I give up. (hubby's follow-up appt)
DianaElena76
Posts: 1,241 Member
So I took off Friday afternoon to accompany my husband to his follow-up appointment so I could find out the details of how he should eat and what he should do for his high blood pressure and newly diagnosed diabetes. Well for starters his doctor didn't even meet with him--we sat there for more than 2 hours and only got to speak with a nurse. Secondly, the nurse said, "Well his hemoglobin a1c is 6.6, which we don't call diabetic, it just means we watch what we eat and check again in 6 months," and couldn't explain why he has follow-up labs in 3 months. The nurse also tried telling us that the baby aspirin the doctor told hubby to get was for pain, not for daily use. I insisted he ask the doctor, and, surprise surprise, the nurse was wrong. It IS for daily use. Ugghhh, I am so pissed that I wasted an afternoon and that the system is so broken that the follow-up appointment was not even with the doctor and, even worse, was with a nurse who didn't have a freaking clue what the doctor's intentions were! So basically I took an afternoon off work to learn absolutely nothing, and hubby is more confused than ever. I'm sad because he was so excited there was a VA outpatient clinic a few minutes from home (as opposed to driving all the way into Houston to go to the overcrowded VA medical center), but they are apparently worse than the main campus. At least his other doctors knew which end was up. 
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That is sad there is a working nurse that does not know about low dose aspirin and heart health
Wow
That is pathetic0 -
KittensMaster wrote: »That is sad there is a working nurse that does not know about low dose aspirin and heart health
Wow
That is pathetic
Agree. That whole day sounds awful. I'd be furious. Can you switch Drs?!!!
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Ps. I'll bet she wasn't a nurse. Did she say she was? Nurses have years of vigorous training (and thousands of dollars of student loans
). Most doctors now employ "medical assistants" instead of nurses which can have as little as four week training and most of that on procedure. Mine can't even take a blood pressure reading manually. 
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JessicaLCHF wrote: »Ps. I'll bet she wasn't a nurse. Did she say she was? Nurses have years of vigorous training (and thousands of dollars of student loans ). Most doctors now employ "medical assistants" instead of nurses which can have as little as four week training and most of that on procedure. Mine can't even take a blood pressure reading manually.
Yeah, his identification badge said "RN." I was incredulous, and I know he could tell. I don't try to hide these things. I just kept shaking my head and musing aloud about how what he was telling us was pretty much the complete opposite of what the doctor had said and "wasn't he supposed to be meeting with the doctor today?"0 -
JessicaLCHF wrote: »Ps. I'll bet she wasn't a nurse. Did she say she was? Nurses have years of vigorous training (and thousands of dollars of student loans ). Most doctors now employ "medical assistants" instead of nurses which can have as little as four week training and most of that on procedure. Mine can't even take a blood pressure reading manually.
Yeah, his identification badge said "RN." I was incredulous, and I know he could tell. I don't try to hide these things. I just kept shaking my head and musing aloud about how what he was telling us was pretty much the complete opposite of what the doctor had said and "wasn't he supposed to be meeting with the doctor today?"
That is just ridiculous. That's common knowledge even. My word.0 -
I'm just so disheartened. He also had a mental health appointment scheduled for Friday afternoon, which I planned to attend as well, but they called that morning and rescheduled him for the middle of this week. I can't tell you how long it's been since he has actually had a mental health appointment--his doctor at the main campus kept rescheduling him too. He met with her ONCE, and that was months and months ago. I'm at my wit's end with the whole thing, but I can't afford to insure him, so we are stuck with this broken system until he can insure himself. I'm so glad there is a system available for our veterans, but it needs to be better. A million times better.0
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Agree.@Mami1976D 0
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Time for a new doctor - soon! I'd say an A1C of 6.6 is serious and time for LCHF and exercise!! If fear of diabetes isn't enough to get him going - then ......0
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DrawnToScale wrote: »Time for a new doctor - soon! I'd say an A1C of 6.6 is serious and time for LCHF and exercise!! If fear of diabetes isn't enough to get him going - then ......
Thank you for this. I was starting to think I was an alarmist. I noticed they have diabetes education classes at that clinic, but after Friday's fiasco I fear they will tell him he has nothing to worry about at the class. Sad. Just sad.0 -
I find the VA is great place for a lot of things. The right hip they replaced 24 years ago is still working fine.
If you are wanting current medical advice for metabolically related issues I do not think you are likely to find it at any medical clinic be it VA or private health care.
I really like to get a good understanding from research articles, etc. Most clinics do not understand the harm of taking baby aspirin for example. Keto living addresses so many health risk issues that the medical community are not aware of so it is up to us to do our own research and help guide our health care providers. Their training does not cover what we are doing so we should not expect them to understand.0 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »I find the VA is great place for a lot of things. The right hip they replaced 24 years ago is still working fine.
If you are wanting current medical advice for metabolically related issues I do not think you are likely to find it at any medical clinic be it VA or private health care.
I really like to get a good understanding from research articles, etc. Most clinics do not understand the harm of taking baby aspirin for example. Keto living addresses so many health risk issues that the medical community are not aware of so it is up to us to do our own research and help guide our health care providers. Their training does not cover what we are doing so we should not expect them to understand.
Yes, they are fantastic with many things. But for starters I would like for his appointment with his doctor to be WITH HIS DOCTOR, or AT LEAST with somebody who knows his head from his *kitten*! I'm sorry, but there is no excuse for what happened on Friday. None. If the doctor was overbooked, he should have rescheduled, not passed us off on somebody who doesn't know jack. I have zero medical training and know more than that guy knew.0 -
DrawnToScale wrote: »Time for a new doctor - soon! I'd say an A1C of 6.6 is serious and time for LCHF and exercise!! If fear of diabetes isn't enough to get him going - then ......
This. Not trying to be mean, but...You and he know what needs to be done. No misguided dr/nurses needed there. He needs to see Fathead and Fed Up or watch Dr Sarah Hallberg's TED Talk. And if that still doesn't encourage him... He could Google diabetic neuropathy and amputations... This isn't something to mess with. But I realize as much as anyone, that a person has to want to do for themselves or it won't happen.
Btw, I had GD during my last pregnancy. They diagnosed me as gestationally diabetic at an A1c of 6.1.0 -
He is exercising every day again and eating better. I'm just not sure where he needs to be for his dietary intake. That's what I was hoping to discuss with his doctor on Friday. Instead we got "well you don't really need to worry about an A1C of 6.6." See why I'm so angry? Because I do know how serious it is, but I don't think he does--the last thing he needed was for someone to tell him not to worry about it.0
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He is exercising every day again and eating better. I'm just not sure where he needs to be for his dietary intake. That's what I was hoping to discuss with his doctor on Friday. Instead we got "well you don't really need to worry about an A1C of 6.6." See why I'm so angry? Because I do know how serious it is, but I don't think he does--the last thing he needed was for someone to tell him not to worry about it.
I get it. I really do! I had a dr tell me "You're now cured of diabetes." And I took that as a license to go back to sugarland. And regained 70lb. My mom's new doc gave her a level of less than 120g carbs total. Finally she gets one with sense after 19 years of diabetes and so many dire health emergencies! It's a good place to start. It isn't low enough for her, but she's on insulin only once a day (as opposed to after every meal) and her A1c has improved drastically. My MIL's doc is like your DH's. But I think we're starting to get her on the right path now.0 -
Folks you are going to have to look beyond the VA because I know some regional clinics are ONLY staffed with a PA or NP. If you get into the main hospital at the regional VA clinics funnel into you MAY see an MD.
@baconslave is correct. We either learn how to and act to have the best health possible instead of listening to talking heads in medical clinics. If what they are saying aligns with your research then do what they say. If not then you need to have a frank discussion with that person or his/her supervisor.
I do not blindly trust my medical care or car care providers.0 -
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He is exercising every day again and eating better. I'm just not sure where he needs to be for his dietary intake. That's what I was hoping to discuss with his doctor on Friday. Instead we got "well you don't really need to worry about an A1C of 6.6." See why I'm so angry? Because I do know how serious it is, but I don't think he does--the last thing he needed was for someone to tell him not to worry about it.
So don't lean on them for advice. They've proven that they can't be relied on. You have the research, you have the information. You have the experience.
Start with a max of 100g of carbohydrates and focus on getting them from non-starchy vegetables. Make sure he's getting enough protein (you probably want to ensure at least 5oz of meat or eggs at each meal, assuming 3 meals, it's okay to have more), and fill in the rest with fat.
Always pair everything with fat -- lean meats should have a fatty dip of some sort, same with vegetables. Fatty meats are good on their own.
If you want/need a person with an alphabet soup behind their name to tell your husband what to eat, look up Dr. Bernstein's books, The Diabetes Solution and The Diabetes Diet. The man was diagnosed in 1948 and was extolling the virtues of monitoring blood sugar and reducing carbohydrates when contemporary medicine was still saying that it was not only unnecessary to monitor, but impossible to regulate it (suffice to say, not following the doctors unequivocally saved his life).0 -
Thank you! Seriously, thank you.
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GaleHawkins wrote: »I find the VA is great place for a lot of things. The right hip they replaced 24 years ago is still working fine.
If you are wanting current medical advice for metabolically related issues I do not think you are likely to find it at any medical clinic be it VA or private health care.
I really like to get a good understanding from research articles, etc. Most clinics do not understand the harm of taking baby aspirin for example. Keto living addresses so many health risk issues that the medical community are not aware of so it is up to us to do our own research and help guide our health care providers. Their training does not cover what we are doing so we should not expect them to understand.
Yes, they are fantastic with many things. But for starters I would like for his appointment with his doctor to be WITH HIS DOCTOR, or AT LEAST with somebody who knows his head from his *kitten*! I'm sorry, but there is no excuse for what happened on Friday. None. If the doctor was overbooked, he should have rescheduled, not passed us off on somebody who doesn't know jack. I have zero medical training and know more than that guy knew.
If it makes you feel any better I was at the OU thoracic surgeons office from 11:30 to past 2:30 last Thursday. After three hours of waiting (one of those nearly naked in a gown for a physical exam they claimed they needed and he never did) I got a fifteen second mtg. so.... This was after a whole nother rigmarole with the tests he ordered but I won't bore you. Suffice it to say his nurse is incompetent. 0 -
When the VA is great, they are really great. When they are bad, they are really bad.
My dad had been feeling increasingly lethargic for over 2 months last year and eventually ended up visiting the ER about 3 times within 10 days at the VA he goes to which is 2.5 hours away. The lethargy progressed to shortness of breath and he felt like he was suffocating and had low blood O2. They discovered a mass in his lung which was suspected cancer, so they sent him home until the CT scan appointment. I went and got him to stay with me until he could get better. I ended up having to call an ambulance to come get him because he couldn't breathe so badly that even with his C-Pap machine on he still felt like he was suffocating.
Local hospital has his SEVERE DOUBLE PNEUMONIA diagnosed within 10 minutes and the cancer scanned and biopsied within 24 hours.
It still baffles me that the couldn't figure out pneumonia! I mean, that's like elementary level medicine right?0 -
I think an a1c of 6.6 should be taken seriously! That means that his average glucose for the past 2-3 months is over 150. He is at a stage now where life changes and weight loss could drastically lower his a1c and the need for daily medication!
I still think you should check into meeting with a real dietitian.0 -
Sunny I agree with you. They stopped do a lot of major health care at the Marion IL VA due to poor care and higher death rates. The VA is a long term test of true government run healthcare system. Money is a great motivator. In the VA system it seems to me cutting funds for services is the number one objective. I really think healthcare decline may be a fact for the masses.0
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Everyone who is having trouble with their healthcare professional should consider becoming more assertive. Try refusing to be rescheduled. Ask who you are seeing when scheduled for a follow up. Had a bad experience with a nurse? Ask to be scheduled with you dr only. You have a right to refuse substandard care. The last time I was asked to wait semi naked for hours I told the nurse I was leaving after waiting for several hours. The dr showed up before I had finished dressing.
Do not put up with this. Complain!!! This is not a popularity contest. Write a letter to the head of the clinic. Write to the head of the Hospital. Letters get much more attention than phone calls. You DESERVE to be treated with care and respect. Trust me on this. I was a healthcare administrator for 25 yrs. the " powers that be" don't know how you are being served unless you tell them.0 -
On what planet is an A1c of 6.6 not diabetic? I have been trying to get mine to less than 5.6, preferably less than 5.4 so I can be considered nondiabetic! I think this man is a bit confused! And 81mg of aspirin will do little for pain, it is recommended for heart health. I take one every night.0
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I agree about the VA system. My hubby is on the road as a truck driver and basically has to schedule his home time for all the appointments the VA wants him to have (not just a once a year physical but all the freaking time! Eye, sleep center, GP, cardio, labs, etc.). Then they go and cancel and reschedule as if it is easy for him to come the following week instead! Not to mention he has to go to two different facilities, each 30 miles in opposite directions of home. Moreover, we have health insurance through his work, so the VA charges the primary insurance. Although the govt does "eat" the difference as his supposed VA benefits, I would much rather he had the flexibility of local doctors. Bureaucracy, SMH!0
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[off topic rant] I am a Veteran..and I also have to use a local clinic now run by the VA- a USGOV beaurocracy!!!!! 2 very kind MDs started this clinic 17 years ago..then as it got too big as vets got care the Gov. took over, moved us to a new remodeled building, and it took a damn year to get an $$$ Xray machine and equipment reSET UP .we HAD the machine..no set up monkeys to make it work.. I routinely take the free shuttle (thanks for that ) a 7 hour bumpy drive and 3 changes of bus to SF VA..my only option. I am grateful for the first class care in surgery..the rest of it is goofy. VA is at least trying..but what a mess!
I find I have to be a squeaky wheel…I INSIST on blood tests for new meds that affect my kidney, I am the patient from hell to some of them. I now have an East Indian MD and not as hopeful for good communication. They can't keep doctors here. too much Gov. *kitten* for most of them to deal with.
The INSURANCE part is spot on as problematic. Now that millions of Boomer Vets are turning 65 they get Medicare and medigap Ins via various companies..this MEANS YOU PAY..the ER visit I make next will be totally charged to me..as VA takes 2nd position. it can be ruinous for poorer Vets in rural areas as we are.. there is NO VA hospital to get to quickly ..some poor guy I know drove the 6 hours sick as a dog to get to SF…he could not afford the ER charges. so the answer is don't insure yourself, go broke, get medicaid..and the cycle continues.
Lastly the DEA is the new monster overruling the VA and all the MDs ..they are now consistenly refusing pain meds for truly needy young vets injured…people with intense back pain, other problems are getting NSAIDS and "pain clinic" advice this is insane..the meth heads and druggies have ruined it for the Vets and other pain patients) who suffer..and yet it is the new law. why them? We went from drugs as candy in the 90s to enforced pain for all…MDs get fired for writing scrips to help…
it is scary there for Vets trying to figure out nutrition and meds and choices for their health0 -
The nhs is broken but thank the Lord it exists and is free......im so sorry your health provider is letting you down0
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pootle1972 wrote: »The nhs is broken but thank the Lord it exists and is free......im so sorry your health provider is letting you down
True. Very true. Otherwise we would never have known my husband's A1C was 6.6 and that we should change something.0 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »I do not blindly trust my medical care or car care providers.
My husbands favourite saying, "Doctors bury their mistakes."
In the end they are people. Humans. Who know what they've taught in order to pass an exam to get a qualification. They are not created equal.0 -
Everyone who is having trouble with their healthcare professional should consider becoming more assertive. Try refusing to be rescheduled. Ask who you are seeing when scheduled for a follow up. Had a bad experience with a nurse? Ask to be scheduled with you dr only. You have a right to refuse substandard care. The last time I was asked to wait semi naked for hours I told the nurse I was leaving after waiting for several hours. The dr showed up before I had finished dressing.
Do not put up with this. Complain!!! This is not a popularity contest. Write a letter to the head of the clinic. Write to the head of the Hospital. Letters get much more attention than phone calls. You DESERVE to be treated with care and respect. Trust me on this. I was a healthcare administrator for 25 yrs. the " powers that be" don't know how you are being served unless you tell them.
I agree. And after an hour I went to the front counter and just stood there. I wasn't gonna move. I think they saw my determination. (I had changed back into my clothes, lol). After about five mins the doctor turned around from a PC screen and I stuck out my hand and said, "Dr. Xxxx". He looked surprised and said. Hi, I'm are you the patient? Let's go.
And you can bet I did the survey. OU takes the patient satisfactions seriously and I know cause my hubby works there in another area and he said his manager is deadly serious about complaints. Of course, they aren't the Vet system, sorry to say, I don't think they care much. 0
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