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How comfortable are you having open and honest conversations about your health and T1D management with your main T1D healthcare provider?
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U answered moderately, but it is improving. Unfortunately the Endo practice I have to use (HMO plan) has a rather low opinion of patients with D (seemingly any type). At first it seemed that they believed that once Dx’d with D, then an automatic Dx of co-morbidities of Stupidty, Laziness and Propensity to Lie came next. I was told it was impossible for someone like me to have such good labs! Having hard copies of my Dexcom reports dispelled that myth. I was then “assigned” to a relatively new hire. I learned that he was “trainable” and he has gradually accepted my preference for tight D mgt and my strong engagement in my body and my D mgt. Hopefully I will be able to change my answer to today’s quesition.
Mistake I put very uncomfortable but I am very comfortable after 48!yrs and 4 endos
I’ve been seeing my endocrinologist for more than 30 years. We know each other well. We have discussed sexual health, mental health and aging issues.
I’m currently tolerating my Endso and her staff. My most recent appointment with a PA could have been an email. I hope when I see the Endo this week, via Zoom, it will be better.
I love my endo, I can discuss any topic with her. She even tolerates that I have refused any medicines for osteoporosis. I am usually on the 1% of people that get the secondary effects from meds. 🙂
I cannot take any of the oral medications and the injected ones can have long term side effects.
Just started with this particular doctor in same Endo office. I don’t need a lot of direction. She sometimes does not order enough insulin. Just started on tandem pump. Surprised at how much wasted insulin there is. She sent a prescription in for a year. With no refill dates so can refill anytime. Also got info from blogs and YouTube. I totally fill the cartridge until empty. Sometimes change tuning but not always. Another 10 units of insulin not wasted.
I’m not at the point where I can use my Tandem until empty, but I am also surprised at how much waste insulin there is!!
He’s pretty easy going and I’ve known him for years. I don’t want to waste his or my time or waste an opportunity to get all the help I can. It works.
Since I’ve lived in my new location, I’ve seen 4 or 5 doctors or APRN’s. The last two female APRN’s have been understanding and nice to talk with. The male doctors the I saw for short periods were not very interested in discussions. Unfortunately, the hospital where I see them does not allow patients to select who they see.
I haven’t been seeing my current doctor long, but so far I like how he is helping me. So, I feel that in the long run, I will be very comfortable speaking openly with him.
I chose “a little comfortable.”
The VA hospital I go to sees more concerns than my measly blood sugar concerns: today saw a double amputee, saw several carrying O2 devices, many using walkers and wheelchairs, and bags taking in fluids and taking out. With that said they go by charts of expectations, much more conservative than my own goals.
Each endocrinologist goes after each low, stressing risks, although understandably a low with many of their patients could result in severe results. My a1C is an afterthought, my confidence with my CGM shrugged off, and understanding on insulin use is disregarded. So I work harder to say “Yes,” being cordial, and while aware of their concerns feel fortunate I’m as healthy as I am.
Howling Laughter (to the point of actual tears….) They have ZERO interest on any level in communication. Lecture undoubtedly, communicate NEVER. The mental, emotional, psychologic they have no tools. Far, far worse no interest.