What my GP did today...

[cortez]

Hi everyone, haven't posted in a loooooong time (in fact I had to renew my account!). Anyway, I felt compelled to post today, given the actions of my GP (ironic, since today's question is "What do you think of your doctor?").

I have had discussions in the past with my GP regarding my use of testing strips - basically he was of the opinion that I was using too many. Actually at the time I think I was, and I have cut down considerably since that time. Having had no contact with him regarding this issue for about a year I was under the impression that it was settled. Today, however, I received an email from the Nurse I see at my local diabetes clinic - my GP had phoned her regarding my use of test strips.

I have worked out that my average daily test strip usage is 6. Some days I use less, some days more. I have had Type 1 for 11 years, and have pretty good control (last HbA1c 6.9; no damage to eyes, kidneys; good BP). I do, however, have less sensitivity to hypos than I had in the past, and feel that I need to test fairly regularly in order to keep on top of things. I went on the DAFYDD (Welsh equivalent of DAFNE) course last year, and got a lot out of it, and I feel that my control as well as my general attitude towards my condition have massively improved since then.

When I last spoke to my GP about this issue he told me that I should be using just 3 test strips per day - 4 if ill. I feel that this is simply unreasonable. My nurse apparently told him today that I need enough test strips to be able to test 5 times a day. I am going to speak to her tomorrow, and discuss what was actually said.

What do people think about this? How often do people test per day? And shouldn't my GP have contacted me first, instead of going behind my back like this?

Best wishes and seasons greetings,
Chris

 

[Gazhay]

That is shocking.

I would change GP and complain. This GP clearly does not have patient needs or care anywhere near the top of his agenda. As a Type 1 myself, to keep levels in a good range, I am constantly battling against hypos. Removing the ability to check my BS and correct would mean I would have to keep my BS higher, exposing me to the risk of complications, and ironically, costing the NHS more money than some strips in the long run.

I would contact the practice manager.

 

[leather_ferret]

Hi Chris,

I test form 6 to 8 times a day ... more when really ill ...but I have a rather difficult to control form of brittle diabetes and an underlying medical condition that means that most of my diet has to be carbohydrates and I have to eat little and often. My biggest problem is crashing from BGLs of 6, 7 or 8 down to as low 1.5 over five minutes or less :shock: This will happen perhaps half a dozen times a month, but by 'eck, it makes you keep your eye on the ball !
I am probably not really a representative patient so far as testing frequency goes.

I will tell you where the real power lies in 'the system' ... from my experience anyway.
The Specialist diabetic nurse at my local hospital clinic , holds the master key !

Win her over with sensible argument (laced with charm, of course) , and she will fight your corner with the Diabetes Consultant who trusts her judgement and will pass instructions down the line to the GP.
I had initial difficulties getting strips from my GP but after working with the Nurse a week or two and demonstrating that I was really using them systematically and knew how to translate readings into action to control levels and safeguard myself, then she wrote and printed a letter from the consultant to the GP telling him I needed strips on demand, and the Consultant signed it without blinking.

Really think matters through and write down a list of the reasons you need to test regularly and any other arguments you wish to put ... BEFORE you ring the Nurse
Better still, make an appointment and go and see her (or Him , of course)

be good and be lucky

Dave