Upset at diabetes hospital

[Soph895]

Today I had a review with consultant at hospital, I suffer with anxiety and depression so coming here I get worked up as from the past few experiences the nurses there are not nice, they all talk amongst themselves, snap if you move slightly when taking blood pressure.
Today they called me in and I totally forgot my urine sample and she said make sure your remember next time you’ve been here before. When weighing me shouted out my weight to another Nurse when I asked that I didn’t want to be made aware as I have an eating disorder and it’s really bad at the minute.

Just wanted to also mention i was in hospital at the start of this month due to an infection and dehydration, so ive not been well at all and still not 100%.

The doctor called me in and i was confused as i was supposed to see the consultant ive been seeing the past 3 times. There was a student nurse on there but I wasn’t asked if it was okay.
She said my weigh came down and what’s changed. I said I’ve been really unwell, and not eating much. And I’ve not been able to exercise much as I have fibromyalgia too which has flared up.
She didn’t even look up my recent blood tests to check my hba1c she looked at one from 3 months ago and said what it was and I said it should be lower as I’ve kept a check on my glucose levels and said there was recent blood test result, but she dismissed it and said we will see you in 6 months.

I walked out the hospital in tears, I felt humiliated, treated like im not even human. I feel like I get no help or support

 

[Annb]

Difficult to cope with such treatment even when feeling at your best, never mind when anxiety and depression are taking their toll. Try to rest your mind and remember that you are a valued individual, not worthy of such a dismissive attitude. They are the ones in the wrong here, not you. When the people who should be caring for you are so ignorant, there's not much you can do (unless it gets really bad, in which case you could complain to their managers) but realise that you are a better person than them.

You are working at keeping your BG down and that's great. With your current health you probably can't do much more than that and can't really expect to.

When you were in hospital due to dehydration, were you given any advice on keeping hydrated? I wasn't, I have to admit, and had to find out for myself that it's best to aim for 2 litres of fluid in some form or another every day. Diabetic nurse recently told me that 2.5 litres was enough, but didn't seem to realise that some of the fluid comes from the food that I eat but she was only talking about the amount that I actually drank.

Is there a local advocacy service that might be able to advise and even give you an idea on how to deal with future appointments? Some areas do have this service available still. If not, is there a family member or friend who could go with you and stand up for you at your next appointment?

 

[Marikev]

Sorry to read you had such a bad experience.
If you were expecting to see a specific consultant the hospital should explain why you are seeing someone else.
I find it helps if I write down a list of things I want to ask or want to check the doctor is aware of.
I know it won’t help with today‘s experience but is it possible for someone to go with you next time? A trusted friend or relative maybe.
Even if your companion doesn’t come into the consultation with you it is a signal to the staff that you are in some way vulnerable. If there is nobody you know to accompany you maybe there is a voluntary organisation could supply someone to be with you at the appointment.
I wonder if the hospital send you a check list of how to prepare for your appointment? So you have a reminder of what to take . Surely it’s not a problem to supply a urine sample at the hospital…. Unless it has to be the first one in the morning?
There should be a mechanism by which you can give feedback on your appointment or complain if you feel that was necessary.
A few years ago the health authority sent me a questionnaire about my last GP appointment, and it was only as I filled it in I realised how dreadful that appointment had been. But at the time I was just trying to find out what in earth was the matter with me, not bothered about how anybody else was behaving towards me.
Sounds like the whole thing was very unproductive, apart from upsetting you. I know it’s difficult to get hospital appointments but I wonder how difficult it is to cancel or defer them?
I have taken so long to write this Anne B has posted a very similar response…
Do you have a diabetic nurse at your GP practice who can help?
best Wishes, I hope you feel better soon. Keep drinking the water!

 

[Soph895]

Difficult to cope with such treatment even when feeling at your best, never mind when anxiety and depression are taking their toll. Try to rest your mind and remember that you are a valued individual, not worthy of such a dismissive attitude. They are the ones in the wrong here, not you. When the people who should be caring for you are so ignorant, there's not much you can do (unless it gets really bad, in which case you could complain to their managers) but realise that you are a better person than them.

You are working at keeping your BG down and that's great. With your current health you probably can't do much more than that and can't really expect to.

When you were in hospital due to dehydration, were you given any advice on keeping hydrated? I wasn't, I have to admit, and had to find out for myself that it's best to aim for 2 litres of fluid in some form or another every day. Diabetic nurse recently told me that 2.5 litres was enough, but didn't seem to realise that some of the fluid comes from the food that I eat but she was only talking about the amount that I actually drank.

Is there a local advocacy service that might be able to advise and even give you an idea on how to deal with future appointments? Some areas do have this service available still. If not, is there a family member or friend who could go with you and stand up for you at your next appointment?

My doctor when in hospital recommended these sachets with electrolytes to take daily. I was dehydrated due to an infection. I’m still under them at the minute as when had a follow up last week they said something about my liver isn’t right and booked an ultrasound. This doctor in general was great, and supportive.

I will most likely take a family member next time, as these bad experiences have been multiple times now. I get they’re busy and rushed of their feet but that doesn’t mean I should be treated as a number case.

Thankyou for your kind words and advice

 

[Marikev]

Just had another thought. Whenever I have a hospital appointment , it is a minimum 2 hour journey each way.. I always try and do something nice before or better still afterwards. Even if it’s just taking myself for a nice cup of coffee somewhere, not the hospital canteen if I can help it! It then means the day has not then been just all about the appointment and nothing else.
last year I had to go for the diabetic eye check up in the city, it took about 2 minutes. I checked that we were all done..we were, and the doctor told me I could go and have a day out in the city..it was what I’d planned anyway! But I had a season ticket for the aquarium. Paid for itself in 3 visits and it was far cheaper than being free to roam round the shops!
if you are happier going home as soon as possible, then do that, but somehow treat yourself.

 

[Soph895]

Sorry to read you had such a bad experience.
If you were expecting to see a specific consultant the hospital should explain why you are seeing someone else.
I find it helps if I write down a list of things I want to ask or want to check the doctor is aware of.
I know it won’t help with today‘s experience but is it possible for someone to go with you next time? A trusted friend or relative maybe.
Even if your companion doesn’t come into the consultation with you it is a signal to the staff that you are in some way vulnerable. If there is nobody you know to accompany you maybe there is a voluntary organisation could supply someone to be with you at the appointment.
I wonder if the hospital send you a check list of how to prepare for your appointment? So you have a reminder of what to take . Surely it’s not a problem to supply a urine sample at the hospital…. Unless it has to be the first one in the morning?
There should be a mechanism by which you can give feedback on your appointment or complain if you feel that was necessary.
A few years ago the health authority sent me a questionnaire about my last GP appointment, and it was only as I filled it in I realised how dreadful that appointment had been. But at the time I was just trying to find out what in earth was the matter with me, not bothered about how anybody else was behaving towards me.
Sounds like the whole thing was very unproductive, apart from upsetting you. I know it’s difficult to get hospital appointments but I wonder how difficult it is to cancel or defer them?
I have taken so long to write this Anne B has posted a very similar response…
Do you have a diabetic nurse at your GP practice who can help?
best Wishes, I hope you feel better soon. Keep drinking the water!

Thankyou. I will be trying to bring someone with me next time and I’ll look into organisations, didn’t think of that.
I think my sample had to be the first one, but I totally forgot with everything else going on and being in and out of hospital.

I do have a diabetic nurse at my gp, which I’m due to see her aswell so I will talk to her about my experiences at the hospital. I’ve been under the hospital for my diabetes as it got really bad and thought they diagnosed me wrong.

Thankyou for your advice

 

[Soph895]

Just had another thought. Whenever I have a hospital appointment , it is a minimum 2 hour journey each way.. I always try and do something nice before or better still afterwards. Even if it’s just taking myself for a nice cup of coffee somewhere, not the hospital canteen if I can help it! It then means the day has not then been just all about the appointment and nothing else.
last year I had to go for the diabetic eye check up in the city, it took about 2 minutes. I checked that we were all done..we were, and the doctor told me I could go and have a day out in the city..it was what I’d planned anyway! But I had a season ticket for the aquarium. Paid for itself in 3 visits and it was far cheaper than being free to roam round the shops!
if you are happier going home as soon as possible, then do that, but somehow treat yourself.

That’s a great idea. Its takes me over an hour to get there myself.
Unfortunately I had to go work after my appointment but will do a self care pamper evening when I’m home tonight

 

[DR MICHAIL]

Today I had a review with consultant at hospital, I suffer with anxiety and depression so coming here I get worked up as from the past few experiences the nurses there are not nice, they all talk amongst themselves, snap if you move slightly when taking blood pressure.
Today they called me in and I totally forgot my urine sample and she said make sure your remember next time you’ve been here before. When weighing me shouted out my weight to another Nurse when I asked that I didn’t want to be made aware as I have an eating disorder and it’s really bad at the minute.

Just wanted to also mention i was in hospital at the start of this month due to an infection and dehydration, so ive not been well at all and still not 100%.

The doctor called me in and i was confused as i was supposed to see the consultant ive been seeing the past 3 times. There was a student nurse on there but I wasn’t asked if it was okay.
She said my weigh came down and what’s changed. I said I’ve been really unwell, and not eating much. And I’ve not been able to exercise much as I have fibromyalgia too which has flared up.
She didn’t even look up my recent blood tests to check my hba1c she looked at one from 3 months ago and said what it was and I said it should be lower as I’ve kept a check on my glucose levels and said there was recent blood test result, but she dismissed it and said we will see you in 6 months.

I walked out the hospital in tears, I felt humiliated, treated like im not even human. I feel like I get no help or support

This is really bad and professionals should be caring, kind, considerate and professionals in their consultations. I hope next time the situation will be different and if it is repeated please just put it in writing to the department’s manager.

 

[Lamont D]

Today I had a review with consultant at hospital, I suffer with anxiety and depression so coming here I get worked up as from the past few experiences the nurses there are not nice, they all talk amongst themselves, snap if you move slightly when taking blood pressure.
Today they called me in and I totally forgot my urine sample and she said make sure your remember next time you’ve been here before. When weighing me shouted out my weight to another Nurse when I asked that I didn’t want to be made aware as I have an eating disorder and it’s really bad at the minute.

Just wanted to also mention i was in hospital at the start of this month due to an infection and dehydration, so ive not been well at all and still not 100%.

The doctor called me in and i was confused as i was supposed to see the consultant ive been seeing the past 3 times. There was a student nurse on there but I wasn’t asked if it was okay.
She said my weigh came down and what’s changed. I said I’ve been really unwell, and not eating much. And I’ve not been able to exercise much as I have fibromyalgia too which has flared up.
She didn’t even look up my recent blood tests to check my hba1c she looked at one from 3 months ago and said what it was and I said it should be lower as I’ve kept a check on my glucose levels and said there was recent blood test result, but she dismissed it and said we will see you in 6 months.

I walked out the hospital in tears, I felt humiliated, treated like im not even human. I feel like I get no help or support

My daughter has similar issues. And the only way you get anywhere in the way you need to be treated is something I had to do, and for my wife and told my daughter that she insists on anytime she feels unwell, if it is the fibromyalgia, her thyroids, her stomach issues, even the anxiety and depression.

You need to battle as much as you can.
Yes, take someone, who knows how it works and won't let you suffer, because it happens.
Be a nuisance to your surgery, keep phoning, keep moaning.
Pitch a tent in A&E. Keep going back, you are in constant pain and you need to see the head specialist whether at your hospital or elsewhere.
Don't be angry with them, just keep asking politely and insisting you be seen.

I would imagine, and from first hand knowledge.
I have had three rounds of counselling, and there is nothing like finding your confidence in talking to someone you know you can trust, to get whatever thoughts and your worries of your issues.

If you haven't there is the easiest is to find the talking therapies hotline.
My last two round of sessions were with Mind uk.
The weekly sessions were indeed so useful and gave me the strength somewhat to my issues and the awful thoughts I had at the time.

Be a pain, be a nuisance but take care of yourself, it's your health, help should be there, if not, don't let them take it away from you. I had to. And it worked.
Be safe, be resilient as you can be, and get it sorted.

My bestest ever wishes to you.

 

[Rachox]

If I was in your position @Soph895 , I would write to PALS (Patient Advice and Liason Service), all hospitals should have one. It wouldn’t be that you’re trying to get individuals in trouble, but trying to improve how you and others are treated going forward.

 

[Soph895]

If I was in your position @Soph895 , I would write to PALS (Patient Advice and Liason Service), all hospitals should have one. It wouldn’t be that you’re trying to get individuals in trouble, but trying to improve how you and others are treated going forward.

Thankyou, I have sent an email addressing my experience and concerns. I’m usually not one to complain or make a big deal of things but this time I really feel something need to be done

 

[Soph895]

My daughter has similar issues. And the only way you get anywhere in the way you need to be treated is something I had to do, and for my wife and told my daughter that she insists on anytime she feels unwell, if it is the fibromyalgia, her thyroids, her stomach issues, even the anxiety and depression.

You need to battle as much as you can.
Yes, take someone, who knows how it works and won't let you suffer, because it happens.
Be a nuisance to your surgery, keep phoning, keep moaning.
Pitch a tent in A&E. Keep going back, you are in constant pain and you need to see the head specialist whether at your hospital or elsewhere.
Don't be angry with them, just keep asking politely and insisting you be seen.

I would imagine, and from first hand knowledge.
I have had three rounds of counselling, and there is nothing like finding your confidence in talking to someone you know you can trust, to get whatever thoughts and your worries of your issues.

If you haven't there is the easiest is to find the talking therapies hotline.
My last two round of sessions were with Mind uk.
The weekly sessions were indeed so useful and gave me the strength somewhat to my issues and the awful thoughts I had at the time.

Be a pain, be a nuisance but take care of yourself, it's your health, help should be there, if not, don't let them take it away from you. I had to. And it worked.
Be safe, be resilient as you can be, and get it sorted.

My bestest ever wishes to you.

Thankyou for advice….ive tried to seek talking therapies abut told my case is too complex and need long term therapy. I under the CMHT, they’re not yet referring me and trying god knows how many tablets. Trying to save on costs I guess.
I’m seeking all the help I can but feel like I’m getting nowhere

 

[VashtiB]

You poor thing @Soph895

That sounds really rough. Know that here is a very safe place and no-one is going to treat you like that or embarrass you.

Taking someone in with you sounds like a great idea. You need to do whatever you can to protect yourself as you're fighting so many battles.

Take care and Good luck- I hope you find the care you deserve.

 

[Lamont D]

Thankyou for advice….ive tried to seek talking therapies abut told my case is too complex and need long term therapy. I under the CMHT, they’re not yet referring me and trying god knows how many tablets. Trying to save on costs I guess.
I’m seeking all the help I can but feel like I’m getting nowhere

You know, that this can sometimes be how this feels.
That is your depression, and you can't help those feelings.
It is as though you don't matter.
But you really, deep down, you know, that there are people who love you and care very much about you.
Talk to someone who knows what you are going through and convince them, you are literally banging your head against the wall. Cos, you need specialised treatment. Have them help. My daughter eventually got it. You should be able to access it through a referral from any doctor.
Fibromyalgia is serious and should be under specialist care.
You should be able to get counsel!ing for your anxiety and depression.
If you want to just moan, rant, blow some steam or even ask advice about anything.
There will be someone, who has had the experience of it all.
I know through my trials and battling with ignorant doctors, that there is light at the end.
It is the actual battle to get things done that wears you out.
You are not alone.

My best wishes.