First Long-term complication

Letter

I suppose I have been lucky to make it 12 years without a long-term complication of this condition especially since I spent about 3 or 4 years with a highish fructosamine. But a year after I start to concentrate my efforts on managing my diabetes better and keeping my bg's lower this letter landed on my doorstep (or in the outdoor postbox where the letters get soggy). It tells me I have some background retinopathy and that it shouldn't be a problem etc.

This is not the worst of that long list of diabetes complications, it is however my first and also many peoples first and was a bit of a shock. I am aware my vision has gotten worse and eyes have been playing up (by getting stye infections) recently and although its probably not the result of diabetes it is a pain and the niggle of blame lies with diabetes, my control and ultimately me even if its not the case. This is why the letter I received wasn't how I felt the news should be delivered. Due to the DOC and good education I know a fair bit about diabetic retinopathy and the causes etc however the news you have background retinopathy and all the info about it should not be delivered in a letter and leaflet. Although it offers for you to contact and talk to your GP or part of the retinopathy team I feel the whole thing is very impersonal and if you don't know what to do and have little support it can be a shock and quite intimidating. I understand the cost of face-to-face appointments on the NHS would be more than a simple letter, it would just be nicer if it was that way!

On a positive note after being sick (for the second time this year urrghh) diabetes seems to have 'reset' itself and my numbers for the past week have been really good (apart from after the pizza last night!) :)