Thursday 28 June 2012

DSMA June Blog Carnival - The Dr Will See You Now....

This month's DSMA Blog carnival asks:
Do you get nervous or stressed when you have to go to your endo/doc appointment?
Why or why not? Be honest.


I had my latest appointment earlier this month for my HbA1c and it had gone up from 7.4% to 8.1% :(

I do get nervous and stressed about my appointments, because I always expect the worst, and I'm usually correct. My HbA1c has either stayed the same or drops then goes back up. I feel like I've tried so hard in the last couple of years and nothing seems to have really changed. I'm getting despondant and not snapping out of it. My levels have improved a lot in the past couple of months, but I'm not excited when my lower levels appear, or when I get a no-hitter.

I want to be where I was when I got excited.

I'm always honest with my Consultant, and he's always helpful with suggestions about how I can improve my regime. The only downside is that my appointments only seem to last 10-15 minutes, I spend more time in the waiting room that I do in the chair.. Is this the norm for PWD or am I being greedy in not wanting to feel like I'm on a patient conveyerbelt?

To make patients feel more at ease during their appointments, it would be nice to feel like you're really being listened to. Not like you're on a clock. Don't just offer suggestions then say "See you in 6 months". When I'm feeling like a complete failure for letting my HbA1c go back up, it'd be nice to be reassured =/

This post is my June entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival. If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2012/june-dsma-blog-carnival-2/

2 comments:

Cherise said...

Hi Emma-

I love the term Consultant instead of Doctor-it sounds more personable and friendly. I know it's easier said than done but "try" not to let your A1C get you down. The A1C is a small piece of the puzzle. I spend 20 minutes with my Endo-sometimes it's more than enough, sometimes it's not. Doc P, said she takes a list of questions to each of her appointments. She makes the doctor answer each question with in the scheduled time. Maybe you should take a list of questions to help you get the most out of your doctors appointment.

Karen said...

I'm so sorry you're not seeing the results you like and that it makes you nervous and keeps you from getting excited. :( I know that makes it so hard to stay motivated, but I'm proud that you are still trying. I think the key is that you care enough to put the effort in and I know you can turn things around! We'll be here rooting you on!!

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