Was my doctor disinterested or in denial? After all she’s a doctor, she shouldn’t be disinterested.
Was she in denial? Did she really believe that she could effectively treat a patient with diabetes for the long haul? Why did she never suggest a referral to an endocrinologist, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, or a dermatologist? Why did she never explore determining the type of diabetes I have?
Maybe it was denial. Have you ever had a doctor that obviously didn’t want to touch you? Aren’t doctors supposed to at least periodically examine the feet of their diabetic patients? I didn’t go to medical school, but peering at my feet from her chair across the room doesn’t constitute an exam.
Maybe it wasn’t denial, maybe she’s a very smart business woman. Of course she was, she had me come in every 3 months, spent 8 minutes with me, gave out a few disapproving looks, and filled out prescriptions. As a reward she got to file a nice fat insurance claim.
She actually told me once I was in denial. I was so shocked by the statement I couldn’t respond. How is anyone in denial after spending 5 years controlling their blood sugar with diet alone? How could I be in denial once I realized that 65% of the adults in my Dad’s family have diabetes? How could I be in denial after my Aunt died from hypoglycemia? It wasn’t denial, it was disinterest–disinterest in a physician that showed disinterest in her patient.
My diabetes diagnosis changed in May of this year after 13 years of being treated for type 2, turns out I had LADA. New docs, and new meds have given me a new lease on life.
• Gone are the gut wrenching cramps associated with Glucophage/Metformin.
• Gone is the sun sensitivity from Amaryl (not good for a redhead).
• Gone is the total exhaustion from Actos
• Gone are my hands going to sleep after taking Altase.
• Gone are the disapproving looks from my internist when my A1c was not as low as she wanted.
• Gone is the time when the doctor doesn’t listen, doesn’t have time, or just doesn’t care.