Health REAL LIFE
Anjie Chhapai, 67, from London, learnt her pharmacist could manage her condition.
Stepping into my local GP surgery, it was time for my review. Having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 15 years ago, Ihad sixmonthly reviews where my medication was discussed.
And while I usually did all my appointments with the nurse, in 2019, Iwas offered a new alternative.
‘Your review may be done by the pharmacist,’ the nurse told me over the phone.
I’d been called following my blood tests to let me know my medication may be adjusted.
Ihad no idea Icould have my review with the pharmacist at my GP surgery –I’d only ever
picked up prescriptions before.
But at my appointment with them, Ifound it was areally positive experience.
It was private and confidential –I felt like Icould really trust my pharmacist.
I got areally thorough explanation of what my medication did.
And because of this, I felt like Icould understand and talk about any side effects.
‘I’ve been getting bad tummy aches,’ I told her. ‘I feel lethargic and I’m getting body aches.’
‘Well, we can change your medication,’ Iwas reassured by her.
And going through my options, Iwas prescribed aslowrelease medication – as atrial –to see if it would ease discomfort.
Only when Ifound it didn’t work, the pharmacist was there for me again and tried me on self-managed insulin injections in 2019, which worked really well for me.
I could trust them!
I felt like Ihad a good rapport with the pharmacist.
