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Support .. what support?!!!

Debzz_ said:
I disagree - whilst we are now lucky to have the internet to do our research we should not have to do it . What about people who have learning difficulties? The support should be out there for all .
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Absolutely agree 100% - they need to get their house in order. Thankfully the internet is here and the forum is available as a great place to share experience. Imagine where we'd all be without these, and spare a thought for those who are not able to access either.
 

This is just the blood letting and general health check with a health care assistant, not a nurse.. Once done, I make an appointment with the nurse.
 
I think those with learning difficulties have an appointee. They support everything. Or suppose to.
 
ickihun said:
I think those with learning difficulties have an appointee. They support everything. Or suppose to.
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Where I worked when it comes to normal medical stuff (like the pre-diabetes) they just go to the doctor same as everyone else. That is, of course, if you can persuade them to go which not many want to do because of the blood test. Then they just see the same DN as I do. No special support from the medical professionals for this.

The only time it was different was when one of our service users who is very, very autistic was obviously ill and needed a blood test to find the cause. She doesn't have speech but made it very clear by refusing to get out of the car that she won't go to the doctor so a nurse practitioner came to her home - which didn't work as she just ran away screaming. So the doctor prescribed tranquillisers to be given in advance of the next visit by the nurse, which us staff duly administered - then the nurse never showed up. So.... no special support.
 
They receive a payment (capitation) for each patient on the books, whether they see the patient ever, or not. (I didnt see a Dr from 1988 to 2001)
They also receive additional annual sums for certain chronic conditions, Diabetes is one of those. In order to receive the (additional) payment they must meet some conditions [Tick boxes] If have not worked out what it is yet, but know that they will try to shift me to once a year if they can as they don't get paid any more to test my bloods more frequently.

For asthma they receive a fee in exchange for an annual review. They write a letter inviting the patient to make an appointment, if there is no response they will write twice more. That is evidence enough to receive the payment.

I am happy with what I get, as I know I can book an HbA1c whenever I want (within reason) as the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
 
Most of us are all too familiar with it I'm afraid.
 
Hi and Welcome

You're in the right place finding this site and forum - it's a HUGE source of support, advice and help (well, it's certainly my personal experience).

Try not to blame yourself and question with "what ifs", it is what it is, and I don't mean that in a negative way. Take control of it, don't let it control you! You will learn how to, given time.

As I think someone else has mentioned, you should get an appointment with a specialist diabetes nurse (DSN) soon who should explain diabetes to you, check your feet, blood pressure and weight. I was also issued with some information booklets to take away and read. The DSN I see at my surgery (and I think there are two or three) is pretty good so I'm lucky. You should also get an appointment for retinal screening in due course. Again, for me, this is done at my surgery but some may have to go to a separate clinic or hospital.

I'm no Dr but I would be asking for my bloods to be checked again in approx 3-4 months to check the effect the medication is having. I would also ask for my HbA1c to be checked at the same time - this checks your average blood sugar level over approx a 10-12 week period. I would also advise that if you feel unwell or have adverse side effects in the meantime to contact your surgery. Sometimes, you do have to be a bit insistent and persistent!

In the meantime, browse some of the many posts and threads (sections and topics) on this site - you will learn so much. And if you have questions, concerns, worries or just want a chat, there will always be someone that responds xx
 
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