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After leaving a doctors appointment with your main diabetes provider, which emotions do you usually feel? (Select all that apply!)
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Mostly satisfied but sometimes frustrated as we get sidetracked and I don’t always feel like I covered everything. I do bring a list and check before leaving so most of the time I am satisfied. It can be a matter of missed nuances.
Too bad we can only click on one answer, even though it says (Select all that apply!)
I chose Optimistic – but I also feel Satisfied and Other: Generally Relieved that I am doing a good job of caring for myself and managing my diabetes no matter what challenges present themselves.
Always dissatisfied. My diabetes is uncontrollable and nobody really knows what to do for me. But nobody has gone out of their way to help. I’ve seen 8 endos over the years.
There has to be someone who can help. I can highly recommend https://integrateddiabetes.com. All the care is online and they have amazing staff all of whom have diabetes and really care. It was started by Gary Scheiner who wrote Think Like a Pancreas.
I selected happy / positive. But then I got to thinking. That’s probably my reaction to conversing with any human being I meet. ¯\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)_/¯
I would like to add my personal word of “THANKFUL” because this Endo NP and RN come to my city now and I don’t have to drive over an hour by myself to see them. It used to take 1/2 of the day with a meal to see an endo NP, now it is so convenient for a senior widow to stay close to home with T1D. So I am THANKFUL and it is a social outing for me like “AH LIFE”. I am also THANKFUL to get good test results and be able to walk in and out of the facility building.
Overwhelmingly, I feel glad that it is over with.
Motivated
Relieved
I feel very good. Proud to be where there is a choice and excellent training at our medical schools
Grateful I am listened to very well.
Encouraged, optimistic, inspired and positive because perfection doesn’t exist but you have to keep trying.
Being dx’d at age 67 and having demonstrated some knowledge from my own research of D, I think my doc doesn’t do a very good job of presenting the what’s, why’s, and possible alternatives of treatments, pumps, CGMS, etc. it’s like I’m expected to know, but don’t. I’m relatively happy with my TIR, A1c, etc., but I’m doing it by my self, there’s no “team”, no NP, no CDE, even the docs nurses are temp help and that’s with a large medical Corp backing her. I had to ask for mealtime insulin, I asked for the CGM, I’m the one asking about pumps. She knows her stuff, but I seem to have to pull the string and know there’s a string to be pulled. So I’m looking for a new doc.
I know exactly what you mean, Tom. I have the same issue. The only difference is, I was diagnosed at age 2 1/2. Even though I’ve got more experience, I still have questions from time to time that don’t get answered. I also do not have a “team.” My endo does not have an NP or CDE either.
Relieved
Doctor visits cause my BP to rise.
Before leaving it’s taken again and I can go on my way.
Most recently “happy, positive” that I’m doing what I can to maintain an 89 – 100% TIR.
I chose “neither satisfied or dissatisfied” and “other” because while my endo listens well, he isn’t always in tune with me. He has given me some good advice at times, but sometimes he doesn’t see the whole picture. Here’s a recent example:
Him: Your BG is running high at dinner, we should adjust your basal.
Me: It appears to be running high because I’m having to treat a low in the afternoon. I’ve already reduced that basal yesterday. Him: Okay, we can wait to see what happens if that’s what you think it is.
Doesn’t give me much confidence in him, unfortunately.
It really depends on how the visit went.
My experience with most Endo’s have ended up being very disappointing, esoecially this latest doctor I started seeing. But, my last appointment was with one of his nurse practitioners and was pleasantly surprised and satisfied with the level of friendly, caring and informative interaction.
I’d agree that I get more useful advice from my CDE/Nurse practitioner. She seems to have a better handle on the latest diabetes tech and creative ideas to work around BG challenges.
I’m always anxious… even when they tell me I’m doing a good job. My brain always says, “are you _sure_?”
Glad it’s over. It’s become clear that I take my IDDM care more serious then the Doc or Some of the staff.
Generally I’m satisfied. As to what some others have written, I have also found my Endo not forthcoming on topics, unless I ask. Can be frustrating, but have found the Diabetes Educator a better source of information, when I get to meet with her.
My choice would be: good, that’s over for 4 months. I mostly manage it myself. If he adjusts my basal rate I see what happens and then I might adjust it back. He never notices. I’m a very healthy diabetic so I’m sure it’s like relief that I am and he’s on to the patient who doesn’t do as they should. He lets me come every 4 months instead of every 3 because I manage it well and I take no other meds for any other health issue (at this time).
Can “tired” be an option? When things were going well I’d leave feeling pretty satisfied, I guess, but lately I just feel kind of down.
Hang in there, Britni! 🌻
This year especially I have been leaving feeling good. After 34 years I am well controlled (pump + CGM, manual mode), have a great A1c and have really cut down on severe lows. My new endo is willing to talk about anything and he’s been very happy with my progress. No complications so far so I feel pretty optimistic.
I’m normally very happy especially if my TIR and A1C has improved (I’ve always been below 7 and > 85% in range, but I like to over-achieve! LOL!). If endo is happy, then I’m happy. If my endo and I are unable to resolve an issue with the pump (insulin site reactions, insurance coverage, etc.). then I am frustrated. The BIGGEST problem is the doctor pharmacy communications issues (endo says they didn’t receive the fax and pharmacy said they sent it…. I have to resolve it myself with repeated calls to both companies).