[Petruchio]

Today I am off to see an Endo . . .

After 2 years with the big D and still not in control, I am finally going to an Endo. Now that I have insurance I can afford to see him. From what I have been told he is a Diabetic himself so he really understands.

Will check in later with how it turns out.

[princesslinda]

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after this visit. I've considered going to an endo myself, but haven't taken the plunge yet. You'll have to let me/us know how this visit is different from your regular diabetic checkup. Would be nice to have a doc who really understands.

[fgummett]

G'Luck Do you have your list of any questions you might have? Make sure he checks your feet. Remember to take ownership of any blood results and don't just accept that they are, "OK"

[gettingby]

Good Luck and do let us know how it goes.
I agree with Frank (fgummett). Don't just take an answer of "It's ok" or "Your numbers are ok" as a final answer. Ask for explanations. It's what you and your insurance pay for.

[camjen1]

I'm a little late, but goodluck!

Is it just me or are alot of Endo diabetic?

[Petruchio]

First impressions:

I like the guy. HE LISTENED!

1- He thinks my meds are fine for now. (Metformin 1000x2) Now that I am taking the Diabetic classes, my numbers are a bit better. He thinks that the diet improvements will get my numbers where they need to be.

2- He agrees that I am a T2, with Metabolic Syndrome.

3- Testing. He wrote my script for 5 times a day, just like I wanted. Fasting - 2 hrs after Breakfast - Before Dinner - 2 hrs after dinner - Bedtime. I know that is only 2 meals, but I only eat 2 meals. To be honest, until I was DXed I only ate once a day.

4- Lab work. I go in the morning for a A1c, a C-Peptide (which I asked for), and Kidney function stuff. Also a Liver panel for my Cardiologist. I get copies of ALL lab stuff.

5- Feet. He did check both feet. The only problem was/is a small wart on one toe. Then he did the needle thing to test the nerves. There is still one patch on my right ankle that is numb but it is slowly getting smaller.

6- The only bummer was he did not have a line on a data cable for my Ultrasmart. And, before anyone suggests it, I am NOT going with any software program that wants my data posted online. My data will only be in MY control, PERIOD.

Was it worthwhile going to an Endo? I think so. My regular Dr's focus is Internal Medicine. I have a Cardiologist, and now an Endo that can focus on those specific areas as needed while the Primary acts as a central information point. All 3 work out of the same Hospital and they are friends who do talk with each other about patient needs. It really helps when everyone is on the same page.

[Evermont]

This sounds great! I wish everyone here could tell that tale.

[princesslinda]

Glad you had a positive experience at the endo...and glad you're doing so well!

[adiantum]

Great news Petruchio. I've often wondered if I too should see an endo.
Is it possible that eating only 2 meals a day could be throwing your #'s about?
I only got mine under control after having 3 meals a day.
I'm really pleased you had a good experience

[davef]

Petruchio,

That sounds like a really good and worthwhile visit, glad it worked out so well for you. The fact that all your Doctors work from the same location has to be a great bonus.

[kgm0612]

I'm glad you saw an endo and I'm glad you liked him! Sounds like your appointment went well.

Karen

[Petruchio]

Originally Posted by adiantum

Great news Petruchio. I've often wondered if I too should see an endo.
Is it possible that eating only 2 meals a day could be throwing your #'s about?
I only got mine under control after having 3 meals a day.
I'm really pleased you had a good experience

The Dietitian thinks so. I was one one meal a day for over 25 years. My beverage of choice was/is black coffee on ice. After I was diagnosed I forced myself to eat a small breakfast every day. Usually it is a home made version of an Egg McMuffin with a 16oz mug of black coffee. For the rest of the day until evening I am just NOT hungry. The thought of eating anything during the day is a turnoff.

[mortis505]

Petruchio, good deal on getting to the Endo. I hope your test results come out good, esp the A1C.

[sprzepiora]

Originally Posted by Petruchio

6- The only bummer was he did not have a line on a data cable for my Ultrasmart. And, before anyone suggests it, I am NOT going with any software program that wants my data posted online. My data will only be in MY control, PERIOD.

The one I and every one else posted for a FREE cable does not require you to upload the information to the internet, sign up for the service, get the free cable and then never bother with it again.

Lifescan will allow you to download their software for free, it is the same software your doctor uses.

I'm glad you like your endo, it pretty great when your doctors listen to you At one time I had stopped seeing my doctor and started seeing his PA, because I had always though he was an idiot, but she always listened and every time I saw her I got fixed.

[Petruchio]

Sorry folks, I forgot to update with the blood results.

A1C = 6.2
My last A1C in January was also 6.2

C-Peptide = 11.0
My last C-Peptide 2 years ago was 9.4

I talked over the numbers with the Endo. He was very happy with the A1C. I voiced a concern that the C-Peptide going up indicated that my Insulin Resistance was increasing. He did not think so. He said that number will vary over time. Meds are staying the same. Metformin 1000 twice a day.

On a side note. During the last session of the Diabetic class, the CDE called the Lifescan Rep. He dropped in before I left and gave me a free USB data cable with the software CD.

Those classes have helped. My BS averages are now:
7 day 108
14 day 114
30 day 118



Those are the best numbers I have had going back to DX!

Oh! Here is the REAL SHOCKER . . .

When I went to the Diabetic classes in May I weighed in at 242 pounds. This morning I bit the big one and got on the scale again. 224 pounds! WHOOO HOOO!!!