Re: Another group newbie

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the list. I'm 26 and have had type 1 diabetes for almost 17 years

now. I, too, started off in the early '90s when regular and NPH and two

shots a day were almost the only choice you had. I somehow survived on that

roller-coaster (eventually switching regular out for Humalog) for about 13

years before switching to Lantus. A year and a half ago I started on the

insulin pump and it has changed my life for the better. Within the first six

months my A1c dropped from 7.9 to 6.4, and although it has crept up a bit

since then, the pump makes life overall so much better. I would never choose

to go back to shots. My one complaint is that the pump is not accessible

(I've been legally blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity), but

I'm working on that.

I hope you find this list useful.

Jen

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6:14 PM

[Guest guest]

Welcome . I'm Becky from Ohio. Life is full of ironies, isn't it?

Continued good luck with the pump.

Becky

_____

From: blind-diabetics

[mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Naessens

Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:45 PM

To: blind-diabetics

Subject: Another group newbie

Hi there. You've already met husband Larry, and maybe have heard a little

about me from him, so now let me introduce my own self.

There's a lot to say about me I suppose. However, due to the particular

interest of this group, I would like to share that I have had Type 1

diabetes for the better part of forever - okay, it just seems that way -

it's now been almost 20 years, since the late 80s, seems eons ago now. It

was a shock to me at the time because, after all, I was almost 30 at the

time, and who got 'juvenile diabetes at that age. Well, apparently I did,

and I started on insulin right away - back when Regular and NPH were all the

rage. Now that was a fun roller coaster ride.

I think I can now measure the length of this illness by the number of

different meters that have accumulated under my bathroom sink. But my newest

piece of equipment is my insulin pump which I think is the greatest since

sliced bread. Since starting it in January, my A1C has gone down from a 12.3

to an 8.3 in 4 months - nothing short of a miracle says my endo. I'm now

working at getting it lower. We'll see how that goes.

In addition to the much better control, the pump gives me so much

flexibility. After the failure of multiple daily injections, the pump is

quite a breath of fresh air. I did find it ironic though, that only a couple

of months of feeling more normal that the pump allowed me, that Larry was

diagnosed with Type 2, which was a bit of a reality check, and one that

brought a whole new set of accessibility challenges to deal with, some of

which he has already written about.

This seems like this is a very good group that you have got here, and it is

a pleasure to be part of it. I'm looking forward to sharing, and to

learning.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Z,

I too am a type 1-of 63 years. I was 22 months old when diagnosed. I use

the pump also for the last 8 years. It has made a huge difference with my

A1C The A1C always ran around 7 or so before the pump and now it is usually

under 6.

Opps-have to go.

Another group newbie

Hi there. You've already met husband Larry, and maybe have heard a little

about me from him, so now let me introduce my own self.

There's a lot to say about me I suppose. However, due to the particular

interest of this group, I would like to share that I have had Type 1

diabetes for the better part of forever - okay, it just seems that way -

it's now been almost 20 years, since the late 80s, seems eons ago now. It

was a shock to me at the time because, after all, I was almost 30 at the

time, and who got 'juvenile diabetes at that age. Well, apparently I did,

and I started on insulin right away - back when Regular and NPH were all the

rage. Now that was a fun roller coaster ride.

I think I can now measure the length of this illness by the number of

different meters that have accumulated under my bathroom sink. But my newest

piece of equipment is my insulin pump which I think is the greatest since

sliced bread. Since starting it in January, my A1C has gone down from a 12.3

to an 8.3 in 4 months - nothing short of a miracle says my endo. I'm now

working at getting it lower. We'll see how that goes.

In addition to the much better control, the pump gives me so much

flexibility. After the failure of multiple daily injections, the pump is

quite a breath of fresh air. I did find it ironic though, that only a couple

of months of feeling more normal that the pump allowed me, that Larry was

diagnosed with Type 2, which was a bit of a reality check, and one that

brought a whole new set of accessibility challenges to deal with, some of

which he has already written about.

This seems like this is a very good group that you have got here, and it is

a pleasure to be part of it. I'm looking forward to sharing, and to

learning.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have been a type for almost 30 years. When I started on the shots in

the 80's my choices for insulin were pork or beef NPH. I have been on 6

types of insulin in over the years. I now use Humalog in a pump. Before

the pump my A1C's were in the teens and now are in the 6's for the most

part. I lost my sight five years ago this August due to complications from

the high sugars. Back when I was first diagnosed there was no such thing as

a blood meter, we had to check urine for sugar levels. I started out using

a piece of test tape and then moved up to a test tube with a pill that one

added to the urine mixed with water. It wasn't until the 80's that I got my

first meter. For the most part I just read and don't post much. Welcome to

you and your husband .

RE: Another group newbie

Hi ,

Welcome to the list. I'm 26 and have had type 1 diabetes for almost 17 years

now. I, too, started off in the early '90s when regular and NPH and two

shots a day were almost the only choice you had. I somehow survived on that

roller-coaster (eventually switching regular out for Humalog) for about 13

years before switching to Lantus. A year and a half ago I started on the

insulin pump and it has changed my life for the better. Within the first six

months my A1c dropped from 7.9 to 6.4, and although it has crept up a bit

since then, the pump makes life overall so much better. I would never choose

to go back to shots. My one complaint is that the pump is not accessible

(I've been legally blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity), but

I'm working on that.

I hope you find this list useful.

Jen

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Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008

6:14 PM

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. You may have seen my reply to Larry's intro, but in case

you didn't, my name is Maggie, I'm from New Zealoand, and was recently diagnosed

as a type 2 diabetic. Not altogheter a surprise, since my mother was, but I had

thought it might be a few years yet. I'm finding this group great, with lots of

helpful info.

Hugs, Maggie.

There's music in a horseshoe, there's music in a nail,There's music in a tomcat,

when you stand upon his tail.

Another group newbie

Hi there. You've already met husband Larry, and maybe have heard a little

about me from him, so now let me introduce my own self.

There's a lot to say about me I suppose. However, due to the particular

interest of this group, I would like to share that I have had Type 1 diabetes

for the better part of forever - okay, it just seems that way - it's now been

almost 20 years, since the late 80s, seems eons ago now. It was a shock to me at

the time because, after all, I was almost 30 at the time, and who got 'juvenile

diabetes at that age. Well, apparently I did, and I started on insulin right

away - back when Regular and NPH were all the rage. Now that was a fun roller

coaster ride.

I think I can now measure the length of this illness by the number of

different meters that have accumulated under my bathroom sink. But my newest

piece of equipment is my insulin pump which I think is the greatest since sliced

bread. Since starting it in January, my A1C has gone down from a 12.3 to an 8.3

in 4 months - nothing short of a miracle says my endo. I'm now working at

getting it lower. We'll see how that goes.

In addition to the much better control, the pump gives me so much flexibility.

After the failure of multiple daily injections, the pump is quite a breath of

fresh air. I did find it ironic though, that only a couple of months of feeling

more normal that the pump allowed me, that Larry was diagnosed with Type 2,

which was a bit of a reality check, and one that brought a whole new set of

accessibility challenges to deal with, some of which he has already written

about.

This seems like this is a very good group that you have got here, and it is a

pleasure to be part of it. I'm looking forward to sharing, and to learning.

[Guest guest]

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems to

be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the blindness.

I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but that is part of

my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but seems

not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility issues

around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my love/hate

relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now know that the

hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario health system and

the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking meters. 

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the Canadian

Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Ontario

Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada, our provincial

member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance plan, several

manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of time and effort

built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not there, except for some

info that we now have from this group that we will be following up on. But for

goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it! However...

Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the strips out of

pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is underway, and maybe we can

get special approval, then the insurance plan might pay. Although if we give up

eating altogether to support my driving habit, then that ought to take care of a

few diabetic issues for both of us - not much risk of high BGs that way!

Not to mention the fact that the health care system itself is deficient here (in

Ontario, Canada), to say the least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And

I've never seen such a case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry

is unfortunately playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his doctor

to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with his 200+

numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is feeling crappy

on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his first visit to the

endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork will already be more

than 4 months old, and his regular physician has refused to even order some

basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the other doctor's

responsibility. *heavy sigh*

I've got my own sordid tale as well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this

time.  I'll just be a quiet trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own

endo appt is in 3 weeks as well, and hopefully there will be some more

improvement to the A1C. Fingers are crossed.

And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages, and you'll be

hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

It is quite different being a type 1 and a type 2. I am the one who has

been type 1 for 63 years, but I have had to learn a lot about type 2's as

most of client's are type 2.

It's too bad the Canadian health system is so complicated. I thought the US

system was bad, but it appears it is not as difficult as yours! There is a

lot of talk about the US getting Socialized medicine as Canada and other

countries have, but I am doubtful about it-despite what Micheal says

in his documentary " Sick-o " . With diabetes being so prevalent in all

countries, it makes me frustrated to hear how difficult it is for diabetics

to get necessary equipment-especially for the blind.

Hope the endo can help both of you! Do you use Humalog or Novalog in your

pump? I have a Disetronics spirit pump.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However...

Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the strips out of

pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is underway, and maybe we

can get special approval, then the insurance plan might pay. Although if we

give up eating altogether to support my driving habit, then that ought to

take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us - not much risk of high

BGs that way!

Not to mention the fact that the health care system itself is deficient here

(in Ontario, Canada), to say the least. Doctors are at critical shortage

levels. And I've never seen such a case of the game of medical " hot potato "

that poor Larry is unfortunately playing - and he is the potato in this case

(sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh*

I've got my own sordid tale as well, but I won't bore anyone with that at

this time. I'll just be a quiet trooper with my pump and very quiet meter.

My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as well, and hopefully there will be some

more improvement to the A1C. Fingers are crossed.

And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages, and you'll

be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

The lack of talking meters in Canada has less to do with the health care

system and more to do with the bureaucrats at Health Canada. Talking meters

like the Prodigy Voice should have been approved already for use in Canada,

but the bureaucratic jungle that any company must go through to get anything

approved for use here is ridiculous. Given the fact that the Prodigy Voice

has FDA approval in the U.S., in theory, it should not take long for the

Prodigy Voice to be approved in Canada. Also, agencies like the CNIB and the

Canadian Diabetes Association should be doing more to advocate for these

talking meters. The last time I spoke to each of these agencies, they were

not even aware of these talking meters. Even after giving all the

information about the Prodigy Voice, neither has done anything to advocate

for bringing these meters to Canada. Perhaps Ruth can let us know where DDI

is in regard to bringing these meters to Canada and what we can do to put

pressure on Health Canada to approve them.

As for the health care system in Canada, it is no better or worse than it is

in the U.S. - it is just different. Depending on where you live, you will

get good care or poor care just like many places in the U.S. As a diabetic,

it is important for you to take charge of your own care. You must take

complete charge of your own care and monitor your blood sugar carefully

yourself. If your doctor won't listen to you and provide you with the help

you need, find another doctor. Your health care is no longer a one way

street. You are the one who is in the best position to manage it. If you

feel you need to take more or less medication or use insulin, talk to your

doctor and get regular bloodwork to monitor your condition. It is up to you

to do your research, talk to people on this list and then bring the facts to

your doctor. Then, if your doctor will still not work with you, find another

doctor.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C. Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

If Larry's blood glucose level is around 200 USA reading or 11.1 mohls, he is in

need of two kinds of insulin. Lantus, a long acting insulin and Humalog or

Novolog which are short-acting insulins for bolus control of bs levels. The

sooner he gets on these insulins, the better off he will be. Then all he needs

to do is learn how to count grams of carbs. After a short while say two months,

he will become a carb counting expert.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the blindness.

I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but that is part of

my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my love/hate

relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now know that the

hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario health system and

the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind,

Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada, our

provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance plan,

several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of time and

effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not there, except for

some info that we now have from this group that we will be following up on. But

for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it! However...

Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the strips out of

pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is underway, and maybe we can

get special approval, then the insurance plan might pay. Although if we give up

eating altogether to support my driving habit, then that ought to take care of a

few diabetic issues for both of us - not much risk of high BGs that way!

Not to mention the fact that the health care system itself is deficient here

(in Ontario, Canada), to say the least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels.

And I've never seen such a case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor

Larry is unfortunately playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry,

Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with his

200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is feeling

crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his first visit to

the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork will already be

more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has refused to even order some

basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the other doctor's responsibility.

*heavy sigh*

I've got my own sordid tale as well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this

time. I'll just be a quiet trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own

endo appt is in 3 weeks as well, and hopefully there will be some more

improvement to the A1C. Fingers are crossed.

And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages, and you'll be

hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

If Larry's blood glucose level is around 200 USA reading or 11.1 mohls, he is in

need of two kinds of insulin. Lantus, a long acting insulin and Humalog or

Novolog which are short-acting insulins for bolus control of bs levels. The

sooner he gets on these insulins, the better off he will be. Then all he needs

to do is learn how to count grams of carbs. After a short while say two months,

he will become a carb counting expert.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the blindness.

I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but that is part of

my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my love/hate

relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now know that the

hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario health system and

the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind,

Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada, our

provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance plan,

several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of time and

effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not there, except for

some info that we now have from this group that we will be following up on. But

for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it! However...

Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the strips out of

pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is underway, and maybe we can

get special approval, then the insurance plan might pay. Although if we give up

eating altogether to support my driving habit, then that ought to take care of a

few diabetic issues for both of us - not much risk of high BGs that way!

Not to mention the fact that the health care system itself is deficient here

(in Ontario, Canada), to say the least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels.

And I've never seen such a case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor

Larry is unfortunately playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry,

Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with his

200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is feeling

crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his first visit to

the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork will already be

more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has refused to even order some

basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the other doctor's responsibility.

*heavy sigh*

I've got my own sordid tale as well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this

time. I'll just be a quiet trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own

endo appt is in 3 weeks as well, and hopefully there will be some more

improvement to the A1C. Fingers are crossed.

And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages, and you'll be

hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

If Larry's blood glucose level is around 200 USA reading or 11.1 mohls, he is in

need of two kinds of insulin. Lantus, a long acting insulin and Humalog or

Novolog which are short-acting insulins for bolus control of bs levels. The

sooner he gets on these insulins, the better off he will be. Then all he needs

to do is learn how to count grams of carbs. After a short while say two months,

he will become a carb counting expert.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the blindness.

I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but that is part of

my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my love/hate

relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now know that the

hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario health system and

the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind,

Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada, our

provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance plan,

several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of time and

effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not there, except for

some info that we now have from this group that we will be following up on. But

for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it! However...

Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the strips out of

pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is underway, and maybe we can

get special approval, then the insurance plan might pay. Although if we give up

eating altogether to support my driving habit, then that ought to take care of a

few diabetic issues for both of us - not much risk of high BGs that way!

Not to mention the fact that the health care system itself is deficient here

(in Ontario, Canada), to say the least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels.

And I've never seen such a case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor

Larry is unfortunately playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry,

Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with his

200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is feeling

crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his first visit to

the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork will already be

more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has refused to even order some

basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the other doctor's responsibility.

*heavy sigh*

I've got my own sordid tale as well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this

time. I'll just be a quiet trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own

endo appt is in 3 weeks as well, and hopefully there will be some more

improvement to the A1C. Fingers are crossed.

And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages, and you'll be

hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

How do you get another doctor under a socialized health system?

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C. Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

You can pick your doctor. Just because the cost of health care is covered

by the government, you are not forced to go to a specific doctor. If you

live in a small area and you need to see a specialist for something, your

choices may be limited, but in no province in Canada are you forced to see a

doctor you don't like. There is always a choice.

Re: Another group newbie

How do you get another doctor under a socialized health system?

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that

seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind,

but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his

accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the

Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot

of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will

be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with

it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of

us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say

the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy

with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his

bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks

as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C.

Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome

messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is good to know.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that

seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind,

but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his

accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the

Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot

of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will

be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with

it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of

us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say

the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy

with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his

bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks

as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C.

Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome

messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is good to know.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that

seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind,

but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his

accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the

Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot

of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will

be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with

it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of

us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say

the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy

with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his

bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks

as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C.

Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome

messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is good to know.

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that

seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind,

but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his

accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the

Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot

of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will

be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with

it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of

us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say

the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy

with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his

bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks

as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C.

Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome

messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is absolutely true, . Every diabetic needs to be in control of

their diabetes. After all, you are with you 24-7, the doc is not!

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C. Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is absolutely true, . Every diabetic needs to be in control of

their diabetes. After all, you are with you 24-7, the doc is not!

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C. Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

That is absolutely true, . Every diabetic needs to be in control of

their diabetes. After all, you are with you 24-7, the doc is not!

Re: Another group newbie

Thank you to all who welcomed me. It's nice to be part of a group that seems

to be so open to talk about all different kinds of issues, beyond the

blindness. I'm not sure if I shared in my original post, I'm not blind, but

that is part of my life as I support Larry when he needs, or wants it.

I thought I knew just so much about diabetes when Larry was diagnosed, but

seems not. Through the last few years, I've helped him in his accessibility

issues around the home, around our town, training the guide dog, my

love/hate relationship with all his computer 'speaking people'. But I now

know that the hardest struggle has turned out to be two things - the Ontario

health system and the stupid talking meters, or in our case, non-talking

meters.

Who knew a few short months ago that we'd be writing and contacting the

Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the

Blind, Ontario Health, the federal government's Minister of Health Canada,

our provincial member of Provincial Parliament, our own group insurance

plan, several manufacturers, and I'm not sure who else - but that's a lot of

time and effort built in to get a stupid talking meter. We're still not

there, except for some info that we now have from this group that we will be

following up on. But for goodness sake! It is just a meter!! Get on with it!

However... Yes, we could just buy one, but who wants or can afford the

strips out of pocket? There is a lengthy approval process, which is

underway, and maybe we can get special approval, then the insurance plan

might pay. Although if we give up eating altogether to support my driving

habit, then that ought to take care of a few diabetic issues for both of us

- not much risk of high BGs that way! Not to mention the fact that the

health care system itself is deficient here (in Ontario, Canada), to say the

least. Doctors are at critical shortage levels. And I've never seen such a

case of the game of medical " hot potato " that poor Larry is unfortunately

playing - and he is the potato in this case (sorry, Larry!).

He was diagnosed 3 months ago, had to deliver a compelling speech to his

doctor to get her to prescribe some metformin, because he wasn't happy with

his 200+ numbers all the time. It still isn't working well by the way, is

feeling crappy on it, and he still has another 3 weeks to wait before his

first visit to the endo. At the time of meeting with the endo, his bloodwork

will already be more than 4 months old, and his regular physician has

refused to even order some basic repeat labwork. That's apparently now the

other doctor's responsibility. *heavy sigh* I've got my own sordid tale as

well, but I won't bore anyone with that at this time. I'll just be a quiet

trooper with my pump and very quiet meter. My own endo appt is in 3 weeks as

well, and hopefully there will be some more improvement to the A1C. Fingers

are crossed. And above all, thank you for all of your kind welcome messages,

and you'll be hearing more from me.

Diagnosed Type 1 1989

Pumping since January 2008

[Guest guest]

In many areas of Canada, if you live in a small community that does not have

the type of specialist you must see for a chronic condition, the government

will pay for transportation to a larger city to see one. I've heard of this

happening in areas such as northern Saskatchewan.

Jen

RE: Another group newbie

You can pick your doctor. Just because the cost of health care is covered

by the government, you are not forced to go to a specific doctor. If you

live in a small area and you need to see a specialist for something, your

choices may be limited, but in no province in Canada are you forced to see a

doctor you don't like. There is always a choice.

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008

6:14 PM

[Guest guest]

In many areas of Canada, if you live in a small community that does not have

the type of specialist you must see for a chronic condition, the government

will pay for transportation to a larger city to see one. I've heard of this

happening in areas such as northern Saskatchewan.

Jen

RE: Another group newbie

You can pick your doctor. Just because the cost of health care is covered

by the government, you are not forced to go to a specific doctor. If you

live in a small area and you need to see a specialist for something, your

choices may be limited, but in no province in Canada are you forced to see a

doctor you don't like. There is always a choice.

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008

6:14 PM

[Guest guest]

In many areas of Canada, if you live in a small community that does not have

the type of specialist you must see for a chronic condition, the government

will pay for transportation to a larger city to see one. I've heard of this

happening in areas such as northern Saskatchewan.

Jen

RE: Another group newbie

You can pick your doctor. Just because the cost of health care is covered

by the government, you are not forced to go to a specific doctor. If you

live in a small area and you need to see a specialist for something, your

choices may be limited, but in no province in Canada are you forced to see a

doctor you don't like. There is always a choice.

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.

Checked by AVG.

Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1429 - Release Date: 5/12/2008

6:14 PM

[Guest guest]

I'd like to chime in here with a thought or 2 based on my experience. It is true

that you are not forced into seeing a specific doctor in Canada. You have a

choice from among those who are, at the time, seeking new patients. The problem

here in Ontario is that very few doctors are seeking or even reluctantly

accepting new patients when compared with the number of individuals who are

seeking a physician.

For my family, the search for a doctor lasted three years. Then, when you find a

doctor who is accepting new patients, you are required to attend what is termed

a " meet and greet. " During this appointment, no examinations are performed and

no treatment is offered. You size the doctor up, the doc sizes you up and either

of you is free to decline any future doctor-patient relationship.

As you get to know the doctor, you may find him/her to be not particulaly to

your liking. But if the choice is this doctor or no doctor it is really no

choice at all. It is, however, important to remember that a doctor may, at any

given time, fire a patient.

And specialists? When I was diagnosed as a type two, I was referred to an

endochronologist. The wait between my referral and my pending appointment was/is

3 and a half months. I don't know if that should be considered a long time but

when a prescribed medication comes with more side effects than I'm comfortable

in tolerating the wait seems long.

I have no experience with the helth system in any other province, but I do know

that they vary. I also know that problems with our Ontario health system with

its doctor and nurse shortage etc, tops the concerns of many voters. That being

said, it does offer basic health care to all Canadian citizens and to all

permanent residents like myself.

Living in the States, as I did for more than the first 50 years of my life,

there were times when serious illeness would have met with either no treatment

or financial ruin. When our system here in Ontario annoys me, I try to remember

that. We can do better though and in my judgment, ok is never good enough.

Sorry for the editorial. I didn't plan for it. Call it an occupational hazzard

left over from 2 former occupations.

Larry

[Guest guest]

I'd like to chime in here with a thought or 2 based on my experience. It is true

that you are not forced into seeing a specific doctor in Canada. You have a

choice from among those who are, at the time, seeking new patients. The problem

here in Ontario is that very few doctors are seeking or even reluctantly

accepting new patients when compared with the number of individuals who are

seeking a physician.

For my family, the search for a doctor lasted three years. Then, when you find a

doctor who is accepting new patients, you are required to attend what is termed

a " meet and greet. " During this appointment, no examinations are performed and

no treatment is offered. You size the doctor up, the doc sizes you up and either

of you is free to decline any future doctor-patient relationship.

As you get to know the doctor, you may find him/her to be not particulaly to

your liking. But if the choice is this doctor or no doctor it is really no

choice at all. It is, however, important to remember that a doctor may, at any

given time, fire a patient.

And specialists? When I was diagnosed as a type two, I was referred to an

endochronologist. The wait between my referral and my pending appointment was/is

3 and a half months. I don't know if that should be considered a long time but

when a prescribed medication comes with more side effects than I'm comfortable

in tolerating the wait seems long.

I have no experience with the helth system in any other province, but I do know

that they vary. I also know that problems with our Ontario health system with

its doctor and nurse shortage etc, tops the concerns of many voters. That being

said, it does offer basic health care to all Canadian citizens and to all

permanent residents like myself.

Living in the States, as I did for more than the first 50 years of my life,

there were times when serious illeness would have met with either no treatment

or financial ruin. When our system here in Ontario annoys me, I try to remember

that. We can do better though and in my judgment, ok is never good enough.

Sorry for the editorial. I didn't plan for it. Call it an occupational hazzard

left over from 2 former occupations.

Larry

[Guest guest]

I'd like to chime in here with a thought or 2 based on my experience. It is true

that you are not forced into seeing a specific doctor in Canada. You have a

choice from among those who are, at the time, seeking new patients. The problem

here in Ontario is that very few doctors are seeking or even reluctantly

accepting new patients when compared with the number of individuals who are

seeking a physician.

For my family, the search for a doctor lasted three years. Then, when you find a

doctor who is accepting new patients, you are required to attend what is termed

a " meet and greet. " During this appointment, no examinations are performed and

no treatment is offered. You size the doctor up, the doc sizes you up and either

of you is free to decline any future doctor-patient relationship.

As you get to know the doctor, you may find him/her to be not particulaly to

your liking. But if the choice is this doctor or no doctor it is really no

choice at all. It is, however, important to remember that a doctor may, at any

given time, fire a patient.

And specialists? When I was diagnosed as a type two, I was referred to an

endochronologist. The wait between my referral and my pending appointment was/is

3 and a half months. I don't know if that should be considered a long time but

when a prescribed medication comes with more side effects than I'm comfortable

in tolerating the wait seems long.

I have no experience with the helth system in any other province, but I do know

that they vary. I also know that problems with our Ontario health system with

its doctor and nurse shortage etc, tops the concerns of many voters. That being

said, it does offer basic health care to all Canadian citizens and to all

permanent residents like myself.

Living in the States, as I did for more than the first 50 years of my life,

there were times when serious illeness would have met with either no treatment

or financial ruin. When our system here in Ontario annoys me, I try to remember

that. We can do better though and in my judgment, ok is never good enough.

Sorry for the editorial. I didn't plan for it. Call it an occupational hazzard

left over from 2 former occupations.

Larry