to work out a range of safe breakfasts and lunches you could restrict to a two hour post main meal reading and eek out one pot to last 7 weeks if you are lucky. All pretty shoddy treatment by your gp and the NHS but I honestly can't see it changing any time soon. Trouble is they are using just being on Metformin as an excuse not to prescribe because it doesn't raise the risks of hypos so you can't play the safety first card against them either. btw if you do go down the SD route make sure you buy a UK mmol/l model and not a US mg/dl one as they advertise both.

Good luck.

 

[tozol]

Thanks, i will look at that option,

*UPDATE*
just bought one, £9.95, and strips are £5, thanks very much.

not sure if were allowed to put links but here it is....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CODEFREE-BLOOD-GLUCOSE-METER-MONITOR-mmol-TEST-TESTING-KIT-STRIPS-LANCETS-CASE-/220903935762?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Mobility_Disability_Medical_ET&var=&hash=item7915d858c3

 

[Defren]

Thanks, i will look at that option,

I have an SD codefree meter and it suits me just fine. It also means I can test as much as I like. I am a bit of a computer nerd, but not into gadgets, so this is plain, simple but does the job!