6.1 - but I have my cousin staying for a few days - there was wine last night! Enough said.
@rhubarb73 grab yourself a coffee
why just write a few words when 1,000 does such a better job
I have some brilliant news to share. Firstly re our PR team. I must admit to pestering them over the past few weeks. I know they have been so busy with diabetes awareness month but was desperate to find out what our next step would be from the Birmingham event.
My email to head of PR:
'You are having an extremely busy month I know. Diabetes awareness month is a very important time. I was just wondering if you have an update on the videos that were done in B'ham? Its over 2 months since our fabulous event. I would love to give some positive feedback to our forum members although I realise nothing may have transpired from the videoing. But I live in hope something did'
Reply received:
Hi Deb
I’m sorry, yes really busy and constantly playing catch-up. I’ll be seeing Charlotte in London next Weds 5 and Fri 7 December so I’ll try and get an update re the videos and what they are going to be used for then.
Also in January I have a meeting in Coventry planning 2019, so please don’t worry I’m sure there will be opportunities.
Thank you for being so patient!'
To which I replied:
'I feel so awful pestering you. I know how busy you are. But I'm really happy with your reply. I will let forum members know. I would like to organise another meeting next year. I think making it an annual event would be a great idea. I don't mean full on with PR team (although that would be great) but create an opportunity for members to meet face to face. Everyone loved Birmingham. And Coventry just happens to be on my bucket list. the low carb woe for diabetics is definitely spreading! Hallelujah. Anyway I won't keep pestering you (just from time to time!!). Hope all is going well for you. You deserve the success, you all work so hard. Thanks again. Deb'
She came back with more info yesterday, she has some ideas about doing a low carb weekend retreat. Food and nutrition lectures, cookery lessons, some fitness instruction, education, mindfulness – and lots more.
She asked if she could raise it at the next Advisory Panel Meeting on 7 Dec and see what they think. I went back to her and said 'you don't ask you don't get'. So watch this space. It is just ideas at the moment but all very positive.
I also attended my 2nd PPG meeting last night. 1st one was just going over plans for a new surgery so it didn't give me a feel for the standard PPG meetings. But last night did and I came away buzzing!
Basically in short (tongue in cheek) various things were discussed, practice manager chaired the meeting. Only 4 PPG members attended, me being one of them. Needs promoting for sure but not the time or place to start on that one! Various things discussed, expansion, new staff, staff changes, new build, new housing estates popping up everywhere and discussion on resourses from a medical perspectrive. Dr's have invited us out in the New Year as Xmas too busy for them, afternoon tea! I laughed inside. Anyway after about an hour with the meeting about to wind up she turned to me and asked me to give everyone a run down on my story.
BINGO!!!
Her PA was typing away and the meeting minutes were going out live - apparently one of the only surgeries to use this system. So I hopped on my orange box! You know the gist of what I said haha. But replies were coming in on the live system and the PA kept stopping me to read replies out. In short I have been invited to a local radio station for a 15 min slot! I have been invited to join a local group who are very active in promoting healthy living including low carb. But the best bit is DRUM ROLL FOR THIS ONE!!! The practice manager has asked me to send her by email our Inspirational Stories Booklet, Blood glucose monitoring leaflet, low carb recipes, 100 stone lost doc and kicked diabetes butt,Dr Unwin paper (and anything else I might think apt). I had said I was looking at getting more people to join the monthly diabetic meeting at Tesco, there was only 10 diabetics there at my first meeting, I thought all were from my surgery but it turned out that they were from
all Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. She is going to contact all local surgeries by email with my/our story, I will do a covering letter with a brief summary. Im doing a talk about my journey in Tesco (little room at the back) in January and it would be great to get more than 10 going.
@xfieldok is local and has very kindly offered to help.Practice manager kindly said she would send info to all the surgeries as she has all contact details at her finger tips. I came over all warm and toastie inside and almost started filling up.
Get this, 3 of the 4 PPG members there are diabetic type 2. One was sitting eating biscuits throughout. I was shocked at the end of the meeting when he said he too was diabetic.
Anyway I am dashing off as I am spending some time with the lesser spotted son who has a rare day off today. Apologies for typos.
prior to being diagnosed I would be enjoying copious amounts if Bailey's with ice on such an occasion but you can't win em all!!!
