anyway my BG is stable for now.
It's not optional, you're not a type 2 that is just using insulin in a different way, you're a type 1 that needs it...
I'm interested in learning more about this. Can you expound please?
Some type 2's only use lantus/levemir and not a rapid insulin where that might confuse a doctor who thinks someone is a type 2 (but on one kind of insulin) when they're a type 1. Apparently it's common and I've seen a lot of people using lantus or levemir alone and I was started on Lantus alone myself (even though I'm a type 1). They might assume she's a type 2 on insulin with a basal bolus routine due to her age despite the fact she's a type 1 and think oh she's a type 2 she doesn't need all that...because they have no clue how diabetes works beyond myths about type 2.
Why the heck would they prescribe you only 17 units a day when you take 30? what is this garbage? It's not like you can just take 17 and be okay and any amount matters, not having all 30 units is the difference between healthier numbers and dka . I hate to think of how hard it'd be to adjust to the old insulin you can get over the counter, I'm glad they're an option, but they work differently and it'd be like bye control. I agree with the others on trying to work with the pharmacist.
I understand now.
Assumptions combined with ignorance. Frightening when it comes from the medical field. Especially when it is SO common!
Thanks, Brian. In Germany all insulins are prescription items. But devices are in general free from this limitation - with the exception of insulin pumps and similar devices.
who's been Rxing your insulins prior? Well, they don't treat type 1's. if they Rx a drug they're responsible for the prescription and dosage prescribed. I'm not seeing an issue here, really. My PCP wouldn't Rx insulin for me either as they don't treat me for my type 1. You wouldn't go to your primary care provider and have them set up chemo or radiation if you had cancer, same thing..no? We can't expect (or blame) primary care physicians to deny us health care as they're not specialized in this disease. they're not being difficult, they're being prudent and cautious for a reason, IMO.
Yikes!
What country are you in? Or what planet?
I don't have a primary care physician. I lost my primary care when I transitioned to the VA in Maryland. I live in N. Virginia. I do not have an appointment with primary care until later this month at the end. I saw a NP but she refused to write a prescription for Novolog and wrote for half the Lantus I need. I no longer have access to my old primary care and the pharmacy is new and mail order. I have no records other than the ones I brought. It might make sense to you. I have nobody right now that will write a prescription that is for the amount of insulin that I take. I am very sick because I have other health issues. The NP focused on those, a tumor found on an ultrasound and a malfunctioning painful gall bladder issue. I live in the United States.
I have to tell you, nearly three years ago after I started insulin on my own I walked into a certain GP in Fair Oaks (I'll message you the name if you want) and told them I had started insulin and that I now needed a prescription. And the GP just wrote it for me on the spot and even recommended that I switch to Humalog from Regular. Some of this may just be the VA giving you a hassle.
Some of this may just be the VA giving you a hassleThis.
Is there someone in your area who can be your " diabetes advocate " , come with you to your " health team members " appointments ?? ...just asking !
but that's YOUR GP whom did do that. many do not and, frankly, it's the health care providers prerogative to see a patient or not.
i'm not sure if you're addressing me, Alan S? However, you're a type 2 living in a different country not on insulin. Here, in the US it's a doctor's prerogative to treat or not treat a patient. If 'said PCP - GP doesn't have experience in type 1 diabetes then they don't and they shouldn't be Rx'ing insulins.
any health care provider can get health care records transferred to them, regardless of state - even country. they can access anything. why don't you call up whomever was treating you for your type 1 and ask them for a suggestion. Maybe this should have been done before moving so you would have it covered in terms of insulin. just a thought. I'm sure your old health care provider would be able to provide some sound advice. good luck!
I was addressing the original poster lotsofshots.
I went to the doctor today and after a two hour appointment I was told that I was not going to be given a prescription for Insulin. Yikes. It was because I was Type 1. "We don't treat that. You need a consult to an Endo. How about Septemeber?" Run for the door.In this country a GP cannot become a fully qualified doctor without appropriate training and experience. That would include treatment of diabetes in at least both its major forms and prescription of relevant meds including insulin. I presumed the same would be true in most western countries.
Was my presumption incorrect?
oh no! So sorry you are going through all of this. Can you have your old endo or whoever treated you before call this doctor and tell her what to rx or rx for you until you get an endo? I'm sure she would have to listen to them. Maybe you can call the manufacturer and get some free lantus/novolog? I guess you would still need an rx for that though. I really don't understand her reason for giving you too little lantus and no novolog. I mean what is the point of giving you any if her reason is she can't do it due to her lack of knowledge? Does she expect you to starve?
I am trying to get a power of attorney for the person who goes with me. It is called an Advanced Directive in the military.
I have good news. I looked in the mailbox and there were vials of both Lantus and Novolog from the mail in pharmacy. It only makes sense if you were there. According to the VA I have a 50 percent disability for Type 1 diabetes, so there is no way that I could not be diabetic. I think the NP was overwhelmed because I have a tumor in my liver that needs to be MRI'ed and really bad gall bladder pain that needs pain medication. I also have several prescriptions including ones for digesting fat because my gall bladder cannot digest it. She said that she would review my records at home because she was filling in and I do not have a doctor's appointment until Monday. I guess it became obvious that I was needing the Novolog and I did bring all my records from the hospital. I had the Novolog on the list of prescriptions. I am trying to be responsible it is too bad that there is not a transfer of records or any EHR that is connected to the VA. They are notorious for lack of continuity of care and this is my first time there. Hopefully I will be able to get the care I need for everything when I see the doctor on the 29th. This was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. At least she took an A1C when she took the blood tests. I think that things will fall into place on Monday, but at least I do not have to wonder what to do over the weekend. I have Novolog pens but no prescription for the needles to inject with. I guess the Veteran's cannot afford to give pens because it needs to save money for other things. Now I will have to inject eight times a day with syringes. I am not too excited about this. I haven't done that in years.
Thanks to all the people who were so understanding and thoughtful and generous. I think that people who really care know that this is a very sad situation that veteran's have to go through. Often people do not understand how confusing it is to treat and to have multiple serious chronic illnesses and how confusing it is to get the care you need. The Veteran's should not be so hard to access. This is a serious problem.
Great news lots! Good luck on the Monday appointment.