The other rant

Some days, I've had it with doctors. I love my new health care team, but honestly, every time I go to see one, I head off into a new realm of worry. First it's my feet. Then my thyroid. Then my cholesterol. Then my cholesterol's actually not too bad. And my thyroid is actually somewhat ok. And my feet are probably damaged from running, not diabetes. Life is good. Then I have another appointment.

Like the other day. I went to the opthamologist, who asked me how my blood sugar control is. Now, it's been difficult due to seasonal allergies, so that is what I told him. He told me I should keep my cholesterol down, due to a comment by my GP. The comment by the GP is actually based on a conversation I had with her in which we concluded that my lousy cholesterol of last year was caused by excessive quantities of Cornish Pasties eaten during a trip to England. I shudder to think about the cholesterol levels of the average pasty-eating Brit.

Actually, my cholesterol is ok. Not fabulous, but ok. However, she noted in my chart that we had a discussion about it, therefore the opthamologist tells me sternly to control my blood sugar and my cholesterol...and I have to explain the above and sound like a rambling, excuse-making, non-compliant person.

I get tired of being scolded for something new every time I see a new doctor. It's tiring. It uses up my mental energy. And you know, they should try living with serious allergies, hormones, and diabetes. Sure, it's easy to scold someone and tell them to be perfect. But perfection isn't possible with this disease, at least not for me. And telling me that I fail to be perfect at every turn isn't really all that helpful. Support, empathy, and a small amount of understanding would be a good alternative.