 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Diabetes / August 2005One month dx and back to the docs
It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want to see how my BG levels have improved in the last month - that is reserved for a visit at the three month point. I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am probably going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best for my health in the short term. IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is probably acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous responses to my doc related posts on asd and asduk) Testing, initially was 8 times a day (recommended 3 times a week) for the first two weeks until doctor was unwilling to supply me with more than he thought I needed. The last three weeks I have eeked out 50 strips and am not happy as this isn't giving me the vital information I need. Ideally I would like 2 or 3 packs of strips initially and then as needed afterwards so that I can keep at least one full pack in reserve at all times. Doc says he is *extremely* concerned about my fingers and is unwilling to accept that more than 3 times a week is safe for them. So far he is unconvinced by the weight of evidence from the diabetic community at large that this is not only safe but recommended in practice by diabetics. He also states that by testing pre and post prandial is pointless and that by doing this I am trying to "micro-control" my diet which is not going to have any benefits and cause long term damage to my fingers. His recommendation was to strictly follow a diet that would cause my BG to skyrocket. Halving my FBG in a week is apparently pointless and not worth mentioning. Did I say that I believe that my doc is a contra indicator for diabetes? I have the opticians appointment forms available and am going there on Tuesday. I am going to ask for a referral to a podiatrist as I might be getting some neuropathy and because I believe that this should be checked out regardless. I doubt this will occur. I will ask about seeing an endo and a dietitian but again I doubt that this will happen unless I arrange this myself - if that's possible with the NHS. One thing that I really want to walk out of the docs with is a prescription for Metaformin or similar, currently I am diet controlled. My FBG is generally around 6.4 and on a good day my max is between 8.8 and 9.4. The other day BG was 4.3 before dinner for the first recorded time ever (w00t!) but is usually higher. These are good numbers considering that I am only five weeks into knowing that I am diabetic but they are still too high, and I am not sure that I am going to break into lower numbers without some meds. The doc explained that he wants to wait and see what my A1c is at the three month mark before deciding about meds. (Dx FBG 13 / A1c 9%) He says that if I my A1c is under 7% at three months then there would be no point in prescribing Metaformin. Personally I want a minimum three month course of an appropriate dose *now* to get my numbers into something resembling non-diabetic levels. Glocotoxicity, and the difficulty breaking back through th e barrier, concerns me greatly and although my BG may be perfectly fine for my doc he is not the one who is at the pointy end of diabetic complications. I also desperately want to give my beta cells a rest so that they can recover. With the levels I am currently at there is a good chance that longterm damage is still occurring and I *do not* want wait another two months to see how much more damage has been done before my doc decides that I don't need it anyways. Hope I don't get fobbed off. I'm just seeing the nurse practitioner, she can prescribe some things but it is up to her convincing the doc with much of it and only he can sign the scripts. Bastian, T2 UK. > It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs > tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want [quoted text clipped - 70 lines] > > Bastian, T2 UK. All Type-2 diabetics benefit from metformin and an ACE inhibitor or ARB. If their cholesterol is a bit dodgy, a statin is a good idea, too. Once everything gets back into control, you can always discontinue the meds. Your doc seems seriously negligent in utilizing the latest protocols for a Type-2. I understand that dealing with the NHS isn't easy, but if you can, change to a doctor with a clue. He isn't Dr. Palm, is he? >> It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs >> tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am >> probably going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best [snip Bastian venting] > All Type-2 diabetics benefit from metformin and an ACE inhibitor or ARB. > If their cholesterol is a bit dodgy, a statin is a good idea, too. Once > everything gets back into control, you can always discontinue the meds. My blood pressure is very good (especially for a diabetic) and hasn't changed in the last six years, so ACE or ARB might not be indicated, but I'll see. Cholesterol is a bit high but not too drastically above normal so I will ask about satin. It will be a lot more comfy than the poly-cotton blend I am currently wearing. :P > Your doc seems seriously negligent in utilizing the latest protocols for > a Type-2. I understand that dealing with the NHS isn't easy, but if you > can, change to a doctor with a clue. He seems to be in his mid-fifties so would probably have trained a quite long time ago. I'll see what I can do re getting a new doc but he's pretty much following the current Diabetes UK guidelines and I am not looking forward to practise hopping for the next year or so. > He isn't Dr. Palm, is he? You know, that is a very good point, they do seem to have quite a bit in common. Cheers, Bastian. >>> It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs >>> tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] >Cheers, >Bastian. How difficult would it be to either change docs or, even better, get a referral to an endocrinologist? Cheers Alan, T2, Australia.  SignatureEverything in Moderation - Except Laughter. > > All Type-2 diabetics benefit from metformin and an ACE inhibitor or ARB. > > If their cholesterol is a bit dodgy, a statin is a good idea, too. Once [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > changed in the last six years, so ACE or ARB might not be indicated, but > I'll see. The ACE is for the kidneys, not the blood pressure. The BP effect is really secondary. Personally, I take a beta blocker for migraine prevention, and as a side-effect, it also lowers my (already normal) BP. My endo says it's not a problem as long as I don't experience dizziness or fatigue -- fatigue? can't remember if that's the other symptom -- maybe it's memory loss! ;-) Seriously, though, my last BP was 102 over 60-something. Bob (my endo) was practically drooling with envy. He has metabolic syndrome, too. He says my heart sounds like that of a runner. We get a good chuckle out of that. He's always nagging me about exercise. Priscilla Signature"Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell happened." -- Cora Harvey Armstrong > Your doc seems seriously negligent in utilizing the latest protocols for a > Type-2. I understand that dealing with the NHS isn't easy, but if you can, > change to a doctor with a clue. > > He isn't Dr. Palm, is he? I wondered the same thing -- especially with that worry about the fingers! bj >It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs >tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want >to see how my BG levels have improved in the last month - that is >reserved for a visit at the three month point. >I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am probably >going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best for my >health in the short term. Remember, you are the head of your medical team. >IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is >probably acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous >responses to my doc related posts on asd and asduk) >Testing, initially was 8 times a day (recommended 3 times a week) for >the first two weeks until doctor was unwilling to supply me with more [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >needed afterwards so that I can keep at least one full pack in reserve >at all times. >Doc says he is *extremely* concerned about my fingers and is unwilling >to accept that more than 3 times a week is safe for them. So far he is [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >which is not going to have any benefits and cause long term damage to my >fingers. How old is your Doc? He sounds like he's 20+ years out of date. >His recommendation was to strictly follow a diet that would cause my BG >to skyrocket. >Halving my FBG in a week is apparently pointless and not worth >mentioning. Did I say that I believe that my doc is a contra indicator >for diabetes? My two cents (Or, on your case, pence) worth: Fire the SOB. >I have the opticians appointment forms available and am going there on >Tuesday. I am going to ask for a referral to a podiatrist as I might be >getting some neuropathy and because I believe that this should be >checked out regardless. I doubt this will occur. I will ask about seeing >an endo and a dietitian but again I doubt that this will happen unless I >arrange this myself - if that's possible with the NHS. Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the Labyrinth that is NHS? I've dealt with them before (most of my family is British) and found it even more boggling in some ways that the US system (which I'd never thought possible..) Do you know anyone who works in any part of the health care industry there? That's the way I got around problems; I have an Aunt who used to be a nurse, and she knew who to talk to and how to go about it. >One thing that I really want to walk out of the docs with is a >prescription for Metaformin or similar, currently I am diet controlled. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >says that if I my A1c is under 7% at three months then there would be no >point in prescribing Metaformin. Definitely fire the SOB if he tells you that! Metfromin has proven benefits OTHER than BG's... It's been shown to protect the heart. My Doc put me on ACE inhibitors for a similar reason; I don't have high blood pressure, but they do protect the kidneys. >Personally I want a minimum three month course of an appropriate dose >*now* to get my numbers into something resembling non-diabetic levels. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >months to see how much more damage has been done before my doc decides >that I don't need it anyways. IMHO, you are absolutely right. If you can't change docs and the cretin won't prescribe anything of you A1C is not over 7%, I have an idea. It may be a bad idea, but here it is; The A1C test is "weighted" to the last one or two weeks pre-test. Therefor, high BG's for a few days right before the test should send the A1C high. PLEASE don't try this unless someone knowledgable weighs in, as I'm as new as you are and may be way off base here. It's also kind of nuts for a Diabetic to be trying to raise their A1C, even if it would work, but given the options............. Good luck, Bastian. I hope all goes well at your appointment, > Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the > Labyrinth that is NHS? Oh boy - coffee on screen - Diabetes UK will be very sympathetic at your having lost the postcode lottery, but can't help at all. Unfortunately, the NHS guidelines leave things pretty entirely up to the doctor's judgement - and they're cost-cutting like mad. I had to write to my MP, the Minister of health, and demand a referral to the local endo before I got a repeat prescription for strips. Bloody ludicrous. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/75/72Kg >>Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the >>Labyrinth that is NHS? [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > health, and demand a referral to the local endo before I got a repeat > prescription for strips. Bloody ludicrous. [Snipped initial shock reaction which rhymes with a bird of the Anatidae family] Sorry to hear that Nicky, that is scary stuff indeed. I suppose any of us here in the UK can go private for treatment and we can get strips VAT free at the chemist but atm the cost for either can be too prohibitive. Comparing the cost of strips + meds to the cost of amputation, rehabilitation, kidney dialysis, transplant operation, life-long anti-rejection drugs and the additional benefits paid to blind people I can imagine which is cheaper. It seems to be a false economy with respect to the certainty of complications relating to poorly treated and untreated diabetes. I might try the MP angle but knowing who my MP is it might be a blind alley. Have fun, Bastian. (The wrong kind of T2 required to sort out his doc :) >Comparing the cost of strips + meds to the cost of amputation, >rehabilitation, kidney dialysis, transplant operation, life-long >anti-rejection drugs and the additional benefits paid to blind people I >can imagine which is cheaper. I know you wrote that thinking about the false economies being made by the NHS. Now re-read it thinking about whether you need to find a way to buy more strips outside the NHS if they aren't prescribed. And also as to the real cost of not having better, even if privately paid, medical advice. Cheers Alan, T2, Australia. SignatureEverything in Moderation - Except Laughter. >>>Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the >>>Labyrinth that is NHS? [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >Have fun, >Bastian. (The wrong kind of T2 required to sort out his doc :) I don't know what the price structure in GB is for strips, but might you be better off buying strips on E-Bay and paying the extra shipping, or find someone here to buy them and ship them for you. I know a lot of sellers on E-Bay only ship to US for some reason. I don't see how there would be any problems with customs on an OTC item, but maybe that is the fear. Sleepy ---------------------------- "If English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for Texas." -Miriam "Ma" Ferguson , Texas governor (1920s) ---------------------------- > I don't know what the price structure in GB is for strips, but might > you be better off buying strips on E-Bay and paying the extra > shipping, or find someone here to buy them and ship them for you. For my meter a pack of 50 strips is about 15gbp less VAT over the counter or 28gbp from the supplier. When I asked the pharmacist she commented that they were 'too <expletive> expensive in my opinion.'. Have fun, Bastian. >> I don't know what the price structure in GB is for strips, but might >> you be better off buying strips on E-Bay and paying the extra [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >Have fun, >Bastian. I'm mostly familiar with One Step Ultra/UltraSmart/InDuo (though I have never seen an InDuo meter) They sell in a range close to 1/2 price of retail approx $25 US for 50, $50 US for 100. All taxes included. Seems odd to me that it's cheaper to buy OTC, than it is directly from supplier... Sleepy ---------------------------- "If English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for Texas." -Miriam "Ma" Ferguson , Texas governor (1920s) ---------------------------- >>> I don't know what the price structure in GB is for strips, but might >>> you be better off buying strips on E-Bay and paying the extra [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >Seems odd to me that it's cheaper to buy OTC, than it is directly from >supplier... When those of you in the UK speak of buying "OTC", does that mean you can just walk into a pharmacy and buy them at those prices??? No ID or national Health card required? Or, can you buy them if you have a national health card but aren't a diabetic? (I do have a lot of relatives there..:-)) The best deal I can get here is 100 for $80, from Costco. Haven't tried E-bay yet. I test a lot and my insurance doesn't cover scrips, so this gets expensive. Get the Relion meter Chris. 100 strips are about $45. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but it's a nice little workhorse of a meter. Signature-- Colleen See my paintings at www.plazaearth.com/philo www.plazaearth.com/philo/spaceship.jpg www.plazaearth.com/philo/peaslurp.jpg www.plazaearth.com/philo/geezruby.jpg > >>>> I don't know what the price structure in GB is for strips, but might [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > tried E-bay yet. I test a lot and my insurance doesn't cover scrips, > so this gets expensive. >Get the Relion meter Chris. 100 strips are about $45. It doesn't have a >lot of bells and whistles but it's a nice little workhorse of a meter. I'll give it a try, thanks! > When those of you in the UK speak of buying "OTC", does that mean you > can just walk into a pharmacy and buy them at those prices??? No ID or > national Health card required? Yes. After a long discussion about how expensive they are, and how you should get your GP to prescribe them; when you've finally broken through that, there's then a ballet involving at least 2 assistants and the pharmacist whilst they try to look up how much they should be charging you. But eventually you hand over cash and get strips in return. There are also several on-line pharmacies where you can get them without the time-wasting. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/75/72Kg >> When those of you in the UK speak of buying "OTC", does that mean you >> can just walk into a pharmacy and buy them at those prices??? No ID or [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >But eventually you hand over cash and get strips in return. There are also >several on-line pharmacies where you can get them without the time-wasting. Thanks! I think I'll be phoning my Uncle or my Mother very soon with a shopping request... :-). I'll be over in April, but Mom will be coming out to Arizona (she lives both here and in the UK) in a few weeks, when the weather turns. She could easily bring me a supply, enough to last me until April, at least. > I think I'll be phoning my Uncle or my Mother very soon with a > shopping request... :-). I'll be over in April, but Mom will be coming > out to Arizona (she lives both here and in the UK) in a few weeks, > when the weather turns. She could easily bring me a supply, enough to > last me until April, at least. I bought strips OTC in Vegas last time we were there - poured my winnings into them : ) Can't you do it where you are? Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/75/72Kg >> I think I'll be phoning my Uncle or my Mother very soon with a >> shopping request... :-). I'll be over in April, but Mom will be coming [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >I bought strips OTC in Vegas last time we were there - poured my winnings >into them : ) Can't you do it where you are? Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The best I can do locally is Costco (a warehouse store) where it's $80 for 100 one-touch ultra strips. That's 44.38 pounds. I will be trying a new meter (Relion) soon, which has cheaper strips, but so far the one touch seems very consistent so I like it. > Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The > best I can do locally is Costco (a warehouse store) where it's $80 for > 100 one-touch ultra strips. That's 44.38 pounds. Nah, about the same : ( Last time I bought a box of 50 it was £27, One-Touch Ultra strips. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/76/72Kg >> Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The >> best I can do locally is Costco (a warehouse store) where it's $80 for >> 100 one-touch ultra strips. That's 44.38 pounds. > >Nah, about the same : ( Last time I bought a box of 50 it was £27, >One-Touch Ultra strips. Oh! I for some reason had it in my head that they cost about that for a hundred! >>> Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The >>> best I can do locally is Costco (a warehouse store) where it's $80 for [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Oh! I for some reason had it in my head that they cost about that for > a hundred! I wish. I've paid around that for German strips on ebay, but that's a little hairy on several counts, including getting them through customs. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/76/72Kg > "Chris J." wrote: >>>>Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >>Oh! I for some reason had it in my head that they cost about that for >>a hundred! At that price it *should* be for a hundred. > I wish. I've paid around that for German strips on ebay, but that's a little > hairy on several counts, including getting them through customs. I can buy 50 Optium strips over the counter for about £15. That's only £2 cheaper than the meter itself. Nicky - that's at Boots and you know how cheap they are. Bastian. > I can buy 50 Optium strips over the counter for about £15. That's only £2 > cheaper than the meter itself. > > Nicky - that's at Boots and you know how cheap they are. Wow! I'm locked in to One Touch, as that's what I have a prescription for - I hadn't realised other brands were so cheap! Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/76/72Kg >>I can buy 50 Optium strips over the counter for about £15. That's only £2 >>cheaper than the meter itself. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Wow! I'm locked in to One Touch, as that's what I have a prescription for - > I hadn't realised other brands were so cheap! Maybe you could change if you felt that you would be better off, see how the prices compare in your area. Your doc might be persuadable unless he gets kick backs from Accucheck. Each to our own I guess. I posted a link to my meter in my response to Chris J. Have fun, Bastian. > Maybe you could change if you felt that you would be better off, see how > the prices compare in your area. Your doc might be persuadable unless he > gets kick backs from Accucheck. Each to our own I guess. > > I posted a link to my meter in my response to Chris J. I'm very reluctant to rock the boat - maybe when they do their annual kick-everyone-off-strip-prescription trick, and I have to thump the table again to get it reinstated. I've saved your link. Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/76/72Kg > Bastian wrote >> Maybe you could change if you felt that you would be better off, see how [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > kick-everyone-off-strip-prescription trick, and I have to thump the table > again to get it reinstated. I've saved your link. You might have more success by thumping the doctor and leaving the poor inoffensive table alone. It isn't the table to blame, you know :-)) Alan H SignatureNever go to bed mad. Stay up and fight! Phyllis Diller >> Bastian wrote >>> Maybe you could change if you felt that you would be better off, see how [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > You might have more success by thumping the doctor and leaving the poor > inoffensive table alone. It isn't the table to blame, you know :-)) If I could forge his signature, I would : ) Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/76/72Kg > Alan Hardy >>> Bastian wrote [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Nicky. A table with a signature?!? Weeell, thass a duzzy rum un, as they say in Norfick where i come from. i don't live there now, coz i had a run-in with some Hells Angels, and i am not suicidal, so i left. Ah, the days of my youth [ i gone all reminiscent now ] Alan H SignatureNever go to bed mad. Stay up and fight! Phyllis Diller >> "Chris J." wrote: >>>>>Yes, that's what I do that now, but your prices look much lower. The [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > >At that price it *should* be for a hundred. Then my nefarious scheme might work after all! :-) <snippety> >>At that price it *should* be for a hundred. > > Then my nefarious scheme might work after all! :-) Best of luck! Just in case you're interested this is my meter: http://www.medisense.com.au/xceed/info.html It has a very small margin of error, 450 reading memory, 7/14/30 day averaging and can display results in either mmol or mg/dl. Available for about £17 if you look on Google (Froogle). I love the way that it pretends to be a wallet, it even has a zippered pocket on the front that could be used for loose change and a velcroed procket on the back for paper/plastic money. It's definately a very well designed package. Bastian. ><snippety> >>>At that price it *should* be for a hundred. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >It has a very small margin of error, 450 reading memory, 7/14/30 day >averaging and can display results in either mmol or mg/dl. >Available for about £17 if you look on Google (Froogle). > >I love the way that it pretends to be a wallet, it even has a zippered >pocket on the front that could be used for loose change and a velcroed >procket on the back for paper/plastic money. That looks great!!!! The foil packaged strips would do away with the vial, which is very bulky in my present kit. This wallet looks quite a bit smaller, too. >It's definately a very well designed package. It's not available in the US, but, I can get strips and meter online (thanks to your info) so I'll give it a spin!! I should be able to get it VAT free as it's for export, but I note that the VAT exemption form does not specify a need to reside in the UK. Thanks!! >>>For my meter a pack of 50 strips is about 15gbp less VAT over the >>>counter or 28gbp from the supplier. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > can just walk into a pharmacy and buy them at those prices??? No ID or > national Health card required? Yup, just walk in ask for them and hand over the cash once they find them. Diabetics in the UK get strips VAT free, that is we don't pay the 17.5% sales tax. I used to work in a pharmacy so here's my POV: There are three main types of medication that you can get from the pharmacy. Freely purchasable items are displayed in store on the shelves where customers can pick them up. Certain high-value items and items that are at an increased risk of being stolen or abused are kept out of customer reach but may still be freely purchased. Other items which are frequently prescribed, are not generally suitable for display or are noy 'big sellers' are also kept in the back. Strips fall into this category, anyone can buy them but they are kept in the back of the shop. Items labelled P are not available on the shelves and are instead displayed behind behind the counter. Any person can buy these goods freely within reason. Some items may require a quick chat about why they need them or what they are for, this is done for the safety of the customer. Items labelled POM (prescription only medication) are not available for purchase and are not generally on display. These items can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor. HTH, Bastian. >>>>For my meter a pack of 50 strips is about 15gbp less VAT over the >>>>counter or 28gbp from the supplier. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >them. Diabetics in the UK get strips VAT free, that is we don't pay the >17.5% sales tax. So, I, or one of my relatives there, could stroll in and get them at that price?!? That's what I'm angling for. If so, I'll be stocking up (with an eye on expiration dates) in April (sooner if I phone up a relative and have them mail them to me). >I used to work in a pharmacy so here's my POV: > >There are three main types of medication that you can get from the pharmacy. >Freely purchasable items are displayed in store on the shelves where >customers can pick them up. Certain high-value items and items that are [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >'big sellers' are also kept in the back. Strips fall into this category, >anyone can buy them but they are kept in the back of the shop. >Items labelled P are not available on the shelves and are instead >displayed behind behind the counter. Any person can buy these goods >freely within reason. I've run into that issue on dispersable aspirin (Which I've never seen in the US, anywhere) . I tried it and like it, and bought some back. Friends here tried it and loved it (especially those who have trouble with aspirin pills), so now I buy large amounts when over there. That's raised a few eyebrows and I've run into "limits" a few times. (I just go to the next pharmacy and buy more if need be). I have no idea why aspirin, dispersable or not, would be a limited item. (any ideas?) >>Yup, just walk in ask for them and hand over the cash once they find >>them. Diabetics in the UK get strips VAT free, that is we don't pay the [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > (with an eye on expiration dates) in April (sooner if I phone up a > relative and have them mail them to me). Theoretically yes, I am not sure if they might take exception to you not having the right accent. Specifically diabetics get the lower price so one of your relatives might need to go to a chemists where they aren't known and pretend to be diabetic and buying for themselves. >>I used to work in a pharmacy so here's my POV: > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > idea why aspirin, dispersable or not, would be a limited item. (any > ideas?) Pharmacy jumping is the only way to get past the purchase limits which are there for your safety and to prevent suicidal people from being able to purchase what could be a lethal dose of the commonly abused drugs. Large supermarkets often sell dispersable asprin and you might be able to get away with a bigger purchase in one go. When I stock up on headache pills I go to the supermarket as they will let me buy a lot in a single purchase more than any pharmacy would. Do you ever have problems at customs with a large haul of asprin in tow? I have no idea why it is not available in your part of the world. Have fun. Bastian. >>>Yup, just walk in ask for them and hand over the cash once they find >>>them. Diabetics in the UK get strips VAT free, that is we don't pay the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >Theoretically yes, I am not sure if they might take exception to you not >having the right accent. That might not be too much of an issue for me. Due to all my family being from the UK, and me spending a lot of time there, I speak with a light British accent. Americans think I'm British, but the British can tell it's not their accent. They usually ask if I'm from Australia, New Zealand, and sometimes Canada. I could get a around any objections to my accent by explaining the slight difference in accent as "I spent some of my Childhood in the States". I wouldn't even be lying. :-) >Specifically diabetics get the lower price so >one of your relatives might need to go to a chemists where they aren't >known and pretend to be diabetic and buying for themselves. Hmmmmm... Good idea!! >> I've run into that issue on dispersable aspirin (Which I've never seen >> in the US, anywhere) . I tried it and like it, and bought some back. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >are there for your safety and to prevent suicidal people from being able >to purchase what could be a lethal dose of the commonly abused drugs. Suicide, by Aspirin? Surely there are easier ways... >Large supermarkets often sell dispersable asprin and you might be able >to get away with a bigger purchase in one go. When I stock up on >headache pills I go to the supermarket as they will let me buy a lot in >a single purchase more than any pharmacy would. I have only had the problem a couple of times, and as I'm only buying a few bottles I find stopping at just one other pharmacy does the trick. >Do you ever have problems at customs with a large haul of asprin in tow? None at all... Never even been asked about it, even when they see it. >I have no idea why it is not available in your part of the world. A lot of good things aren't... :-) >> Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the >> Labyrinth that is NHS? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >Nicky. I guess you take the good with the bad with socialized medicine. The bad stories we hear are the reasons the US govt. uses to scare the public. Damned if you do........ Sleepy ---------------------------- "If English was good enough for Jesus Christ, it's good enough for Texas." -Miriam "Ma" Ferguson , Texas governor (1920s) ---------------------------- >>I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am probably >>going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best for my >>health in the short term. > > Remember, you are the head of your medical team. I actually snipped that sentence before I posted! But yes, I agree completely but just try telling my doc that. > How old is your Doc? He sounds like he's 20+ years out of date. Probably mid-fifties so may have trained 30 years ago which figures. >>Halving my FBG in a week is apparently pointless and not worth >>mentioning. Did I say that I believe that my doc is a contra indicator >>for diabetes? > > My two cents (Or, on your case, pence) worth: Fire the SOB. Oh the hassle, the pain and the suffering but you are probably right. > Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the > Labyrinth that is NHS? I've dealt with them before (most of my family > is British) and found it even more boggling in some ways that the US > system (which I'd never thought possible..) No, my doc *is* following the guidelines and the NHS representative I spoke to was disappionted that I wasn't following the dangerous advice of my doctor. Even though it is contra indicated by *real* diabetics everywhere. There is a national diabetes charity that is open everytime I am not calling them. Will try to phone em tomorrow and see what happens. > Do you know anyone who works in any part of the health care industry > there? That's the way I got around problems; I have an Aunt who used > to be a nurse, and she knew who to talk to and how to go about it. Good plan, that has worked for me in other areas in the past but I have no NHS connections. [Snip Bastian's idea of a proactive treatment plan] > IMHO, you are absolutely right. WooHoo! The response I was hoping for, it shows that I'm probably not being silly and over concerned. > Definitely fire the SOB if he tells you that! Metfromin has proven > benefits OTHER than BG's... It's been shown to protect the heart. My > Doc put me on ACE inhibitors for a similar reason; I don't have high > blood pressure, but they do protect the kidneys. Hmm, interesting re ACE and additional benefits of Metaformin, I've been looking this up on t'internet. [A1c weighting] No I'd rather do this honestly and try to protect my health at the same time. > Good luck, Bastian. I hope all goes well at your appointment, Thanks. You'll probably find out tomorrow especially if I am complrtrly miffed after coming home. I really appreciate all the wonderful peeps here. It's (completely the opposite of being lonely/despondant) and having no-one to talk to who is living this enforced 'alternate lifestyle'. Cheers, Bastian. >> How old is your Doc? He sounds like he's 20+ years out of date. > >Probably mid-fifties so may have trained 30 years ago which figures. It does sound like he's using 1970's medicine... >>>Halving my FBG in a week is apparently pointless and not worth >>>mentioning. Did I say that I believe that my doc is a contra indicator [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Oh the hassle, the pain and the suffering but you are probably right. I'm not really familiar with the procedures involved with NHS, but I do two of my relatives doing that. One was a cancer patient who had a doc who declined an MRI for him. When he finally got one, long story short it saved his life. I had to deal with NHS when my Grandmother was hospitalized for cancer, but that's over a decade ago. >> Is there a UK Diabetes association that could help you navigate the >> Labyrinth that is NHS? I've dealt with them before (most of my family >> is British) and found it even more boggling in some ways that the US >> system (which I'd never thought possible..) >No, my doc *is* following the guidelines and the NHS representative I >spoke to was disappionted that I wasn't following the dangerous advice >of my doctor. Even though it is contra indicated by *real* diabetics >everywhere. And even though said contra is also largely supported by AACE, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. >There is a national diabetes charity that is open everytime I am not >calling them. Will try to phone em tomorrow and see what happens. That sounds like a good route... Good luck with that. >> Do you know anyone who works in any part of the health care industry >> there? That's the way I got around problems; I have an Aunt who used >> to be a nurse, and she knew who to talk to and how to go about it. > >Good plan, that has worked for me in other areas in the past but I have >no NHS connections. Hmmmmm... I wish I could help, but my Aunt passed away a couple of years ago, so I can't phone and ask. I can't think of anyone else I know who would be worth asking. >[Snip Bastian's idea of a proactive treatment plan] >> IMHO, you are absolutely right. > >WooHoo! The response I was hoping for, it shows that I'm probably not >being silly and over concerned. Well, I sure don't think you are, but I'm as new to this as you are. I can't see any logic in your Doc's approach, though. >[A1c weighting] > >No I'd rather do this honestly and try to protect my health at the same >time. I have serious reservations about the "plan" I suggested, but only out of health concerns, not honesty. I'm afraid I'm of the deep conviction that honesty is not the best policy when dealing with Bureaucracy. (just my cynical opinion). >> Good luck, Bastian. I hope all goes well at your appointment, > >Thanks. You'll probably find out tomorrow especially if I am complrtrly >miffed after coming home. I'll keep an eye out. >I really appreciate all the wonderful peeps here. It's (completely the >opposite of being lonely/despondant) and having no-one to talk to who is >living this enforced 'alternate lifestyle'. Same here. This place has been a lifesaver for me, and I'm not exaggerating. Good luck!!! > IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is probably > acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous responses to my doc > related posts on asd and asduk) My practice nurse is a lot more clued about diabetes than my doctor - I prefer to see her for standard tests, etc. Are there other doctors in the practice who might be more useful? Ask the nurse, see who she recommends... Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/75/72Kg >>IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is probably >>acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous responses to my doc [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > prefer to see her for standard tests, etc. Are there other doctors in the > practice who might be more useful? Ask the nurse, see who she recommends... My practice nurse has a special interest in diabetes and I have wondered how personal that interest is. Unfortunately the doc in question is the designated one to oversee the diabetes related meds and prescribing. I will see what transpires. You'll probably find out soon, if tomorrow goes as well as previously I'm going to be in a pretty vitriolic mood afterwards. No doc should ever leave you wanting to slap him. Bastian. Bastian, I dont know how the medical system works in Britain. Can you get a referral to an endocrinologist, If not, can you change your primary care doctor to someone more knowledgeable on diabetes. Socialized medicine has many good points, but it also has many bad. Loretta -- In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism. > Bastian, I dont know how the medical system works in Britain. Can you > get a referral to an endocrinologist, If not, can you change your > primary care doctor to someone more knowledgeable on diabetes. I'll research what and why it is indicated and then have a go at arranging it. > In tribute to the United States of America and the State > of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and > terrorism. Hey... I'm a Bastian too! <grin> Bastian. That makes three bastians in a world filled with strife and terrorism :-) Loretta -- In tribute to the United States of America and the State of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and terrorism. > That makes three bastians in a world filled with strife and terrorism > :-) Lol >It's a just over a month since diagnosis and I'm back to the docs >tomorrow morning to see the Diabetic Nurse. They don't officially want >to see how my BG levels have improved in the last month - that is >reserved for a visit at the three month point. that's a red warning flag right there. >I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am probably >going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best for my >health in the short term. you're going to have to get used to that. >IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is >probably acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >Doc says he is *extremely* concerned about my fingers and is unwilling >to accept that more than 3 times a week is safe for them. tell your doctor that hundreds of thousands of diabetics test daily. Those of us on insulin and who those not on insulin, who want good control test multiple times a day, every day without any ill effects. Feel free to tell him a 30 year type 1 who tests upwards of 8 times a day says he's full of sh.t and needs remove his head from his a.s. So far he is >unconvinced by the weight of evidence from the diabetic community at >large that this is not only safe but recommended in practice by >diabetics. He also states that by testing pre and post prandial is >pointless and that by doing this I am trying to "micro-control" my diet >which is not going to have any benefits and cause long term damage to my >fingers. he's flat out wrong and needs to be fired and slapped in the face, not necessarily in that order. >His recommendation was to strictly follow a diet that would cause my BG >to skyrocket. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >an endo and a dietitian but again I doubt that this will happen unless I >arrange this myself - if that's possible with the NHS. once you get to the endo, have the endo refer you to the podiatrist and other specialists. >One thing that I really want to walk out of the docs with is a >prescription for Metaformin or similar, currently I am diet controlled. [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > >Bastian, T2 UK. we'll pray for you and stick pins in your doctor's voodoo doll. SignatureMâck©® Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.diabetic-talk.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." ...Theodore Roosevelt (o o) --ooO-(_)-Ooo-------------------- "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." Jesus never hated anyone. First things first... ROFLMAO! [1] Thanks in advance, you've made me laugh and put a big smile on my face at a time when I'm getting pretty stressed out. [Doc not interested in short term BG changes] > that's a red warning flag right there. Yup. Definately the doc is a load of bull. >>I have some trepidation about this as I am going to go as I am probably >>going to have some differences of opinion as to what is best for my >>health in the short term. > > you're going to have to get used to that. I usually win, not always with docs though. <off topic> I have another long term condition which is incurable, affects my life greatly in a very negative way, which can be pretty severe, limits my ability to work and requires a treatment which has been denied to me for over seven years - apart from very occasionally and only for a very limited time. I am actually thinking about taking my doc's surgery to court to try and get a judge to order the treatment - other specialists have tried to help without sucess. The drugs are very cheap and highly effective but because they are also highly addictive the doc thinks that I should suffer instead. Before I moved to this part of the country my previous doc ensured I always had as much of the drugs as I needed and the condition rarely bothered me. The new docs say that there is nothing wrong with me because there is no convenient label and they refuse to diagnose or treat me. </off topic> >>IMHO my doctor doesn't seem to have a clue about diabetes and is >>probably acting in a criminally negligent manner. (see previous [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Those of us on insulin and who those not on insulin, who want good > control test multiple times a day, every day without any ill effects. Tried that, not given up, it hasn't worked yet but I'll persevere. > Feel free to tell him a 30 year type 1 who tests upwards of 8 times a > day says he's full of sh.t and needs remove his head from his a.s. Oh goody! Yes please. I shall do that with pleasure once I am certain that I can keep a straight face whilst doing so. >>He also states that by testing pre and post prandial is >>pointless and that by doing this I am trying to "micro-control" my diet [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > he's flat out wrong and needs to be fired and slapped in the face, not > necessarily in that order. I *severely* wanted to do the latter several times after I saw him recently. > once you get to the endo, have the endo refer you to the podiatrist > and other specialists. Brilliant idea. I'm still hazy about what the endo does aside from being a specialist in the endocrine system. >>Hope I don't get fobbed off. I'm just seeing the nurse practitioner, she >>can prescribe some things but it is up to her convincing the doc with >>much of it and only he can sign the scripts. > we'll pray for you and stick pins in your doctor's voodoo doll. Please do, I'm sure the pins will hurt. (But not cause any long term damage to his fingers!) [1] Rolling on the floor laughing my <something> off! Bastian. (who was stressed but is now bouncy and happy thanks to Ma¢k) > <off topic> > I have another long term condition which is incurable, affects my life [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > limited time. I am actually thinking about taking my doc's surgery to > court to try and get a judge to order the treatment Do it! You have a right to live your life! > - other specialists > have tried to help without sucess. The drugs are very cheap and highly [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > diagnose or treat me. > </off topic> Priscilla Signature"Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell happened." -- Cora Harvey Armstrong >> we'll pray for you and stick pins in your doctor's voodoo doll. > > Please do, I'm sure the pins will hurt. (But not cause any long term > damage to his fingers!) > > [1] Rolling on the floor laughing my <something> off! ROFL! I'll click my stabber in his direction a few times too : ) Nicky. SignatureA1c 10.5/5.6/<6 T2 DX 05/2004 1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine 95/75/72Kg [A reply to his own message] Was stressed, couldn't sleep. It's past 4:15am and I'm probably going to 'get up in time' for the appointment by not going to bed. I have a whole page of notes for the appointment including most of the recommendations and suggestions from people here that I received about a month ago. There are a whole bunch of other things on there too. I doubt that the nurse is going to enjoy the appointment, nothing against her personally and I'll make sure that I don't come across that way as she seems to be pretty reasonable and open to reality. I will ask if she is happy for me to 'speak freely' before I get too soapboxy. The one thing that bugs me is the doc stating that I might be Type 1.5 and then not putting me straight on Metaformin et al and also insulin on a temporary basis until the dx was confirmed or changed. (*cough*criminally*cough*negligent) If I was/am in the honeymoon period before total beta-cell failure the lack of meds would have been dangerous or worse. I am confident that I am classic Type 2 from a research and observation standpoint but I need a definite answer. I will however voice my concerns re doc and request that he is not involved in my treatment in any way in the future, possibly threaten to change surgeries and maybe arrange to speak to the practice manager. I need to see what plays out first though and get some proper advice. I have genuine fear for the safety of the other diabetics that he oversees. The above was really stressing me out until Mâck cheered me up. Bastian, T2 UK. | [A reply to his own message] | [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] | seems to be pretty reasonable and open to reality. I will ask if she is | happy for me to 'speak freely' before I get too soapboxy. soapboxy? please don't back down from your own health care. if your doctor or his nurse isn't going to treat you as the HEAD of your health care now, then piss on them as you waltz out the door. I honestly cannot tell you how many doctors since becoming diabetic that I've gotten pissed off at refusing to care for me the way "I" want them too, and telling them "You're FIRED!" (lol that makes me sound so -- Donald Trump) anyhoo.... Just remember, and tell that banana head.... hello? are YOU going to be the one blind? are YOU going to be the one that loses a kidney? are YOU going to..... get the point? blow it right back in their faces, don't let them push you around... they work for YOU, not you them... | The one thing that bugs me is the doc stating that I might be Type 1.5 | and then not putting me straight on Metaformin et al and also insulin on [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] | dangerous or worse. I am confident that I am classic Type 2 from a | research and observation standpoint but I need a definite answer. With your readings you've posted, theres no way you're close to a T1.5, which really isn't a class anyhow. From everything you've posted you are a classic T2. Doctors make stupid statements often, just blow it off to his ignorance of the disease. It truely amazes me that GP's think they can treat DM. They get about a day if best to learn about the endocrine system, because its so complex and so many things are simular to another.... they should be allowed to diagnose and refer out thats all! My doctor today, got a medication incorrect from what I'd written down, and thought it was a T2 oral med for me.... she stated, so if you're a T1 why are you on Avenda is what she thought I'd written, but I'd written Avenza... lol big difference, from T2 oral glucose control to extended release morphine! We had a short laugh, and she said, hey I wasn't going to question what any doctor at OSU put you on, they know their stuff there. | I will however voice my concerns re doc and request that he is not | involved in my treatment in any way in the future, possibly threaten to | change surgeries and maybe arrange to speak to the practice manager. I | need to see what plays out first though and get some proper advice. | I have genuine fear for the safety of the other diabetics that he oversees. LOL hell I cld fill a room with doctors like that... | The above was really stressing me out until Mâck cheered me up. He's good at that... though, neither he nor anyone else here is joking... All those types of doctors need a swift swat upside their heads with a 2x4. | Bastian, T2 UK. | -- Let us know how it went... try to get some sleep, wont help ya not sleeping any... RK, t1 > My doctor today, got a medication incorrect from what I'd written down, > and thought it was a T2 oral med for me.... she stated, so if you're a T1 [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > We had a short laugh, and she said, hey I wasn't going to question what any > doctor at OSU put you on, they know their stuff there. What's Avenda? Do you mean Avandia? Priscilla | > My doctor today, got a medication incorrect from what I'd written down, | > and thought it was a T2 oral med for me.... she stated, so if you're a T1 [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] | | Priscilla yeah I think... I dont know t2 orals very well |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2010 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.