I was at the diabetes clinic a couple of weeks ago (twice in a week actually) to see the diabetes nurse and my then endo as happens once a year for the Dr and bi-annually for the nurse like the rest of you.
After twenty years of these visits and numerous Drs, nurses, dieticians others I had reached the point more than once of being quite fed up with it all. That said, I have to say that the team I have at the moment from the dietician to the specialist and the nurse are absolutely fantastic. I’ve not seen them that much yet because they are all relatively new and I only go once a year but what I have seen of them has proven them to be an excellent team with A LOT of very good advise and information that has helped me a lot.
All’n'all, I’m absolutely over the moon with the medical services I am getting at the moment which includes the CGMS trial and advice I’ve had about moving to Montreal.
It’s not always the case that you feel so at ease with your healthcare team (for whatever reason) and I know that it won’t last forever because people don’t stay in the same job forever so I am certainly making the most these guys while I can!
After each appointment, the customary letter gets sent to the GP (with which I also have a fantastic relationship as I mentioned in a previous post) with a summary of the appointment and the details of my general condition, any observations and important developments. I have always received a copy of this letter in the mail for my own records and I have kept them all. If nothing else they might make for a good read on day when I have a some time to kill I suppose but generally, I just read ‘em and file ‘em.
This time round however, I have stuck the letter on the wall because much to my delight when I opened it over the long weekend, I discovered that the opening line was:
“Aaron is managing his diabetes extremely well…”!!!!!!!
It may seem like a small thing but I swear, if my Endo was beside me when I opened that letter and read it this morning I would have bought him a beer on the spot! It absolutely made my day to get that endorsement after having thought how bad I’ve been lately (see this post if you missed it!). Even if it isn’t true it was a lovely way to start the summary 
Simply put, my endo made my day
- Aaron
Posted in Complications, General, Medical Services, Monitoring, Slice of Life
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Nic wrote
Way to go Aaron!! I have to say that I briefly glimpsed my discharge letter from National Womens when I was at the GP (it came up on screen) and even after doing 10-15 BG tests a day and managing a final HbA1c of 5.8 it didn’t say anything nearly as nice as that….! You have worked so hard at it, and for that I applaud you.
Have a top weekend!
Roy wrote
Can I ask if you can define what it is that gets you fed up? I am not sure that I can anymore, the constant grind just wears me out.
I think your more than on your back on track Squire.
Nic. 5.8? Permanent low zone isn’t it?
Aaron wrote
@ Roy – it is the lack of reality and understanding shown by health professionals for just how much work is involved, the constant grind and the ignorance of ‘professionals’ that makes me fed up.
@ Nic – thanks!!!!!!!
Amanda wrote
Did I read that right that here in NZ it is customary to see an Endo. only once a year? I thought it was only where I lived here. Unbelievable! How are we supposed to stay nice and healthy and well controlled then?
This negativity here could wear me down but thank goodness for a no nonsense husband and a reasonable stoppy attitude of my own ie regarding care of my diabetes – thanks to my Mother.
Sorry, gone off on a tangent here.
Best wishes and luck Aaron for your North America sojourn, guess you’ll have to take a years supply of meds there. As you know don’t offer any information about your diabetes (at Customs) – that’s what one or two of my Endos advised me in Europe.
All the best.
Roy wrote
In my experence Amanda, you don’t need to see them at all, although once a year is promoted.
Zoe wrote
I see my endo and nurse and dietitian once a year as well, and it seems pretty pointless. He looks at my blood test results, tells me everything is fine, which I know anyway because after 23 years I know how to read a blood test results form myself. And he checks my feet, which I can also do myself. And sends me on my way telling me I’m doing fine.
An hour wait in the waiting room for a 10 minute consult that tells me what I already know.
Amanda wrote
Yes, point taken about their uses and how many hours we’ve had to sit and wait for the appointment.
But, if you have an Endo. who does research, who goes to international conferences they are definitely of use for us as they are learning and sharing information.
This was my amazing experience living elsewhere where the doctor and staff really cared, were helpful and kind, and, knew what they were talking about.
I wonder if any NZ Endos read any of our comments on this site because if any of you are how about tightening up your act and being respectful to us diabetics, giving us help and not criticisim and learning a bit more about our condition so you can communicate with us.