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1:40 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Sooliz
| | sunny Somerset | |
|  Councillor | posts 2124 | 
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Having recently had several blood tests etc following my ongoing illness, I've just received a letter from the GP confirming I have diabetes. It's just a 3 line letter, baldly stating that and asking me to ring to make an appointment with the diabetes nurse (which I have done and my appointment is Thursday of NEXT week, the 24th!).
Now, I do realise that there are different types of diabetes and I clearly don't have the more serious type, or they'd have me in to see the doctor sooner (have been told to keep my routine appointment with her which is in 3 or 4 weeks). However, I'm feeling completely shellshocked at the moment – I don't know anyone who is diabetic and know next to nothing about it.
Is anyone here diabetic, and can you offer me any guidance? I will be doing a lot of googling, when I've got over the shock.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
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2:24 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Hattie
| | Bucks/Oxon Border | |
|  Supreme Being | posts 4316 | |
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Oh Sue, 
You really are having a rough time at the moment, health-wise; no wonder you are shell shocked at the moment.
I haven't got diabetes but I have friends who are & they test their sugar levels every day so they can manage their diet.
You know we will help all we can; I am sure others with diabetes will be along to give you support & advice by the end of the day.
Extra hugs.
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Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass. Confucius
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2:36 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Toffeeapple
| | North Bucks | |
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2:43 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Sooliz
| | sunny Somerset | |
| Councillor | posts 2124 |
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Thank you Nadine and TA. I've just rung the surgery and got my GP's appointment brought forward….it's now straight after I see the diabetic nurse.
Have just been on the Diabetes UK website, but can't take any of it in, feeling overwhelmed and completely woolly-headed right now. Will try looking again later. Right now, I'm going for a lie down as feeling exhausted.
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learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
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2:57 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Toffeeapple
| | North Bucks | |
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It's hardly surprising that you can't take it all in, best wait until your husband is with you, then you can digest it together.
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4:05 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Gottaknit
| | South Lincolnshire | |
|  Enthusiast | posts 145 | |
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I can't tell you what to do about yourself, but what I can do is tell you what happened to me.
Last year I had the regular blood tests to tell me that I was ok to still keep taking Bendroflumethiazide. That was the only thing I was able to tolerate for raised blood pressure. They told me my blood sugar was raised and I had to have a glucose tolerance test. Then I was told I had type 2 diabetes, and I would have to see the Diabetes Nurse and go through all the regular checks etc, and radically change my diet (not that they knew what my diet was anyway) I got a repeat prescription for the Bendro.. too. I just happened to read the leaflet for the first time in years and one of the main side effects was raised blood sugar. I have since been informed by a GP (Not my own) that at least 10% of people on that drug get the side effect, and it is not diabetes, or if it has to be called that it is "Geriatric Genic Diabetes (Medication Induced)" In other words, they gave it to me, and would rather add me another pill than stop prescribing the baddie.
I was so angry that I binned the Bendro, and kept testing my blood sugar, which I still do – and my levels are those of a non-diabetic. Oh, and my blood pressure has come down, now that I am not taking anything for it.
So, first of all, Don't Panic. You haven't got type one – the killer – or you would be in hospital having insulin injections and lots of testing to get the dosage balanced with your food. Type 2 – the probable one means a lot less faffing about – basically watching what you eat and avoiding sugar-laden foods and there are pills, or even small injections of insulin that you can have if the diet bit is not enough. But basically, it is a no-panic thing that can be dealt with.
What I really do want to recommend is for you to look at the leaflets (or you can find the info online) for all the drugs you take. Check in the side effects for "can cause raised blood glucose" Then when you see the GP and/or the nurse, just drop in the question "Is this something that could have been caused by the drugs I am taking?" If your research says "raised blood glucose", and they say not likely you will know that they are fobbing you off. But if you really have got it, it is not a big deal.
I'm sorry but I don't know what you health difficulties consist of, but I do know from experience that an awful lot of the current wonder drugs can make you feel SO lousy and that the medics don't really seem to understand "Hey, we are curing your illness – what do you mean you want to feel fit as well?"
If you want to talk more privately, send me a personal message. I'm good for holding hands.
PS Sorry to be such a windbag – I recommend you read this major essay at least twice!
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4:12 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Toffeeapple
| | North Bucks | |
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Sue, I can confirm that Jean is good at holding hands, she talked me through my medications too and I am now feeling much better. Thanks Jean!
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8:07 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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JoannaS
| | Latvia | |
| Supreme Being | posts 4314 | |
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A lot of good advice their Jean. Another problem is that doctors are not pharmacologists and so have to rely on information coming in to work out cross reactions. If you are taking a lot of different medications it is sometimes worth going to see a good pharmacist and ask them to look at the possible problems. My Nan had Parkinson's and angina and two pills she took for those conditions were working in opposition to each other.
As for diabetes, I know folks, both friends and family who have diabetes. I would not recommend a half a tub of ice cream a day that's not particularly good for you, surprisingly!!!! Also Sue if you are having issues with diet at the moment, then maybe that is playing a part and getting to a stable point in diet that suits you without making you ill maybe all that is needed to keep your blood sugar down anyway, especially if you have to avoid sugary things. Type 2 diabetes doesn't have to be a horrendous life sentence but does need watching. Hope you feel a bit calmer now,
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8:22 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Sooliz
| | sunny Somerset | |
| Councillor | posts 2124 |
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Thanks Joanne. Am just feeling totally exhausted now and have a splitting headache, it's been one thing after another lately and it's totally wearing me out, physically and mentally
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learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
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8:43 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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JoannaS
| | Latvia | |
| Supreme Being | posts 4314 | |
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Only to be expected and in some ways don't fight it, let your body tell you to rest as much as you need. Then come on here and let us cheer you up 
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8:55 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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maggenpie
| | Cornwall, UK | |
|  Expert | posts 638 | |
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Oh Sue! Big, big hugs.
Rotten surgery! What a way to tell you. 
I know nothing about diabetes, but just want to say the good thing is – you're getting all this stuff sorted out. You've been feeling so rotten lately, and with good reason. Now, with what you're working out for yourself and what the NHS can do for you (but I agree, check everything) you can't help but start feeling a lot better soon.
Take it easy, be kind to yourself, and yes, sorry – be patient…
Hope the headache has eased up.
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Never assume anything – except an occasional air of intelligence.
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9:00 pm
Mon 14-Nov-11
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Aly
| | Normandy France | |
| Supreme Being | posts 3056 | |
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sounds like type 2 which is often diet controlled and does not always need medication. Do try to use the Diabetes UK website it is very good and informative and always has the most up to date information. As advised do check the side effects list on any drugs you are taking, poly pharmacy is a recognised problem (taking many drugs that may cause more problems). I firmly believe it is better to be informed about any potential health issues as GP's do not know it all. I don't know what your weight is but with type 2 the symtoms can be eradicated by losing weight if you are over your ideal weight.
My younger brother and sister have type 1, my sister from childhood and my brother since he was 25. I am also an ex nurse.
Be strong and don't leave the surgery until you have all your concerns addressed, you are a sensible human being who should be treated as such. It is apalling to receive a letter like you had with not even an information leaflet enclosed, I despair of the so called caring profession
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I refuse to grow old gracefully
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6:37 am
Tue 15-Nov-11
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Sooliz
| | sunny Somerset | |
| Councillor | posts 2124 |
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Thanks all. The initial shock has worn off now….and it was a shock, both because i was so not expecting it at all, and the way in which i was told. Having a potentially serious and lifelong illness diagnosis thrown at you, with no advice or even a leaflet offered, was a bit of a slap round the face. But now I know, so I can begin getting to grips with it. Oh, and I am assuming it's the lesser Type 2 (not that they've said either way in the letter!), as I'd clearly be either in hospital or summoned to the surgery urgently if it was Type 1.
Thank you all again for the support.
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learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
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5:24 pm
Tue 15-Nov-11
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KateUK
| | uk | |
| Councillor | posts 1735 | |
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Just caught up with this- Sue, BIG hug – rubbish treatment by the surgery- tell them so when you see them and don't leave until you feel you have had all your questions answered.The only way GPs know if they are rubbish is if the patients tell them.Sadly, doesn't mean they improve their procedures….
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6:33 pm
Tue 15-Nov-11
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Sooliz
| | sunny Somerset | |
| Councillor | posts 2124 |
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Thanks Kate. How are you feeling?
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learning to love veg…..except celery :-O
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