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Testing strips petition and Diabetes UK policy

Grazer said:
Ladybird, as I pointed out before, "nick" IS a troll and has been chucked out now. Hence the comment I made earlier in reply to him which I believe you were a little uncomfortable with. As you say, as a troll it's right that he's told to "take a hike" :thumbup:
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Only just read this thread and quite honestly I'm appalled that someone who's views dont fit well with others has been labelled a troll and banned :shock:

I believe testing is essential to gaining good control but surely anyone is untitled to an opinion? Ive just read this posters other posts and have read nothing that makes him a troll other than he has disagreed with the status quo. Hardly a crime that warrants abuse and banning. Surely if you feel his views are so wrong wouldnt it be better to educate him rather than call him a troll.

Are you now running this forum Grazer?
 
Peering through the floaters caused by Friday's steroid injections in both eyes I had no intention of posting but just felt obliged to say that I think Sid's criticism of Grazer was a little harsh.

He spends a lot of time answering and reassuring the newly diam nosed and I don't believe would have labelled "Nick " a troll merely for disagreeing with him.

We have had this discussion about free -to -all srips on many occasions. I have no knowledge whatsoever of any "blogs" nor do I wish to have . I don't like to see anyone's opinions "rubbished" and have posted to that effect on several occasions.
The poster appears sufficiently "educated " to me.

I had no prior knowledge of him but his post appeared deliberately provocative and I had no problem believing that his intentions were mischievious.

I am very sure that an "old hand" such as yourself Sid , knows that just as well as I do.

I know that fairly new members with new ideas can sometimes unintentionally upset more "established " members but I don't believe for one moment that Grazer hinks he is "now running the forum.
The problem with deliberate mischief makers is that waste the time of those who are genuinely trying to help others especially the newly diagnosed.

If Nick is genuine then he might want to look up previous discussions on this topic. Or maybe even re-phrase his post so as to sound less troll-like and confrontational.

On the other hand... I have often wondered WHY borofergie has nNOT been banned! Just joking :lol:
 
I appreciate that test strips may not be very accurate, however it's surely more important that they be consistent.
As to hospital blood glucose tests! I've never needed anything other than my twice yearly HbA1c from the hospital and testing only every 6 months wouldn't be enough for a control freak like me. My meter readings are pretty consistently in line with my HbA1c.
I am however married [40years] to a T1 and he's been in hospital on a number of occasions. The only Bg testing he's ever had was from a Meter, very like his own.
I would like my GP to give me strips. It would be easy to prevent re-sale of strips, by insisting on seeing the meter record before they were prescribed.
Hana
 
Unbeliever said:
I have often wondered WHY borofergie has nNOT been banned!
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Yeah ban him! Definite trouble maker that one :lol:
 
I think this paper illustrates why we have difficulty getting testing strips.

When patients use words like distressing, senseless, it is easy to see why some PCT's jump on the wording. What is is really saying is that we need to be educated about how to use the strips to see an improvement in our management.

http://behavioraldiabetesinstitute.org/ ... e-2011.pdf
It is a difficult paper to read as you have to alter the font size in places and also scroll across :thumbdown:

This two are worth reading as well.

http://www.roche.com/media/media_releas ... -09-23.htm
http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/co ... 4/131.full

We often see on the forum where Type2's have funded their own strips, take their readings and food diaries to the surgery and these are ignored.

I really don't know what the answer is unless more emphasis is put on education which will negate the cost of complications. How do you get through to the powers that be as it seems that immediate cost is the agenda? We all know that this approach is false economy.
 
My experience last week is a good example of what can go wrong.

I saw a nurse, who handed me a meter in a box. She didnt know how to use it, and told me to read the manual. There was no advice on how to interpret the results, or what to do about high or low results.No idea of where to get further lancets, how to dispose of lancets safely, no advice on further test strips. Or when and how to test. Nothing.

Under those circumstances I would be distressed about getting high or low readings with no knowledge of how to control them. And would consider the meter usage to be senseless as I had no education in using my readings as a tool for self-management. No education in how to record or interpret my readings, and no follow-up to discuss my readings or advice on a food/bs level diary. :crazy:

It seems like we are being blamed for not using our meters to control our Diabetes, but really it is the fault of those who will not educate us in how to use them. :evil:

Rant over.
 
Hi Guys,

I have signed the petition and most definately agree that we all need access to strips for accutate testing so that we can procatively manage our diabetes. I take the point also that with T2 there may be an initial need more than at a later stage, when maybe less testing may be needed.

I have today found out that my cousin who is 39 is not able to get the 6000 an month funding for cancer treatment that is so urgently needed, just because of where he lives. I believe that where he lives prescriptions are free and other things are funded. He has had chemo, radio surgery on his brain and the tumours left are inoperable. So it is very much a balancing act with these NHS budgets.

Sorry I just wanted to put a different but I feel relevant spin on this as I am feeling pretty peeved at this situation at the moment. :(
 
I just want to say I'm sorry to hear about your poor cousins illness and the prognosis his PCT have given him Shop. :(
 
Unbeliever said:
Peering through the floaters caused by Friday's steroid injections in both eyes I had no intention of posting but just felt obliged to say that I think Sid's criticism of Grazer was a little harsh.
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Harsh perhaps but calling someone a troll because they hold a different view to you is not on in my book, it is clear that Nick feels strongly about the use of test strips just as I do, but we have directly opposite views both strong but I wouldnt call someone a troll because of that. I actually thought the guy had been banned before due to the "told to take a hike" comment which I took to mean a ban. So harsh? Yes a little but if I where to call Grazer a troll because I disagree with something he says I would be moderated at the very least.

Unbeliever said:
I have no knowledge whatsoever of any "blogs" nor do I wish to have . I don't like to see anyone's opinions "rubbished" and have posted to that effect on several occasions.
Click to expand...

I have no idea why Grazer should think this member comes from "somewhere else" as as far as I am aware there is nowhere else that shares these ideas except perhaps a forum for PCT's. We all know, or should know, that bg monitors are built to a tolerance of +/- 20% which is far from accurate but it is all we have.

To accuse this member of being a troll and a member of "somewhere else" that thinks test strips are useless is completely over the top IMO. I disagree with lots of stuff posted here but I dont call people trolls just because I disagree with them.
 
Can we please let this thread remain on topic and less 'bickering' getting personal posts...
It really would be more helpful for members to keep to the topic in title.
Anna.
 
Sid Bonkers said:
Grazer said:
Ladybird, as I pointed out before, "nick" IS a troll and has been chucked out now. Hence the comment I made earlier in reply to him which I believe you were a little uncomfortable with. As you say, as a troll it's right that he's told to "take a hike" :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Only just read this thread and quite honestly I'm appalled that someone who's views dont fit well with others has been labelled a troll and banned :shock:

I believe testing is essential to gaining good control but surely anyone is untitled to an opinion? Ive just read this posters other posts and have read nothing that makes him a troll other than he has disagreed with the status quo. Hardly a crime that warrants abuse and banning. Surely if you feel his views are so wrong wouldnt it be better to educate him rather than call him a troll.

Are you now running this forum Grazer?
Click to expand...

He was banned because each of his posts had been written to insight negative responses.. not just the posts in this thread but a number of posts over a number of threads... He was one of a couple of individuals who has 'appeared' recently purely to try and illicit negative responses.

If you think there is a problem with moderation Sid then please contact and discuss with Benedict..

Lets keep this on topic please
 
Pneu said:
Sid Bonkers said:
Grazer said:
Ladybird, as I pointed out before, "nick" IS a troll and has been chucked out now. Hence the comment I made earlier in reply to him which I believe you were a little uncomfortable with. As you say, as a troll it's right that he's told to "take a hike" :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Only just read this thread and quite honestly I'm appalled that someone who's views dont fit well with others has been labelled a troll and banned :shock:

I believe testing is essential to gaining good control but surely anyone is untitled to an opinion? Ive just read this posters other posts and have read nothing that makes him a troll other than he has disagreed with the status quo. Hardly a crime that warrants abuse and banning. Surely if you feel his views are so wrong wouldnt it be better to educate him rather than call him a troll.

Are you now running this forum Grazer?
Click to expand...

He was banned because each of his posts had been written to insight negative responses.. not just the posts in this thread but a number of posts over a number of threads... He was one of a couple of individuals who has 'appeared' recently purely to try and illicit negative responses.

If you think there is a problem with moderation Sid then please contact and discuss with Benedict..

Lets keep this on topic please
Click to expand...

+1 Won't add any thing else, the +1 says all I want to.
 
Unbeliever said:
Peering through the floaters caused by Friday's steroid injections in both eyes I had no intention of posting but just felt obliged to say that I think Sid's criticism of Grazer was a little harsh.

He spends a lot of time answering and reassuring the newly diam nosed and I don't believe would have labelled "Nick " a troll merely for disagreeing with him.

We have had this discussion about free -to -all srips on many occasions. I have no knowledge whatsoever of any "blogs" nor do I wish to have . I don't like to see anyone's opinions "rubbished" and have posted to that effect on several occasions.
The poster appears sufficiently "educated " to me.

I had no prior knowledge of him but his post appeared deliberately provocative and I had no problem believing that his intentions were mischievious.

I am very sure that an "old hand" such as yourself Sid , knows that just as well as I do.

I know that fairly new members with new ideas can sometimes unintentionally upset more "established " members but I don't believe for one moment that Grazer hinks he is "now running the forum.
The problem with deliberate mischief makers is that waste the time of those who are genuinely trying to help others especially the newly diagnosed.

If Nick is genuine then he might want to look up previous discussions on this topic. Or maybe even re-phrase his post so as to sound less troll-like and confrontational.

On the other hand... I have often wondered WHY borofergie has nNOT been banned! Just joking :lol:
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more, except for BF he is another of my diabetes knights in shining armour, and the highlighted part.

I would LOVE people who control their diabetes to come and tell us how they do it. It could well be they have a way that will help those who find low carbing too much. Even if that scenario was possible, testing would still be a must, so strips a must have!
 
Defren! I SAID I was joking abiut Borofergie! I love his posts!. Some of the science even penetrates MY thick skull!
Regarding the est srip issue it is a sort of "don't know what you've got till its gone " thing in some ways.

Newly diagnosed , I was given strips , meter diary and told I must record my readings "for the doctor". Traumatised by the circumstances surrounding my diagnosis and then hardly able to perorm the tests because of what metformin did to my levels
I had a full ime job just coping with the requirements let alone considering how It could be used to help me.
From then on matters went from bad to worse and I was fully occupied dealing with my deteriorating health and the complications resulting from the drugs I was given. After a while it was obvious that self-testing was being phased out.
I was puzzled by his as one moment we were being treated as schoolchildren and chasised for not doing ur homework and the nex he dodctor was quoting DUK's gi=uidelines to me and assuring me that I only needed to tes when Ill and that the readings meant nohing at all to him.
II was actually very pleased o hear this but continued to redord a certain no of tests before appointments. I was alittle puzzled that HCPs appeared to find this useful while assuring me I din't need to test regulrly.
It was sometime later afer doing my own research and then this orum that I finally realised he value of testing.

Obviously I was not the only person to have been inadequately educaed in the use of self esting yot the decision to wihdraw them was based on the fact that universal prescription of meters and srips had not improved outcomes. Amazing!

I am not in favour of handing ou strips to all. In act I am not totally convinced that they should be given to the newly diagnosed unless hey particularly request hem or enquire about hem. Much depends on the person and the circumstances of diagnosis of course. mabe the patient should be given the option and and he subject made part of the ick sheet at the annual review.
There is no doubt that there must have been massive waste in his area . I have no idea how long strips were issued to all without question but hink it must have been for quite some time. None of us want o see wase in the NHS and I feel very guily about my own waste in thi s area although I will say that I di not just order hem as some did to keep the nurse offf their back.
I just didn;t bother to order unil I had used up all my strips but noone ever quesiond me about it and I used them only in the week leading up o my three- onthly review wih the dodctor. I try to make amends now by buyig most of my own srips althugh I am entitled to them on prescription.
Wihout testing I my HBA1C would be a couple of points higher .If I don't exercise the ighes control and know what my levels are they can rise and stay high for days. With tesing they are always in the 4s or 5s.
My HCP is forever raising he matterof "false reassurance" regarding my home BP readings. She can't seem to get the idea of "trends". As someone else has said {Borofergie?} that is all we can expect from these these thngs. Bathroom scales , bg meters , home BP monitors. Many of the newer models can be fairly acccurate but they should not be discounted because hey may not have !00% accuracy!

I wonder why the same caution is not applied to medication prescribed as a result of HBA1cs and bp tests at the practice or hospital? Maybe they would be beter considered as a trend? I have been damaged by over-medication as a sort of knee- jerk reaction. All of these things are just tools and probably just as valid when done at home as anywhere else. The whole person and their siuaion must be considered. when evaluating results.
We have moved from a situation where every patient was foced or bullied into tesing to one where they often bullied ino NOT esing. There must be a middle way.
 
Unbeliever said:
Defren! I SAID I was joking abiut Borofergie! I love his posts!. Some of the science even penetrates MY thick skull!
Click to expand...

Whoa Unbeliever, cool your jets! I wasn't being serious for heavens sake, I really don't think any one wants to see anyone banned unless they are a blatant troll or trouble maker!!
 
Defren, think unbeliever is just winding you up. It worked extremely well by the looks of it :lol:

I agree that strips shouldn't be given to every T2. It would be good though if they were just seen as a possible treatment in the same way as prescribing drugs. In the right context and with the right education they are every bit as effective as any medication for many people.

In my own case I just know they work as they are the primary mechanism of providing me with feedback on my control. They stop me worrying and motivate me.

When my DSN started down the "THEY'LL SEND YOU MAD" routine I stopped her in her tracks and asked her to pull up my medical history. I reversed the argument and showed her that I have a history of stress related problems that when they haven't been treated have led to depression. So I told her to me testing was a means of avoiding the stress of worrying and if I stopped all the practice would end up doing is paying for anti-depressants.

That's when she said I still couldn't have them as they cost too much...
 
Defren, I was just answering you in the same vein! Now Xyzzy, Would i wind anyone up? Except my DSN that is. Revenge can be sweet!

I think it should be fairly clear to the HCP's after speaking to patients on a few occasions whether or not they are the type who prefer to ake control of their own health or whether that would ,in fact , cause them stress. I can accept that this may well be the case for some.

I can't imagine now how I would feel if I had no idea at all where my levels might be. Its unthinkable. I have to balance my diet {including times of meals} exercise and medicaion . perhaps every bit as carefully as T!s in some ways.

his is not the case for everyone I know but if I don't do it hyper and hypo are equally possible.

I shall probably be having my annual review in a few weeks . This is the only time in the year it is possible to discuss diabetes with any of the ten doctors in my Practice. And even then they try o keeep the conversation away from the actual condition and medication by focussing on ancillary and general matters.
I very rarely reques my prescription strips as I mainly buy my own. It is quite amusing o see hem rying to compute whethrer it is worthwhile stopping my Img of glimepiride - which would mean hey could also stop the strips or wheher it is worth keeping me on it lest my HBA1C should rise and make them miss the targes.
I don't aways take it but life doesn't always go acccording to plan and I like o have the option.
I suppose my eye condition might frighten them off interfering wih my meds but the several "rookie " Gps in the practice, any of whom I might have to see have all been indoctrinated with the "testing will drive you mad " thing.
Good try Xyzzy . I have often thought of claiming to be mad already but doubt they would listen./care
I was asked he usual "are you depressed " question once. I replied that I was exremely depressed by my treatment at the practice. Asked for further details I pointed out that there was no system {discernible] for reviews etc and i did not appreciate random summons as I like to know what to expect and that failure to tell me when I could expect to be seen again caused me more stress than frequent trips to, and procedures at, the eye clinic.
The doctor duly typed all this out . Then he said he would call me about a matter which come up during the examnation.
I asked when. He looked at me in amazement and said "Oh sometime! Why? We have your number don't we?

I despair.
 
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