[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

ohnonotgmail

Xofpod wrote: »

I should be doing bloods this week for my regular 6 monthly clinic in a couple of weeks but nurse at the clinic advised they will be in touch on the phone to assess/triage me and see if I need to come in, or can they skip for 6 months. I've no idea what my HbA1C is though - certainly it would have been sky high at the start of lock down until I got a better routine established.
Are people experiencing a similar response from their clinics?

Also, I know there have been some announcements re other screening programmes. Anyone hear anything on retinopathy?

had the same with my clinic but i had to go to my GP around the same time for something else so he took bloods and sent them off.

Orion

Xofpod wrote: »

Anyone hear anything on retinopathy?

This is something I've been wondering. Only diagnosed a month ago and my eyesight has gone mental since. Been wearing glasses since I was 10 - in the last month went bought reading glasses for the computer for a week or two, then two weeks without needing any glasses at all. Now wearing an old pair I hadn't thrown out that are much lower than my last prescription. So WTF has diabetes been doing to my eyes before I was diagnosed?

Going to book an eye test in the next week or two anyway but they don't do retina scans afaik.

CramCycle

It was on a news report the other day, can't remember the exact date but they are starting back up very soon. In fact one of the first screening services to reopen AFAIK. This said, why they wouldn't put releae on their website is beyond me.

ohnonotgmail

Orion wrote: »

This is something I've been wondering. Only diagnosed a month ago and my eyesight has gone mental since. Been wearing glasses since I was 10 - in the last month went bought reading glasses for the computer for a week or two, then two weeks without needing any glasses at all. Now wearing an old pair I hadn't thrown out that are much lower than my last prescription. So WTF has diabetes been doing to my eyes before I was diagnosed?

Going to book an eye test in the next week or two anyway but they don't do retina scans afaik.

I know that specsavers do the same kind of imaging that the Retina Screening service does. Now the screening service are looking for changes since your last screening and specsavers cant do that but they should be able to tell you if there is anything seriously wrong.

banie01

Specsavers do digital retinal photography and will alert you to anything immediately apparent.

They don't do the specialist check and vis a vis comparison with older photos that afaik the DRS do.


I will say for those newly diagnosed that fear can play a lot on the mind with regards Retinopathy.

I have incipient retinopathy in both eyes, no actual impact or degradation as of yet.
That said last year I was convinced I was going blind, colour perception and focus in my left eye was just off...

After convincing myself at one point I was soon to be white caneing it...

Turned out old age was catching up and at 40 I needed my 1st pair of glasses.

pew

pew wrote: »

I'm dreading my next appointment with my consultant!! My last hba1c was great with gp but that was before lockdown. Let's just say leggings and flowy dresses are my friend right now :pac:

So hba1c is 39 again!!! Delighted, I've literally been eating sh1te the past few months with feck all exercise. Next appointment is in a year and then they will decide if I can be discharged back to my gp.

Harry Palmr

I've got a phone date with a dietician in 10 days, she wants feedback for three days of intake and insulin use which is grand and I'll not suddenly change by diet to look better, anyone done this and was it of any use?

banie01

I'll be honest Harry, if you've done Desmond, Dafne or any of the other Diabetes or Insulin/Carb management courses I think that dietitians are a waste of time and money.

Harsh, I know but, if one has an awareness of the foods that can cause issue, be it high carb, or Low G.I and the affect those foods have on your own BG and on insulin demand?
Then the dietitian is really just taking a penny or 10 for info you already have to hand.

I'm waiting on the results of my own HbA1C on Friday.
I have everything crossed that a combination of lockdown and Neuralgia restricting movement haven't completely blown my control.

Ideally, I want to still be under 50.
Realistically, I'd be quite surprised if I come in under 55.

CramCycle

I just got an appointment for late September. I presume its not unrealistic to ask can I do it over the phone, I know its awhile away but I have no interest in unnecessary journeys

Harry Palmr

As much as I don't enjoy consultations I'd hope that they would be able to do face to face by late Sept. Then again things could be worse than ever. Impossible to know.

banie01, she is part of the expanded UHW team so not actually costing me anything! I don't mind keeping them busy as it's on a day I'll have off.

banie01

Harry Palmr wrote: »

banie01, she is part of the expanded UHW team so not actually costing me anything! I don't mind keeping them busy as it's on a day I'll have off.

Well in that case, swing away!
Free hit as they say :pac:

Buford T. Justice XIX

CramCycle wrote: »

I just got an appointment for late September. I presume its not unrealistic to ask can I do it over the phone, I know its awhile away but I have no interest in unnecessary journeys

I wouldn't think it's unrealistic at all. Once you get your bloods done beforehand and they're available to the consultant, there's very little need to have you there other than for a physical exam?

And assuming we're not back in lockdown again by then:o

banie01

banie01 wrote: »

Ideally, I want to still be under 50.
Realistically, I'd be quite surprised if I come in under 55.

Had my HbA1C back today.

I was expecting a dip in my control due to some other concurrent medical issues, let alone lockdown.

It's gone out to 59, it's my 1st one over 50 in 4yrs or so and then was due to a medical issue too.

That time, I was able to get a handle on it, get treatment for the other issue and get back in control.

This time...
I am 18months in to a still undiagnosed issue that is leaving me in actual debilitating agony.
2 urologists have adopted a "wait and see" approach and because I can't do that anymore I'm waiting on an appointment with a pain management specialist in the hope that long term nerve blocks can at least afford some symptomatic relief.

Lads, ladies all who read this and are afflicted by diabetes.
Manage it as best ye can. It's far better to skip a treat, take a walk and eat some fibre than it is to deal with some of the complications or co-morbidities that being less diligent can bring.

Stay safe and healthy.
I'm off to start back on bloody insulin

gerrybbadd

Got a call on Monday from Diabetic Retinal Screening (from a UK Number no less), and i'm due to have my eyes checked next Monday. Lovely eyedrops here i come:(

not yet

Whilst keeping a close eye on my bloods the past few months I realised that Nicorette gum actually raised it. Numbers before I started the gum where 5.6 to 6.8 I started getting numbers above 6 daily, and around 7 sometimes. Only thing that had changed was I was on this gum. Stopped it several days ago and nubers are back to pre gum levels. Anyone ever seen this...

kowloon

Buford T. Justice XIX wrote: »

I wouldn't think it's unrealistic at all. Once you get your bloods done beforehand and they're available to the consultant, there's very little need to have you there other than for a physical exam?

And assuming we're not back in lockdown again by then

I wouldn't be super optimistic about that given how some people are behaving.

not yet wrote: »

Whilst keeping a close eye on my bloods the past few months I realised that Nicorette gum actually raised it. Numbers before I started the gum where 5.6 to 6.8 I started getting numbers above 6 daily, and around 7 sometimes. Only thing that had changed was I was on this gum. Stopped it several days ago and nubers are back to pre gum levels. Anyone ever seen this...

You could try and quit your gum habit by smoking .

Xofpod

Got a call from my clinic (St.James), in-person appointment going ahead. Doing bloods this week.
Happier to see the staff in person but I fully expect my HbA1C to have gone substantially up given reduced exercise, more booze at start of lockdown, stress,etc.

rm212

Had my appt in Beaumont (new outpatient facility in Omni Shopping Centre) this week, Prof Smith's Young Adult T1 clinic. Went ahead in person, HbA1c taken on the day, there was no option given for a phone consultation.

HbA1c was 34.

California Dreamer

Can anyone recommend a testosterone supplement?

banie01

California Dreamer wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a testosterone supplement?

If you have a need for supplementation, see your Doctor or discuss it with your Endo.

Natural supplements and their Ilk for testosterone are in the main bolloxology and/or placebo.

If your Doctor's agree that you have a need for supplementation therapy, you will be prescribed testogel or similar.
If you take nothing else from this post other than talk to your Doctor, and avoid self prescribing supplements or anabolics please let it be that.

California Dreamer

banie01 wrote: »

If you have a need for supplementation, see your Doctor or discuss it with your Endo.

Natural supplements and their Ilk for testosterone are in the main bolloxology and/or placebo.

If your Doctor's agree that you have a need for supplementation therapy, you will be prescribed testogel or similar.
If you take nothing else from this post other than talk to your Doctor, and avoid self prescribing supplements or anabolics please let it be that.

Nothing like getting a lecture when looking for information. Thanks for you much needed input in putting me down further. Hope that makes you feel good about yourself.

I have done the research myself but wanted some opinions before I get to see my Endo in September.

banie01

California Dreamer wrote: »

Nothing like getting a lecture when looking for information. Thanks for you much needed input in putting me down further. Hope that makes you feel good about yourself.

I have done the research myself but wanted some opinions before I get to see my Endo in September.

Nobody has put you down, if you feel that someone has?
Have a word with yourself and cop on.

You asked a question on a public forum, you clearly don't like the answer.
That doesn't make me right or wrong, but it does highlight your own insecurity and petulance.

Funnily enough, given you are already under the care of an Endocrinologist!
Whose primary speciality is the body's endocrine system, they are best placed to actually advise on your perceived issue.
Ask for the Test/Free test bloods and get actual professional advice rather than piss about online.

California Dreamer

banie01 wrote: »

Nobody has put you down, if you feel that someone has?
Have a word with yourself and cop on.

You asked a question on a public forum, you clearly don't like the answer.
That doesn't make me right or wrong, but it does highlight your own insecurity and petulance.

Funnily enough, given you are already under the care of an Endocrinologist!
Whose primary speciality is the body's endocrine system, they are best placed to actually advise on your perceived issue.
Ask for the Test/Free test bloods and get actual professional advice rather than piss about online.

Cop on, insecurity and petulance?

No, please go on and berate me further. It’s so enjoyable to read.

banie01

California Dreamer wrote: »

Cop on, insecurity and petulance?

No, please go on and berate me further. It’s so enjoyable to read.

Noone is berating you. Rather than drag this very useful, helpful and supportive thread any further off topic.
Feel free to report any of the posts I've made.

You are seeking advice that only a doctor with access to your blood test history is qualified to give.
Then getting pissy when you don't get answers to your liking.

ohnonotgmail

California Dreamer wrote: »

Cop on, insecurity and petulance?

No, please go on and berate me further. It’s so enjoyable to read.

you were given a very reasonable answer. nobody here can recommend a testosterone supplement to you. only a doctor can do that if they have all your medical details.

California Dreamer

banie01 wrote: »

Noone is berating you. Rather than drag this very useful, helpful and supportive thread any further off topic.
Feel free to report any of the posts I've made.

You are seeking advice that only a doctor with access to your blood test history is qualified to give.
Then getting pissy when you don't get answers to your liking.

Don’t think I need to report anything. Sure I asked a question in what was probably a moment of panic and didn’t explain myself further but the assumption was that if I cane into a diabetic forum, I was a diabetic so it would be related. I’m sorry that I offended your delicate opinions so you had to push the “talk to your doctor” line and then double down further again and again when I didn’t bow to your mighty opinion.

You don’t know me. You don’t know how I felt at that time. You have no idea about how long or what type diabetic I am but it was just a question.

So perhaps next time before you berate, and you certainly did, maybe take a moment to ask yourself how the poster feels at the time of asking.

No doubt you will have to reply to this as your ego will not be able to let it go but in the cold light of day I got the answers that I sought.

Thanks again for your valued input!

calfmuscle

California Dreamer wrote: »

You have no idea about how long or what type diabetic I am but it was just a question.

Do you have diabetes impetus...i mean insipitus!!!!!

I'll get my coat ........:D

Gremlinertia

Ok draw a line under it folks, continue the usual nature of the thread

naasrd

I’ve using glicklazide and metformin for over a year now. After a few difficult months I’m seeing extraordinary results lately. Have even cut down from 4 to 3 glicklazide a day. Anyone else on this?

Eircom_Sucks

naasrd wrote: »

I’ve using glicklazide and metformin for over a year now. After a few difficult months I’m seeing extraordinary results lately. Have even cut down from 4 to 3 glicklazide a day. Anyone else on this?

you need a prescription for these ?