• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Upset because of my new doctor

J

Jelaca

Well-Known Member
Messages
225
Location
UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I've just moved to a new town so I had to change doctors and those patients that need repeat prescriptions need to see the doctor before hand.

So I went for this appointment with my new doctor this morning and I was really upset by his attitude towards me and my condition..

He looked at my current prescription and he didn't hide the fact he was shocked at seeing so many items on my list, (hes obviously never dealt with a diabetic before) he made me feel horrible and kind of embarrassed about it, I don't know how to explain it!

Also, he said "and keytone sticks? I cant imagine you'll ever need to use those" and I had to explain what they were that I need to have them on my list and he was annoyed about that..

Urghh sorry about this, it just upset me really I know im probably being silly :/
 
hi Jelaca!

You're not being silly. I assume you are Type 1? Most GPs only ever deal with Type 2 diabetes (and then they usually palm it off on the nearest nurse), so they have no idea what you need or why you need it. I have locum doctors all the time and I go through explaining my needs to them every time I see them :yawn:

I find the approach that works is to look at them in surprise and politely say something along the lines 'Oh sorry, I assumed you would know all about Type 1 diabetes. Let me explain.' and then explain in detail what you need and why you need it. If you have any problems with them removing or restricting anything from your prescription, make an appointment to see your diabetes consultant (I assume you have one of those?) and ask them to write to the GP explaining why you need all your items. They soon back down when confronted by a letter from the consultant!

Just remember, having Type 1 diabetes is not something to ever be ashamed of. It is anyone who makes you feel bad about it that should be ashamed!

Take care

Smidge
 
Yeah I should have done that! I complained to my diabetes nurse and will see what she says :D

Also didnt say this, but he also said, "so you take levemir, novo rapid, AND levothyroxine!?" Which I thought was quite unprofessional really!
 
He was ,as has been said. probably just trying to hide the fact that he was out of his depth. it all sonds like bravado.

They do a lot of hat =bot exactly helpful whenthe patient is feeling nervous.

Don't take it to heart , it takes ime o uild good relaionships with HCP's . This business of Drs rarely seeing a diabeic worries me a great deal. in my practice the GP's panic if he very word 'diabetes@is menioned and call for the Nurse.
That can't be he way o reat such a potenially serious condition.

Interesting that , as Smidge pointed out , the GP will back down if approached by the Consultant but so often I find that I am then involved with the same battle wih the nurse. The GP's are more in awe of the Nurses than they are of consultants.!

I have a great deal of sympathy with the op. its dauning to have o deal wih new HCP's -just like beginning all over again.

I did it a few years ago and shall have to do it again shorly. Even the thought is stressful.
 
Does he not know the difference between slow acting, fast acting insulin and thyroid meds then? What a plonker, I am not a GP but I care for both of my parents with many medical problems and I am well acquainted with all of their meds.

Ali
 
I remember when I switched from Insulatard to Lantus. I explained to my GP that Lantus was long acting 24 hour insulin. To which he responded by removing my prescription for NovoRapid. Er no........
 
Back
Top