Consultant problem
Posted , 4 users are following.
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I recently saw a different consultant at my diabetes review, and felt so upset about the visit it reduced me to tears when speaking to the receptionist. A little bit of background information, for many years I have struggled and have had very high blood sugar readings and Hba1c over 100. I had been seeing a doctor I liked and she had tried many different techniques and medications, all of which worked for about 3 months and then the same problems would occur. The main issues began when she unfortunately fell ill, and my appointments started to be cancelled or postponed, I was seeing a different doctor every time (if I ever got an appointment) and nothing was being done to try and help me, as each appointment felt like a review of what I knew had been happening in the past years, and the blame being shifted onto me. The last consultation I had, I felt as though the doctor was judging me for my sub optimal control, and that I was entirely to blame for the situation I am in. I felt like a failure in something I already struggle with, and didn't want to talk about any of the issues I had planned to discuss. I became very short with my answers, I wanted to leave. I reported this to the receptionist, asking that I do not see this doctor again. At this point i began to cry and left, it is not like me to cry about things like this, but I feel that as healthcare professional, specialising in diabetic patients, his consulting style was appalling.
Has anyone else felt like this before? I have never considered myself to be emotionally affected by my condition, however now I am beginning to feel there isn't much hope.
0 likes, 4 replies
josephine88822 Kerry9818
Posted
I am very sorry about the experiences you have had. Please keep plugging away. start with you diet, how can you it change, are you eating too it many sugary things, remember sugar can be in many foods. I can suggest a book which could help you. CARB AND CALORIE COUNTER. ISBN 978-1-908261-15-1 it could be available at your library. I have found it so handy I can easily find how many carbs and calories I consume.
ruth51315 Kerry9818
Posted
Dear Kerry, I was so sad reading your post on this forum. I, too, have been made to feel like an idiot by a consultant with a rubbish attitude. (He was an endocrinologist and was dealing with my hypothyroidism, so not related to my diabetes though.)
Is there a comments/ complaints procedure where you could possibly outline your concerns with the health care trust and tell them how the consultant made you feel and that you are no longer receiving constructive assistance in controlling your condition?
No-one should be made to cry following an appointment.
With regard to your Hb1ac, it isn't just sugary foods which make this worse. You need to drastically reduce carbs because they are starchy and turn to sugar. Have you been advised/shown how to use the finger prick test with strip monitors, to watch how what you eat at each meal affects your blood sugar?
I haven't either, but my Hb1ac was only 60 when I was diagnosed 3 years ago and with 500mg of Metformin twice a day and by cutting carbs to the bone, I have managed to reduce it to 39.
I wish I could offer more constructive help. Just didn't want you to feel that no-one is listening.
I hope things get better for you.
Kerry9818 ruth51315
Posted
Thanks for your reply, I've been on a low carb/low sugar healthy diet for almost 4 years now. It certainly helped at first and obviously I would be worse off without it but still struggling. Doctors are concerned there is an underlying cause, however im never seen often enough for them to make a diagnosis.
I was sad to have to make a complaint, but I have done and it will hopefully be followed up shortly.
I'm sorry other people have also been made to feel this way by people who don't have to live with the conditions we have
josephine88822 Kerry9818
Posted
Well said Kerry, I have been there three times, after misdiagnosis and eventually being taken seriously urgent treatment given. I wont go into detail, but I am so glad I was persistent.