Diabetes Health Talk

Okay, actually I am talking about the control the doctors have -

- over you

- and your diabetes

It’s a very important form of control - one that is actually sort of sneakily done.

I’m talking, of course, about the methods of control that your doctors use to make sure that you come in to see them on a regular basis. Because we all know how hard it is to remember when we should go to see the doc - remember exactly when the last time was that we visited his/her office. Right?

So, for those of us who might be a bit scattered - or who forget to put things like appointment dates into their palms or bourbonberry (well, the other berry doesn’t pay me to write its name so I will make up a berry - Berry with me, okay? heh- punny) - for those among us who are like THAT . . . this is what the docs do to make sure you come in -

they only give you a prescription for 6 months worth of meds - with a refill at 3 months. So, at the end of the script you have to go in for a med check in order to receive the new one.

Smart, right? Yup!

Hubby went in earlier this week to get poked and to pee in a cup. All of the pre-tests for him are to be done before his doctor’s appointment, because the specialist comes to our small town from the bigger town up north only once a month or so. If all of the pre-testing has been done that saves him time.

They somehow lost the cup - hubby had to go and pee in a cup again Tuesday. Not a problem - there’s more where that came from, right?

What do all of those numbers mean on your blood work-up? Here’s a page on how to review your bloodwork.

I always ask for a copy of my results - I am being treated for blood pressure - that way I can pretend I know what my body is trying to tell the doctor. No, actually I do it because I like to keep a record from year to year - sort of a progress report to myself about myself.

The printouts I have show the “normal” levels next to my levels - and the printout usually has a = or - sign or some other method to let me know if I am high or low of the “normal” range. Then armed with this information, I can at least talk about it with my doc - feel him out as to whether or not there is anything I need to be concerned about.

makes perfect sense to me. How about you?

Greetings All!

It is important to ask questions at the Doctors. Most doctors are understanding and will answer your questions. However sometimes you run into doctors who seem too busy or quickly push you out the door. You must remember if the doctor gives you a diagnosis or recommendation you must undertand why before you leave.

If you are a passive person or easily intimidated this can be a difficult thing to do. Though there are things you can do to get positive results. Below is a list of things you can do to help you make it through your appointment successfully:

1. Make a list: You should make a list of the questions you need answered. This will help you if you get easily distracted to stay on track.

2. Log the Answers: Sometimes when we are distracted or overwhelmed by the loads of information. Keeping a log will help so you can go back later and review the information at your own pace.

3. Research your diagnosis: Healthy researching is a good thing. I mean healthy because some of us can get carried away and research themselves into a panic! When you take initiative to research on your own you can better understand what to ask of your doctor. Sometime even doctors forget to tell us things!

4. Role playing: IF you are a passive person or someone who can not speak well to people of position it will do you good to role play your appointment before you get there! With a friend or family member. Come up with several situation and see how you would react to each separate situation.

5. Take someone with you: if you need support have a friend or family member with you to lend you a hand. As question you may forget to ask.

I hope these things help make your appointments more enjoyable and useful. If you would like to research this topic further go to the links below:

American Diabetes Association:
Support, tips, and research

www.diabetes.org

Medicine Net

This organization provides information on several health conditions, and well as tips.

www.medicinenet.com

Remember you are the one who has to deal with your diagnosis, Not the doctor! Make sure you have the facts!

Until next time!
Smiles,
Lisa