I am currently visiting family in Australia. Lovely as it is I have been feeling unwell, I suspected that I had a UTI. Eventually I decided to go the Emergency Department, thinking I needed anti biotics.
Blissful little hospital in a tropical setting. I was the only patient ( sorry Brits). While there,I was given a finger prick blood test following glucose levels of 19 from a urine sample. 20 and they would have taken me in. I have only ever had borderline diabetes 2 readings. I was prescribed Metformin which I stopped taking a few days ago because of really bad diarrhoea. I had no indication that this was serious from my UK doctors, no tests, no instructions nothing. Steroid induced diabetes that will normalise when I get off Pred - on 4.5 mgs. I thought Metformin was almost an after thought. This was a total shock. I am in good hands now with a new powerful drug Sitagllptin Phos Monohyd 100 mgs ( Xelevia) I hope I can get its’ equivalent in the UK. This wasn’t caused by a bad diet, sugar, or alcohol or lack of exercise even, it just happened insidiously with little warning. The doctor said I could have ended up in a coma. My blood glucose seems to be creeping down but it will take a while to normalise, it is a bit all over the place. I feel so much better. My lovely First Nation GP will get me right for the journey home I hope. The UTI symptoms were caused by the sugar in my system. Another thing to be on the alert for.
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SheffieldJane
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So sorry that your time with your family has been interrupted by this but what brilliant care you’ve had! A knowledgable, thorough doctor who takes the time to explain and reassure are qualities we all look for and hope for and it’s clear you hit the jackpot! Enjoy the rest of your visit while you continue to recover. 💐
Sorry to hear that - apparently sitaglyptin works in a different way and is listed as "less preferred" than metformin in the UK. As long as it sorts you out!!
Sorry to hear you have been poorly when spending time with your family - but what brilliant care you have had - I too have been unwell when in Australia and the care I received like yours was thorough and and effective and carried out full of care. I also have family there working in a hospital and their health system leaves us standing. Enjoy the rest of your time down under.
You are probably right - my cousin is a British immigrant, her daughter was born in Oz and is a nurse in A&E (nothing like our A&E !!!!) and is married to an Irish Doctor.
I've really enjoyed the series set in Australian hosptals - especially Melbourne ED. I think the regulation that ALL doctors MUST do 6 months in the ED is very good. Gives them another perspective.
Absolutely - my husband was in A&E here 3 times before Christmas - 6 hours, 5 hour and then 7 hours the same day without seeing a doctor, the third time 15 hours and then admitted but no beds on wards..... the staff were caring but just count cope with the numbers of people thinking A & E stands for All and Everything....
Always did according to staff! But definitely worse now. My daughter is an ACP in the ED - equivalent of an F1/F2 doctor but probably more use as she was on the road as a paramedic for 10 years so very broad experience. Sometimes people turn up with the daftest things - despite the long waits. Here they started charging when people turned up for things that should have been taken to the GP - and you get nothing free that you can get at the chemist, so plasters, bandages, painkillers you are sent to the pharmacy. Deterred quite a few.
We like to watch a programme here called 24 hours in A&E. Some of the cases are serious and the staff are excellent. However some of the cases I would never dream of bothering A&E staff with 🙄
Thank you Groggrim - I'm afraid it's an ongoing bladder/prostate problem and may not ever be resolved, but we are positive and have a supportive family and many friends. I'm 5 years into my PMR journey too and appreciate all the information and kindness there is from all the 'special' people here. x
What a shock for you Jane but such excellent medical care. Sorry it’s interrupted time with your family but hope you’re on the road to recovery and can travel hope feeling better.
Oddly enough I'd been thinking about you a lot lately, as I hadn't noticed recent communications. Sorry that your health news wasn't better but so glad you got sorted very quickly once the problem was discovered. I hope you feel well enough to enjoy the rest of your time with your family. Take care. 🌺
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