“What else has happened in your life since diabetes came along?”
“How comfortable are you when you pull out your insulin pump or prick your finger?”
“What concerns you the most about living with diabetes?”
These were just some of the ice breakers as I sat down with a woman who I hoped I would be able to call my new diabetes educator, in a private clinic last week.
After six years of diabetes care in a public hospital, this was a completely different experience. My diabetes clinic-that-wasn’t-technically-a-clinic was situated behind the corner pharmacy store on a quiet inner city street, rather than a bustling hospital campus. My session was in a room on the ground floor, with an open window looking out into the yard behind the building. There was no sense of urgency, nor did I feel that my appointment was being rushed. There were no interruptions throughout the whole hour. I was being spoken to like a person who had diabetes, rather than the diabetes patient. The place certainly didn’t feel super clinic-y, either. Everything just added up to a nice, casual vibe.
We looked over my diasend uploads, and straight away she picked up on trends of red numbers on weekends. Something my diabetes brain probably should have picked up on sooner. I admitted to cruizy days of weekend eating that were often triggered after a 10am hypo, and she helped me nut out a strategy to continue to cruise through and see a little more green.
I wasn’t really swayed one way or another as I talked through my diabetes management, either, and I wasn’t sure if this was a good or a bad thing. I suppose, like this decision, it was mine. It was diabetes on my terms. No judgement.
As we approached the end of the hour, I was asked how I wanted to proceed after today. I knew how I wanted to proceed. Yet I still hesitated for a moment.
I had spent the whole hour talking over my diabetes management so confidently. The numbers on my diasend report were pretty good, overall. I had reached the hba1c goal I had set myself at the beginning of the year. This session reassured to me how proactive I am in being able to manage my diabetes. Did I need to be here?
After being pushed towards self management for so long at the hospital, it felt strange to have the option there. After all the time constraints of the busy diabetes clinic, it felt super weird to have the choice of when my next appointment would be. I was paying for it, of course. But it still felt strange.
I’ve decided I want a three month catch up with my diabetes educator. As good as I may be, I still need that reassurance. I need that fresh set of eyes that can pick up things that my diabetes brain cannot. I’ll continue to see the endocrinologist at the hospital, and get referrals for all of my important check ups there. Most importantly, I’ve got someone to touch base with inbetween. If the need arises, I’ll be able to call or e-mail, and make appointments inbetween. I already rest a lot easier at night knowing that I have someone reliable at the ready.
Two years ago, I doubt I would’ve had the confidence to be able to identify my needs, to speak up for what I wanted, or to go through with such a big decision.
Today, I’m confident that this is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my diabetes care. With a new addition, Team Frank feels stronger than ever.
Rick Phillips
I am very glad you found a cool place and person Frank!!
This item has been referred to the TUDiabetes Blog page for the week of December 5, 2016.