Another reason to avoid hospitals

June 27, 2013 05:18

Warwick DAFNE Graduate
Diabetes Australia-Vic, Melbourne, Victoria 423 posts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jun/27/diabetes-treatment-hospitals-patients-risk

A really good reason to insist on your own management of your diabetes while in hospital.

July 01, 2013 09:56

HelenP DAFNE Graduate
Queensland Diabetes Centre, Brisbane, QLD 218 posts

I am on a pump and got a blood infection whilst travelling overseas. Arrived back in Brisbane with BGs (6 ish) but feeling very sick. Rang an ambulance and was admitted immediately to hospital. On the second day full of antibiotics and feeling much better, decided to take a shower, took off the pump and left it on the bedside table. Fear of dropping it on the tiles and the usual practice at home. Came out of the shower and the pump was gone! Major panic. Asked the geriatric I was sharing a room with if she had seen anybody near by bed...only the nurse. Took me over an hour to get it back as I was not supposed to have insulin as it was not on my drug list. A note on the admission sheet said I had an insulin pump in situ but did not specify I could have insulin in it!

Doctor very apologetic. Patient dumbstruck!

July 02, 2013 10:48

JayBee DAFNE Graduate
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 587 posts

This does not surprise me in the slightest and makes me feel quite sick. I had to make issue of looking after myself last time I was in hospital and I feared for a loved one with Type 2. He sadly passed away... I find it difficult to talk about because there seemed to be a lot of misleading around his case.

July 02, 2013 12:05

Garry DAFNE Graduate
North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust 328 posts

Wouldn't dream of trusting anyone else to look after my BGs. You must be in personal control of your BGs whilst in hospital.
We unfortunately hear of far too many incidents.
Many medical staff think they know what they are doing....but when you question them, they are readily able to demonstrate their complete lack of understanding of even the basic principles - never mind how to keep you stable.
Never leave control to them.
Regards
Garry

July 04, 2013 19:39

SA2010 DAFNE Graduate
University College London Hospitals (UCLH) 69 posts

Just to add to this from experiences - I think it goes beyond diabetes.

I was in a daze for days whilst in hospital and it was due to the Tramadol they put on after an operation. It was only when my son who happens to be a Doctor said that it is not right and cannot just due to my op that we decided to check all medications and then asked for the Tramadol to be stopped that I came back to life.

So the experts do not always know what they are doing and at weekends the pain team were not visiting the wards - so the risks go higher then

Smon

June 27, 2013 05:18 Warwick DAFNE Graduate Diabetes Australia-Vic, Melbourne, Victoria 423 posts	http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jun/27/diabetes-treatment-hospitals-patients-risk A really good reason to insist on your own management of your diabetes while in hospital.
July 01, 2013 09:56 HelenP DAFNE Graduate Queensland Diabetes Centre, Brisbane, QLD 218 posts	I am on a pump and got a blood infection whilst travelling overseas. Arrived back in Brisbane with BGs (6 ish) but feeling very sick. Rang an ambulance and was admitted immediately to hospital. On the second day full of antibiotics and feeling much better, decided to take a shower, took off the pump and left it on the bedside table. Fear of dropping it on the tiles and the usual practice at home. Came out of the shower and the pump was gone! Major panic. Asked the geriatric I was sharing a room with if she had seen anybody near by bed...only the nurse. Took me over an hour to get it back as I was not supposed to have insulin as it was not on my drug list. A note on the admission sheet said I had an insulin pump in situ but did not specify I could have insulin in it! Doctor very apologetic. Patient dumbstruck!
July 02, 2013 10:48 JayBee DAFNE Graduate James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 587 posts	This does not surprise me in the slightest and makes me feel quite sick. I had to make issue of looking after myself last time I was in hospital and I feared for a loved one with Type 2. He sadly passed away... I find it difficult to talk about because there seemed to be a lot of misleading around his case.
July 02, 2013 12:05 Garry DAFNE Graduate North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust 328 posts	Wouldn't dream of trusting anyone else to look after my BGs. You must be in personal control of your BGs whilst in hospital. We unfortunately hear of far too many incidents. Many medical staff think they know what they are doing....but when you question them, they are readily able to demonstrate their complete lack of understanding of even the basic principles - never mind how to keep you stable. Never leave control to them. Regards Garry
July 04, 2013 19:39 SA2010 DAFNE Graduate University College London Hospitals (UCLH) 69 posts	Just to add to this from experiences - I think it goes beyond diabetes. I was in a daze for days whilst in hospital and it was due to the Tramadol they put on after an operation. It was only when my son who happens to be a Doctor said that it is not right and cannot just due to my op that we decided to check all medications and then asked for the Tramadol to be stopped that I came back to life. So the experts do not always know what they are doing and at weekends the pain team were not visiting the wards - so the risks go higher then Smon