"Minor Surgery Experience of a Person Living with Type 1 Diabetes"

I was referred to hospital by my GP to have an abscess removed. An added complication is that I live with type 1 Diabetes. 

Initially I was seen by the Surgical Assessment Team. The service was excellent except the lack of warning not to eat or drink in case immediate surgery was required. What particularly stood out to me was the conversation about when I would have the surgery to remove the abscess. The doctor worked with me to understand when would be most appropriate given that I had Type 1 Diabetes. 

I returned as agreed at 7.30 the next day. I met at least 20 different health care professionals in half a day and every one was professional, efficient and compassionate in the way they delivered their services. I really felt like they were wrapping the service around my needs whilst maintaining high quality standard procedures. What I particularly valued was the respect they had for me as an expert in my own condition. They listened to me with regard to timing, food and insulin and I was able to show them how to use my flash libre sensor to measure my blood sugar level during the operation. As a result of both departments working with me my blood sugar levels were maintained at the optimum level throughout the process. I even smiled when I woke up from the general anaesthetic to find the meter in my hand. 

Thank you to all of the staff concerned. I really appreciated that great experience of care.