[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

frosty123 · 29-05-2021 12:05pm

Was looking for a medical note from GP for potential employment...he found my blood pressure to be high so he wrote down "hypertension", I said that sounds bad could you write down above average blood pressure instead...he said NO! "I'm using the medical term" was he a bit mean? I mean the job application could hinge on this...

CramCycle · 29-05-2021 12:17pm

banjobongo wrote: »

hi guys
quick question - re the libre sensor, somebody posted on this thread a few weeks ago a product on Amazon, a protective band for the sensor when doing activity sports, it looked good but when I clicked on it the message was that they did not deliver to Ireland....anybody know where I can find and order such a product that can be delivered in IReland?

An arm warmer like what cyclists or triathletes use might do the job?

frosty123 wrote: »

Was looking for a medical note from GP for potential employment...he found my blood pressure to be high so he wrote down "hypertension", I said that sounds bad could you write down above average blood pressure instead...he said NO! "I'm using the medical term" was he a bit mean? I mean the job application could hinge on this...

As a matter of interest, does the job require that you be in peak physical condition? My partner went in for one organised by the company years ago, specifically asked a question and my partner specifically told them she didn't want to answer a specific question. Nurse doing the test said no problem, it is none of their business. Could you GP just write you a letter saying you are fit for work? Very few jobs can exclude you in Ireland for a preexisting condition AFAIK.

frosty123 · 30-05-2021 3:46pm

CramCycle wrote: »

As a matter of interest, what does the job require that you be in peak physical condition?

Postman

Taeholic · 30-05-2021 6:15pm

Has anyone any advice on how to keep BG under control in the sun? I'm on fast acting insulin since the end of September so today is only the 2nd real day of sun. Both times my BG dropped quite significantly after lunch.

Eg pre lunch reading was 9.8, which is higher than normal but I was starving. I took 3 units and ate 34g carbs (bread) an hour later I'm at 5 and feeling like I'm having a hypo.

I was wearing a sun hat, had sun factor on, cool breeze on the beach so I didn't feel very warm. I was in the sun for 2 hours in total. Any tips to stop this happening?

CramCycle · 31-05-2021 6:48am

banjobongo wrote: »

hi guys
quick question - re the libre sensor, somebody posted on this thread a few weeks ago a product on Amazon, a protective band for the sensor when doing activity sports, it looked good but when I clicked on it the message was that they did not deliver to Ireland....anybody know where I can find and order such a product that can be delivered in IReland?

frosty123 wrote: »

Postman

As a matter of interest did he measure it again before you left. There is a scenario I remember in the NHS that a lot of stress and money would be saved if GPs took you BP twice, once near the start and once right before you finish. Lots of things can increase your BP a bit but only temporarily, and getting it measured at the start yours could have been elevated due to stress alone as you believe your job relies on this. At the 2nd measurement, you accept you have already gotten it done so there is none of this mental pressure, and you will have been sitting near rest for a few minutes as well.

If your in Dublin/Wicklow I can lend you a BP monitor for you to use and see can it be lower outside of surgery, if it is, book another appointment, explain why you think it might have been elevated, and ask can it be redone (or go to s different GP if that is possible).

I know from work that if I sat still for a minute mine would drop significantly, but also there was one co worker, and on days they came in my BP increased by almost 30/30. My other co worker noticed the correlation and found it comical. This persons mere presence caused me to have significantly higher BP.

ohnonotgmail · 31-05-2021 9:15am

CramCycle wrote: »

As a matter of interest did he measure it again before you left. There is a scenario I remember in the NHS that a lot of stress and money would be saved if GPs took you BP twice, once near the start and once right before you finish. Lots of things can increase your BP a bit but only temporarily, and getting it measured at the start yours could have been elevated due to stress alone as you believe your job relies on this. At the 2nd measurement, you accept you have already gotten it done so there is none of this mental pressure, and you will have been sitting near rest for a few minutes as well.

If your in Dublin/Wicklow I can lend you a BP monitor for you to use and see can it be lower outside of surgery, if it is, book another appointment, explain why you think it might have been elevated, and ask can it be redone (or go to s different GP if that is possible).

I know from work that if I sat still for a minute mine would drop significantly, but also there was one co worker, and on days they came in my BP increased by almost 30/30. My other co worker noticed the correlation and found it comical. This persons mere presence caused me to have significantly higher BP.

White coat syndrome. It is very real https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320861#hypertension

banie01 · 31-05-2021 11:14am

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

White coat syndrome. It is very real https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320861#hypertension

Suffer from it myself.
It's a pain in the arse when dealing with any Doc other than my GP tbh.
Will usually come in @150/95 or so when 1st checked but settles
Have had multiple 24hr monitors that give a normal 120/80 average over the day and have my own monitor too now.

Not at at all saying that's what you are encountering Frosty, but ask your GP for 24hr monitor to confirm or refute hypertension diagnosis rather than accept it immediately.

PS: I know cramcycle offered a monitor, if you're in the Limerick area?
You can borrow mine.

frosty123 · 01-06-2021 12:40pm

He had me on the 24 monitor, and he found my average reading to be high and hence he put me on medication..but did have to mention that?
Could he not have said above average blood pressure?

Probably wouldn't get the job now

banie01 · 01-06-2021 12:48pm

frosty123 wrote: »

He had me on the 24 monitor, and he found my average reading to be high and hence he put me on medication..but did have to mention that?
Could he not have said above average blood pressure?

Probably wouldn't get the job now

So your Doc provided accurate information.
Above average blood pressure isn't a medical term or diagnosis and if he wrote hypertension the diagnosis was made in light of a 24hr monitor and is correct.

Fluffing around the diagnosis would have led to a direct question from An Post as to what the actual diagnosis is.

As a general guide:

high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or an average of 135/85mmHg at home) – or 150/90mmHg or higher (or an average of 145/85mmHg at home) if you're over the age of 80
ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while the target for over-80s is below 150/90mmHg (or 145/85mmHg at home)
Blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean you're at risk of developing high blood pressure if you do not take steps to keep your blood pressure under control.

iamwhoiam · 01-06-2021 12:49pm

frosty123 wrote: »

He had me on the 24 monitor, and he found my average reading to be high and hence he put me on medication..but did have to mention that?
Could he not have said above average blood pressure?

Probably wouldn't get the job now

The term for above average blood pressure is hypertension . That is what any doctor would write in your case

robinph · 01-06-2021 1:26pm

banjobongo wrote: »

hi guys
quick question - re the libre sensor, somebody posted on this thread a few weeks ago a product on Amazon, a protective band for the sensor when doing activity sports, it looked good but when I clicked on it the message was that they did not deliver to Ireland....anybody know where I can find and order such a product that can be delivered in IReland?

It's only very rarely that I've felt the need to fix the Libre in place a bit more securely, usually during extreme distance events or when it's very, very warm so lots of additional sweating and pouring water over yourself to keep cool.

I would tend to use KT tape to hold it in those situations though, rip a bit of the paper from the Libre instruction page to the size of the Libre (as you don't want the KT tape actually sticking to the Libre directly as that would just create more chance of it getting pulled out) and then stick the bits of tape over the top as needed. The sticky of the Libre itself always seems to restick after having got hot/ sweaty/ wet so it's only really needed for the taping to keep it in position during the event and to stop you pulling it out when it's wet.

Meauldsegosha · 01-06-2021 1:54pm

frosty123 wrote: »

He had me on the 24 monitor, and he found my average reading to be high and hence he put me on medication..but did have to mention that?
Could he not have said above average blood pressure?

Probably wouldn't get the job now

Do you really think the medical officer in An Post would not see straight through “above average blood pressure”. You GP did nothing wrong.

frosty123 · 01-06-2021 6:01pm

So realistically? does that mean no job?

banie01 · 01-06-2021 6:51pm

frosty123 wrote: »

So realistically? does that mean no job?

Realistically, that's a question for An Post to answer.
Is your BP diabetes related?

CramCycle · 01-06-2021 7:52pm

Have to agree with everyone, I thought it was a single measurement. Hypertension brings up less questions than above average BP. As for the job, as above, it might mean nothing, it might mean certain things aren't covered under their insurance plan, the only groups who will know are An Post, or other postie's. Not sure if there is a forum here with that demographic.

calfmuscle · 01-06-2021 9:51pm

banie01 wrote: »

Realistically, that's a question for An Post to answer.
Is your BP diabetes related?

No, you'll be fine.

CramCycle · 03-06-2021 7:23pm

robinph wrote: »

It's only very rarely that I've felt the need to fix the Libre in place a bit more securely, usually during extreme distance events or when it's very, very warm so lots of additional sweating and pouring water over yourself to keep cool.

I used Gorilla tape when my dexcom came use recently after a race (solo TT, Covid compliant). It was loose but somehow hadn't pulled the actual plastic insert out. Only 2 days in I stuck Gorilla tape on it. Held for the rest of the week, but it smelled bad when removed, the gluey substance must promote it. Didn't smell until I removed it, wore it through several showers and commutes on a bike without issue or smell, the smell appeared on removal, it was fragrant to say the least.

Taeholic · 03-06-2021 8:15pm

I found a really good free app I thought I'd share. For anyone interested or relatively new to insulin like myself I'll take all the help I can get

https://www.hedia.co/

ohnonotgmail · 04-06-2021 9:41am

had my annual checkup yesterday. All good in the hood.

Johann. · 04-06-2021 9:58pm

Second vaccine next friday, which is nice.

Have discovered my glucose monitor has NFC - so have been using the app 'Social Diabetes' to sync it and keep track, keeps a record and gives estimated Hba1C etc. Worth a look for anybody in need.

CalisGirl · 09-06-2021 8:55pm

I've recently found out that Lyft and Dextrose are available on the LTI scheme if they are included on a prescription. Same with batteries for an insulin pump. Are there any other non-medication items available under the LTI for diabetics?

Donutz · 11-06-2021 10:16am

Has anybody in Limerick gotten an appointment for their second dose?

I'm due a second dose of AZ next Friday but some of my work colleagues have been given appointments in Nenagh for next week.

tadgho · 14-06-2021 2:31pm

Probably been discussed or mentioned before so apologies. Can anyone give me a rough idea of the cost of Life Assurance on their mortgage as Type 1 diabetic? Single applicant, aged 30, mortgage amount around 190k. Hba1c in normal range usually and generally well controlled. Thanks!

banie01 · 14-06-2021 2:31pm

Donutz wrote: »

Has anybody in Limerick gotten an appointment for their second dose?

I'm due a second dose of AZ next Friday but some of my work colleagues have been given appointments in Nenagh for next week.

I'm in at the racecourse on Wednesday for 2nd AZ.

CalisGirl · 14-06-2021 8:09pm

tadgho wrote: »

Probably been discussed or mentioned before so apologies. Can anyone give me a rough idea of the cost of Life Assurance on their mortgage as Type 1 diabetic? Single applicant, aged 30, mortgage amount around 190k. Hba1c in normal range usually and generally well controlled. Thanks!

My mortgage and personal details are roughly the same and I'm paying €25/month. I'd recommend contacting Diabetes Ireland for their recommendations on life assurance (and insurance in general). They can recommend brokers who specialise in Diabetes for Life assurance and for Insurance, have special deals with specific Insurance Companies.

banie01 · 16-06-2021 7:59am

2nd dose of AZ later today, a week earlier than 12, so it does seem the work on shortening the interval is starting to pay off too.

Also for those of us with Neuropathy.
I took delivery of a cold therapy laser yesterday that I am hoping will help with some central Neuropathy issues I'm having.
I'll keep the thread updated with news on how it works (or doesn't).

angeldelight · 27-06-2021 3:05am

CalisGirl wrote: »

I've recently found out that Lyft and Dextrose are available on the LTI scheme if they are included on a prescription. Same with batteries for an insulin pump. Are there any other non-medication items available under the LTI for diabetics?

https://www2.hse.ie/file-library/long-term-illness/long-term-illness-scheme-list-f.pdf

banie01 · 30-06-2021 1:29pm

banie01 wrote: »

Also for those of us with Neuropathy.
I took delivery of a cold therapy laser yesterday that I am hoping will help with some central Neuropathy issues I'm having.
I'll keep the thread updated with news on how it works (or doesn't).

I've been using the device now for about 2 weeks.
This coincides with my last nerve ablation wearing off and my current pain level being quite high.

My use is also coincidental with my needing to ramp up analgesic meds, so my current judgement is clouded by those factors.

All that said, and caveated by the fact that on "bad" days that in addition to neuropathic meds I take opioids too.
I do think there is some little bit of benefit, but that may be placebo or wishful thinking on my part.
I find that using the laser is better than icing and far more comfortable.
Icing also carries the risk of injury if carried on too long.
The level of relief is not immediate and is not on a par with my usual routine of an ice bag on the affected areas.

I'm booked in with my PMS in a few weeks for another round of nerve ablation and will continue treating the areas but I may chat to my PMS about trying a tens machine too.
Anything to lessen the pain, without needing more meds.

banie01 · 16-07-2021 3:02pm

Just an update on the Cold Therapy Laser.

I've been using it for a month or so now and I have some completely unscientific thoughts. Part of the theory behind the concept is that they encourage internal tissues to grow and repair tissue via a photochemical reaction triggered by the wavelengths used.

In my case, I think this may have actually worsened my issue. I have regular nerve ablation which temporarily destroys the sheath of a nerve and interrupts the transmission of pain signals. Usually last about 12 or so weeks before the pain starts ramping again.

Anyway I have been using the laser a month or so and my pain in certain areas has worsened significantly. Then it dawned on me that the laser is working directly at odds with the nerve ablation. Causing (in theory at least) faster repair of the nerve and better pain transmission.

So for its initial use in my case, not much help and probably worsened my condition overall.

Now that said it has provided what I feel has been an improvement to my dodgy arthritic shoulder.

TLDR: Don't use on areas that are reliant on nerve ablation as it shortens duration of action.

Do use on injured, inflamed or arthritis for "some" improvement that may well be a placebo but I'll keep updating.

gooner99 · 29-07-2021 11:18pm

Hi.

An elderly relative was diagnosed with type 2 a few weeks back. Level has since dropped back to 6.6. Doctor said they can continue to control it with diet, which we are happy with since they are intolerant to lots of medicines. I believe they will get a blood test every 3 months.

Should we get a little meter to test it more regular with a finger prick?

If so which one?

[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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