The New Endo
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 9:35AM Monday morning I met with a new endocrinologist. I was nervous because I was really hoping this one would be a good fit for me. And after that first appointment, I am hopeful.
When I first got into the exam room the nurse asked what type I was. When I answered “Type 1” I was sure she was going to give me the whole, “Are you sure?” Or, “we normally don’t see type 1’s in your shape” like the last endo did. Right there she scored a point with me.
She checked my blood pressure and temp and actually told me what they were. I always have to ask what the numbers are. I don’t know why this is kept secret but again, she scored.
“I am going to check your blood sugar and take an A1C right now. Then I am going to need your pump so we can download all the information off of it.”
This blew me away. I have never had an in house A1C done and my endo has never downloaded my charts from my pump. I was very impressed. More points.
Soon after the nurse left a Physician’s Assistant came in to talk to me. She introduced herself and said that she works the endo and would be meeting with me too.
She said my A1C was 8.3. I was worried I was going to get a scolding but she said, “That is not bad but we can do better!” I loved her attitude and her use of the word “we” which made me feel like this was going to actually be some sort of team effort.
When the endo came in he went through all of my logs from my pump. He wants me to see a CDE (yes!) and a podiatrist. I told him about my pump being out of warranty and he said that he would have the PA get with Medtronic about upgrading to the Revel. He gave me a prescription for a Glucagon shot (which he taught me how to use) and also doubled the amount of insulin I get each month since my needs have increased.
Not once was I scolded. Not once was I questioned. Not once did I feel like I was going to go at it alone. It was very different.
“Until we get these basal rates set and really have you feeling better I want you to come in every two weeks. I hope that is not a problem.”
I assured him that it wasn’t. As inconvenient as it might be for a while, getting on top of this stuff is a major priority for me.
Score, score, and score.
I think I may have found the right endo for me.
Reader Comments (21)
yay! Go you! :)
Kudos! I am so glad you found a GREAT Endo! Sounds very much like mine. The Endo might even be able to log into the CareLink system with your ID and password so you don't have to bring your pump in. That is as long as you remember to upload your readings yourself (Except you being a mac guy, that might be a problem).
Good for you!!!!!!!! That endo sounds quite amazing. :) I am moving soon and i am worried about finding a new endo... I love the one I'm at right now, but i will be four or five hours away from it, and that's quite a drive just for an appointment.
I hope that this endo helps you get things in order quite fast. Nothing like a supportive doctor and Diabetes team to get you back on track :)
I love it when a plan comes together!
This is fantastic news. Awesome stuff.
Very cool to hear! It's always awesome when you find an endo who understands that it's a team concept, and you're in it together. Good luck on getting things back under control and the more frequent visits. It'll be worth it. With the way this Endo office sounds, you might even think they like BACON... I know. They sound THAT awesome!
So glad you had a great experience! So many people tell me they "could never do it" if they had diabetes. Well, you can and you have to. But having a team of great doctors supporting and educating you makes all the difference in the world. So happy for you!
I gotta say I'm horribly jealous (but of course extremely excited for you!)! Sounds like you've got a great team!
I don't think my endo has ever used "we" in a sentence talking about getting my levels under control, didn't know endo's were allowed to use that word! lol
Very excited for you :)
OMG - George - I am one jealous cat here! I wish I had an endo like yours! Mine is basically a pimp for my drugs, but when it comes to real true nitty gritty diabetic advise - it's a shot in the wind for me (more like digging deep in my litter box for a clean spot) to get any real advise.
So glad that you've got a team to help you out that to me seems AWESOME!!! It's time to cook up some "Easter" bacon (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) man and celebrate!
I hear a new song being composed in your noggin' for this great day!
The right endo and office staff make all the difference! I'm so happy that you finally found the right doctor.
Great news! What a rare find...no judgement and a willingness to work as a team. Carpe endoc!
Ya, that’s just awesome! It’s nice to have that kind of support, isn’t it? I wish more docs in general would “get” that.
So happy for you!
So glad you fired the old one - seems like this one is a real keeper! (And the staff, too!)
Finally!
I'm happy for you George. You deserve a good doctor who will work with you, not against you.
An endo that doesn't play the blame game? KEEPAH!!!! Nice score, SuperG!
Made my heart sing for you. Just one appointment is all it took to restore your faith. Awesome! Make sure you recommend him and his team to as many locals as you can.
Sounds dramy. You deserve this George! I hope they continue to impress you.
Yay George!! I hope that this Endo continues to work out! I just switched endos too, and had almost the same expierance (in house a1c?? Downloading from pump?? Wha???) And the no scolding thing really was a plus for me. I'm glad that they treated you well!!
I am so happy for you man.
You are going to learn so much from this TEAM!
A diamond in the rough I say eeehh
Yay! Your new clinic sounds awesome! Well done on making the switch :) Sounds like it's been a positive move. I need to get my endo and nurse educator to read your post - they really need to start "not scolding" me too! Best wishes :)
That is a great first appointment. Just about everything you would want from an endo appointment all in the first one and hopefully all of them to come. That is awesome