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Jun 11, 2010 Mike Dagley 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public Hi Everyone, There seems quite a consensus on this as is no surprise. I have been a diabetic since early 2009 and it takes a bit of adjustment to get used to the new regime of injections and testing etc. My view is that I have no choice about it and that since I am likely to be doing this 4-5 times a day forever means that I cannot afford to be squeamish or scared of getting on and injecting when I need to. I don't want to draw attention to myself as it is embarrassing. But I made the decision early on to be confident and just to do it, (this is on the proviso that I only inject into my tummy). It has been much easier to manage my condition as I am not ashamed of myself. I sometimes hide away in particular circumstances as it is just easier to do so, eg when at a funeral this afternoon - it seemed the right think to do to go to a quiet place. But normally I am fairly upfront and if with people I ask if they are OK with it as a gentle warning. I don't offer to hide away. I just them to have opportunity to turn away if they are so bothered. Nobody has complained yet. Another reason for my actions is tat I am always travelling for work and I am often involved with leading groups in events and meetings. My work is volunteers. I am upfront with them and explain what I am doing. I don't really have time to find a place to hide away. My work means that I might need a test or a jab at places diverse as railway platforms, on trains, in the middle of a long meeting, during cycle rides, on work parties etc. What normally happens is that most people don't notice it and some are curious and others just acknowledge you by saying that they recognise it as something someone they know does. Lastly, I believe that we as diabetics are protected by the Disability Disacrmination Act 2004 (?). In short we cannot be asked to hide away to give us our lifesaving medication. Imagine the life we would have if it were otherwise - pretty intolerable - and do you kike the idea of hiding away in a toilet everytime? I certainly don't and toilets in many places are not that hygienic. I am still new to this and I am doing my best to make light of it and that ploy seems to work and helps others not to feel anxious on my behalf.

Jun 11, 2010 Mike Dagley 12 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / elevated Total Bilirubin levels Hi there, Just feeling round for some guidance. Not been to GP to discuss this but intend to. I had my HbA1c test in mid May and only just got the results back last week (after pushing my local clinic to release them to me. Not as easy as it should be). However my question is about something which showed up in my results. Not seen it before, (every test seems to bring with it some new facet of medical knowledge that I am unsure what to do with!). So amongst my reasonably positive results for bloods I came across Bilirubin. New to me. I see the range of expected levels are 1 - 20 umol/L. My result was shown in bold as it is without that range at 26. Is this significant, does anyone know? Just on the numbers and how they read it seems alarmingly high. Maybe I am sick with something new? Maybe it is just a number which interests medics. No one has told me to rush to hospital for tests so I presume that having been screened that if it was significant that 'they' would have alerted me. Just so you know I am a diabetic since March 2009 so still an 'infant' patient. Cheers Mike

Jun 11, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure we all like chocolate!! Just check the carbohydrate count, and make sure you take the right amount of insulin.... and dont go overboard, Even for non-diabetics, too much chocolate can have a negative impact on the body, not to also mention getting fat!, I love my chocolates, and eat some every other day, but i try to balance it with a healthy diet and exercise. I'd do a 30 minute run and burn off 300 calories.. and then say to my self, "Now I deserve to stuff my face with chocolate!"... lol!... everything in moderation, but the occasional "choco-fest" isn't bad I guess, as long as you MATCH THE INSULIN, and get it right.

Jun 10, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nope, not at all! And none of that cardboard-like diabetic chocolate either, only the real thing will do!

Jun 10, 2010 jayne 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I am quite comfortable about injecting in public after all it is life saving medicine. The nurse in question should be more tactful and respectful . Sometimes its just not convenient to go to a toilet , i try to be as quick and discreet as possible and most people dont even notice.

Jun 10, 2010 jayne 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am i the only diabetic chocoholic in the world?!!!!!!!!!!

Jun 10, 2010 Prayer4aCure 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Prayer4aCure Thank you for taking the time to look at the story & I wanted to say I really appreciate your post because this sounds how I felt after I watched this myself, it was the first time I have ever felt there really was hope of a cure in my life time. The professor who has spent 50 years of this life dedicated to this cause really moved me because he was moved to tears with this breakthrough himself. Over the years I have watched many articles on a cure & like most of us probably didn't take much notice "false hope" thing. I do think this gives us very good reason to think about taking better care of ourselves, we never know what may be around the corner, I have learned it dosen't always have to be a negaitive/bad thing around the corner! I am working in a wellness centre at the moment (crystals, mediitation, massage, alternative therapies, self healing - mental emotional & physical & personal growth etc, & I am currently studying hypnotherapy & psycothapy) so I am big on the 'positive vibration' thing nowadays particularly in relation to healing & good health & focusing on the good things in life! I am much more open to methods of healing & into listening/learning what I can do to help myself to heal & be well these days... Thanks again, I appreciate that you took the time to watch it, may we all stay positive about the future & remember to take good care of our health in the meantime tahnks for pointing out that really is vitally important! Thank you for helping me to see that I may have given the impression that self-care is not important anymore when its really quite the opposite very good reason to improve our management & self-care! Stay well, take care - Sue J

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Yes, Hopefully I think ill get their in the end, Im seeing my DAFNE instructors next week, so hopefully they can also speak to my GP (again) and sort it. Just kind of worried about others in the same situation, because when you think about it, this is kind of a "easy" way for the NHS to save abit of money, I mean you hear about it on the news all the time, "NHS budget deficit", "NHS making cut backs" and stuff, Just hope it doesn't go on like this for all our sakes,

Jun 9, 2010 Rachie Wilson 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hey Anil I do 4 test a day, one before each meal and then 1 before go to sleep and i do more if I have a bad day. I am maybe lucky and my doctor is always on call no matter when and if he isn't there he rings back when he does come in. I have been at my doctors since i was born and they were the ones who realised I was diabetic so I do have a close relationship with them. When I had finished my DAFNE course the DSN who did the course wrote to all our GPs and explained that we needed more test strips and they were put on the system for us. As far as I know none of us have had any problems getting our perscriptions changed. I really hope you get sorted out and I do feel so lucky having the GPs I do.

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne I believe that all Type 1 Diabetics should BY LAW be forced to do DAFNE, They do this in germany, If your diagnosed with Type 1, You spend 2 weeks in hospital learning DAFNE, Its the LAW in Germany. I think they should do this here, Maybe not in hospital, But force employers to give PAID time off for people to do this, High BG can show in your work (low concentration, forgetfulness and generally being "Tired" all the time), so It can help employers AND the government to save money in the long term by not having to treat common complications of diabetes which costs alot more then doing this DAFNE course. It really helped me, Despite what you know, Im sure EVERYONE will learn something new. For me, It was the Alcohol Related stuff and the Sick day stuff was very useful, (Im always ill, I have a very poor immune system I think, and catch colds and the flu easily). Also, (if im honest) the Drug related stuff as well, I've smoked marijuana occasionally with friends and stuff in the past, and noticed it didnt have a affect on my BG (positive or negative affect) but it was nice to have it confirmed, Again, everything in MODERATION, I exercise 7 times a week, one day Cardio-Vascular and one day Muscular and alternate this. (So I dont need any lectures if your planning on giving them!) Also, the little CP Handbook they gave was very useful plus looadds of other stuff, like the ability to ask questions that trained people know the answers to and the helping out with prescriptions and stuff, REALLY ACE! Highly recommend, and IF you know ANYONE who is a Type 1 Diabetic, Recommend them to this course, I even told my GP the same thing "Anyone who's Type 1, MUST... I repeat MUST go on this course, WITHOUT FAIL", Its really important for their health and general well being. Tips for AFTER DAFNE Practice It DAILY until it becomes a habit, It may seem daunting, but Its very easy, and will help for the REST OF YOUR LIFE, it is a SKILL FOR LIFE, and like all skills, Practice = Perfection. Review your progress weekly when your free, (Sitting in front of the TV or something, bring your DAFNE BG book out and see what happened and when, Did you go out?, Did you do exercise? etc) If you have any questions or problems.... Post them on this Forum! The best people to ask are US, We all have gained experience through practice. If your ever worried about something... JUST ASK!! EXERCISE!!!... (I know this isn't a "Tip", But its really important for us to exercise regularly, This will help with blood circulation (which improves nerve growth & repair, and reduce nerve damage) and generally help to prevent any long term complications. Treat yourself every now and again for excellent BG control, This helps reinforce what you've learned and practiced and will also motivate you (Sub-conciously even) to make it into a habit. And last one... Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!!... <--- This is very important, (I know I said it already!, But its THAT important) don't under-estimate it, take the time to know what your doing and review it every so often (Make changes were necessary) Anyone else, feel free to share your own!

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? OMG, people are having to MOVE just to get WHAT THEY NEED, Surely this is a infringement of our Human Rights in the UK or another law, how can they get away with this?, I'm going to speak to my GP once more, and ask to amend my prescription or to write a letter detailing exactly why they cant issue me more tests. Then at least in the future when I do suffer from complications (which i probably will at this rate :S... oohh more stress, just what I needed) I can file a law suit against the practice and NHS. Im going to have to do something about this. This is just NOT ON.

Jun 9, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi Rachie, Any job and houses up north? My Doc would only give me 1 cassette, so I stuck with the Freestyle light, which is now becoming increasingly difficult to get enough sticks to allow for 4 tests per day. Vic.

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? 200 a month!! OMG! I wanted to move to the accu check mobile but apparently their "To expensive", even thought I suspect their the same price, plus their not even on my GP's Prescription list. 200 a month! Im struggling to get 50 a month, I have to fight, shout and stomp my feet to get 50 a month (That's less then 2 tests a day, 25 days @ 2 tests a day)! I've been diabetic and going to the same GP for over 10 years now, (Maybe 13 years since diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic), never had a problem in the past, but I probably wasn't testing as much as I should have, and thats why i've had high HBA1C results for the last 2 years, (Which is why I went on DAFNE) I don't think people should be allowed as many as they want, BUT THEY SHOULD GET WHAT THEY NEED , I mean I would like to do 3-4 tests a day (I wouldn't do 4 tests each and every day if i could help it, But I think I should be allowed AT LEAST 3).But right now I have to think, "Well i've done 2 already today, Morning and lunch so we'll call that it), Then I wake up the next morning with a SUPER high BG over 10, sometimes over 14-15 IN THE MORNING, AAARRGGHHH!! :@ Im so frustrated, I've been so stressed with my job these last 2 years, and now I got this hanging over my head as well. I just dont know what to do... God, I wish I could do 3 tests a day, but really have to limit my self, Every time I go to the GP, I get told the same thing, "You shouldnt be doing so many test" or "We just gave you a box of 50 2 weeks ago" or some other rubbish, I think I may have to switch GP's, I think this is a problem with my GP looking at everyone else's response. Anyone else have a view on this? Do you get enough test strips or are you in my position and have to "shout, scream and stomp your feet" like I do just to get 2 boxes a month.

Jun 9, 2010 Rachie Wilson 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi I must be one of the lucky ones then. I am on the Mobile Accu Chek and i test about 4 times a day more if i am unwell or going low!!! I get on average around 4 cassetts a month which is a total of 200 test!!! I have been told by my Doctor if I need anymore or if uping I am just to let him know. I am really shocked that you are struggling to get test strips and think that everyone should be aloud as many as they need. I am from North Yorkshire.

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Prayer4aCure Dam, each pig is worth $350,000!! Probably more then how much a single human is worth!! Watch the video in the above link, its very interesting, and again... Gives us HOPE.. at least we have something to look forward to! (Maybe!, Fingers crossed!)

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Prayer4aCure Hi, I dont discount a cure for diabetes, I really hope a scientific breakthrough occurs to help us! And Im sure at sometime it WILL be cured, almost certainly, but the question is when. I knew they tried a implant like this (With other cells) a few years ago, but it didn't work out well, After watching this video im very intrigued at the possibility that MAYBE their is hope for us! Even in the video, they say this could be the "Scientific breakthrough" we've been waiting for! I'll be keeping an eye on this. If you have any more information please share. But until this comes out of this testing stage, We still have to strictly manage our diabetes ourselves, This may cure the daily injections and blood tests, But any damage done now (For long term complications) will be permanent, so we must be very vigilant in this starting from now. After watching this video i'm astonished how far science has got us, I take back my previous comment that it will not benefit us (and only our children), But Maybe it will, Maybe its right round the corner, Maybe this is the scientific breakthrough we've been waiting for (HOPEfully). BUT taking care of ourselves for now is THE priority, like I said, any permanent long term damage done now, is NOT reversible, so keep good control, exercise weekly or more if you can, and maybe their is more hope then I thought so us Type 1's!. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! and I hope this is something i'll be reading more about in the coming months/years. As for a "Prayer for a cure", I see what you mean now, Not a prayer for "God" persay, but a prayer for the scientists who work everyday to make our lives easier and to give us HOPE, maybe I was loosing hope these last few years, but after watching this video, I'm very positive about a long term cure that may benefit US and not just our kids in 20-50 years.

Jun 9, 2010 Prayer4aCure 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Prayer4aCure Hi, I'm not offended by your opinion, I am quite interested in the discussion, not offended - though I did feel the word "no" was perhaps a little strong when referring to a cure! I have researched many people who are working hard for a cure.... I am personally glad they don't give up on us because then there would be "NO" hope! Perhaps anyone interested in the story I have been following myself would like to take a look at this story at - http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/features/article/-/article/7189766/guinea-pigs-more-information/ ! There are successful human trials where people have been implanted with encapsulated porcune islet cells already. There is also further information on http://www.lctglobal.com/.... I wish them well....... I'm not really here to argue the HP, Universal Source Energy, God whatever you choose to call it, I really suggested this prayer idea quite innocently & I fully understand that everyone chooses for themselves what they believe about this, join the prayer, don't join the prayer we all have free will. Believe in a cure don't believe in a cure, again we all have feee will & our own belief systems... You seem to have quite a positve attitude toward diabetes management & I have discovered that is important for success myself - I would like to point out my visualisation/prayer/hope is very different to my daily practice of diabetes management & would not recommend anyone stop taking excellent care of themselves (sorry if that was the interpretation), quite the opposite if we are to be recipients of a cure we need to make sure that we have taken excellent care of our bodies until that is possible. Sue J

Jun 9, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? I would need around 100 strips a month to do around 3 tests a day. Im forced to cut down to 2 tests a day at the moment, I bought some test strips from ebay as well, better then retail prices almost half, but I cant afford to do this every month, I dont earn no where near that much to do so (I work in a supermarket) so wages arnt great to say the least. I've received test strips from ebay from other diabetics who have them prescribed and then sell them on eBay (Still with the prescription label on), So some people are obviously got way to many test strips (Enough to sell on ebay and keep the money for themselves), and others like me are struggling just to get the minimum amount I need. I think it may just be a problem with my surgery by the sounds of it, I'll be speaking to my DAFNE instructors next week for a follow up, maybe they can advise me what to do. If you do have any problems, let us know in this forum, it would be helpful to know if it is just me and my surgery or across the UK. DAFNE is great, Im sure you'll learn a thing or two you never knew before, All I can say is PRACTICE it daily, it will become a habit and second nature very easily, and will help your drastically in maintaining a tight Glucose control!! It helped me especially with knowing what foods have carb's in them, I never used to take insulin for milk (But I used to drink around 1 pint of milk with my meals) and this in turn shot my insulin levels through the roof, After DAFNE im much more confident in controlling my Glucose and taking the right amount of insulin to what I eat, It also helped me with issue's with drinking alcohol and allow me to ask questions I had but could never ask anyone before (Dont be afraid to ask ANYTHING, their all there to help!). Let us know how you get on!

Jun 9, 2010 Paul Bignell 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi, I am currently undertaking a DAFNE course at Northampton. After being diabetic for 26 years didn't think I could learn a massive deal more but I was quite wrong, very useful info and the help they are giving us in reducing insulin is fantastic. Any way, back to the point. I was talking about test strips with them yesterday and they said that GP's have been told to reduce test strip usage for type 2 diabetics as once they have established their own parameters they then only need to test very occaisonaly but a lot of type 2's were checking two or three times a day. With the DAFNE training we have received we will need around 150 per month to maintain the regime and they told me at the end of the course they will write to our GP's informing the of this. Prior to starting the course I had spent a couple of months trying the 'DAFNE regime' of my own back and had felt guilty about asking for more test strips from my GP so I had been buying them from Ebay. Prices I have paid vary from Â£9 ish upto Â£12 per 50. Less than half the normal retail. Might be worth checking out if you get stuck! Bottom line though is that your GP should not be restricting your access to test strips for type 1 diabetics, in particular for people who have had the DAFNE training which is promoted and provided by the same NHS system! Madness I know but as others have mentioned, funds are tight and will only get tighter.

Jun 8, 2010 louise russell 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hi!..... Im New i did the dafne course in feb this year. i found it was really helpful to manage my diabetes. i found out about the dafne course from my practice nurse at my doctors. i have been a diabetic for 28 years. since doing dafne i have lost nearly 2 stone in weight. i would like to thank dudu,nav and elaine for doing the course. i really enjoyed it from louise

Jun 8, 2010 louise russell 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne i did the dafne course in feb this year and i found it really good. it made me understand my diabetes more. i have been a diabetic for nearly 28 years. i think i got stuck in to how i managed my diabetes from when i was first told i had diabetes. the dafne course really opened up my eyes. since doing dafne i have lost nearly 2stone in weight. my hbc1 has dropped down. my hypos are very rare now. i might have a hypo if i have not eaten enough.

Jun 8, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Yes, I read that same article about cutting BG test strips for Type 2 Diabetics, also, I think this will only affect some people, IF your GP has a large enough budget to allow them to continue issuing test strips, You shouldnt have a problem, Like I said, the problem I have, Is that MY GP has alot of diabetic's regsitered in their surgery, and this means they have to cut back on some BG strips to some patients to stay within budget. If you are part of a surgery that has a large budget, and not many diabetics registered under 1 surgery you should be fine, But something tells me that over the next few years this will affect a percentage of us, because the NHS is so broke at the moment, the "Easy" way to save money is to cut back on issuing test strips. I agree, this will only lead to more problems for some of us in the future, the cost of hospital admissions and diabetic complications drastically outweigh the cost of these test strips, God knows what the NHS will have to do when more people in the future have more complications which in turn.... Cost ALOT MORE Money. Then just issueing the test strips and allowing us to have tighter control over our BG's. Like I said, this may or may not affect all of us, but over the next few years, I suspect the NHS see's this as a "Easy" solution to save money (In the short term). But over the long term... Im not so sure. If you one of the lucky few that have not had their strips cut, Good for you, Don't ask your doctor about it, this may trigger a thought like "Wooah, are we issuing to many test strips to this patient". In my experience from my last review, I was told that I can only do MAYBE 2-3 tests a day, MAX, otherwise I will run out of strips before my next repeat prescription is due, and ill be stuck with nothing. Just want to know if anyone else has had this problem?, or is it just MY surgery. If so, I may be considering changing to another surgery, (I shouldn't really have to do this, I mean my local GP is my local GP, I shouldnt have to travel a few miles to just pick up my prescription should I? If anyone does have any problems what so ever (With ANY prescriptions ie, not just BG Strips), Please post it here, I'm interested if its ONLY me and my surgery or is it across the board.