Why can't I get a glucometer??
Posted , 8 users are following.
So I've had a really bad experience with my surgery. Two days ago I had a very serious hypo and woke up in my room, twitching and rolling around so violently that i smashed my head several times and got a black eye. I was in this situation because I've lost my glucometer, and I can't test my bloodsugar. I went to a hospital walk-in to make sure I've not had a concussion, and the doctor was very worried for my sugars and told me that I needed to get a meter ASAP, and that I could walk in to my surgery and get one. Today I called my surgery because I wanted to come and get it. From what she said to me I understood that she was gonna book me in with a nurse in 3 days, then MAYBE I'll get a meter. I said that I need it now and tried explaning the situation and how I'm baically afraid to take my insuline, to get that hypo again. She very rudely told me that she would get the doctor to call me after the surgerys opening hours. It doesn't seem like I'll get my glucometer today. Why is this so hard? Why do I get told that I can just walk into my GP ASAP and be able to get a glucometer when I can't even do that? I thought this was considered more important! I'm sorry if I am double posting or should've posted this somewhere else, I'm new to this site!
2 likes, 11 replies
clivealive emily34688
Posted
That is a shocking situation and yet another case of a receptionist dictating patient's care.
I worked with a colleague for 17 years who's diabetes was totally out of control at times and sometimes when collecting him from home in the mornings if he didn't come out of his house within ten minutes I dreaded going in and often found him thrashing about in his bedroom. As his nominated keyholder (he lived alone) on two occasions I arrived to find the kitchen stove on fire because he'd gone hypo whilst cooking. In the office I was constantly dragging him from under his desk and so on and so forth.
I'm Type 2 myself but fortunatel don't have your sort of problems.
However I can fully sympathise with you and hope you get sorted very quickly.
sarah87162 emily34688
Posted
This is something I simply do not understand. I am Type 2 diabetic.
However I have not been given a meter to check my blood sugar.
Oh they say, you don't need as meter unless you are on insulin you are only on tablets.
OK but do I still not need to know what my blood sugar levels are?
Don't get me wrong here, I amnot a worrier, but I just like to know.
Sarah
clivealive sarah87162
Posted
I'm Type 2 too and on Metformin 2 x 500mg per day.
My doctor told me I can't possibly have a hypo because of the tablets and also said that I don't need to test my bloodsugar so I guess there's a bit of a consistency there.
However I often feel a "bit shaky" and in need of a sugar boost as my intake is so low now.
gill70346 sarah87162
Posted
However, I am still extremely angry that he insisted that I did not need to take BG reading whilst I was only on tablets. I think my story shows how impoertant it is to take BG reading regularly if you are on tablets.no matter what the NICE guidelines say. Yes you do need to know what your Blood sugar levels are. How can you keep them under control if you do not know what they are?
clivealive gill70346
Posted
I wish you well.
ricusk2 emily34688
Posted
I have a spare one I won in a survey I can send it next day delivery if that would help you?
clivealive ricusk2
Posted
That's very generous and kind hearted of you Ricusk2
kathleen39 emily34688
Posted
gill70346 kathleen39
Posted
Jonathan57679 emily34688
Posted
Citaloman emily34688
Posted