Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bernard on February 23, 2011 at 7:36am

If no-one responds, you might try contacting Ginger Vieira whose lived in Vermont.

Permalink Reply by David on February 28, 2011 at 4:01am

Hi type 1,

I'm in the Burlington area and I currently go to Dartmouth. I have no experience with Fletcher Allen here in Burlington. I am actually thinking of switching doctors. I can email you privately if you want to know why. I'd like to ask you why you are looking for someone outside your area. I'm assuming it's Dr. Trost that you are referring to as the only endo in central VT. I was thinking of seeing her. Is there some reason you don't want to see her or do you have experience with her?

Permalink Reply by type1VT on March 2, 2011 at 9:54am

Hey David! Thanks for the response. Yep, I'm seeing Dr. Trost. I believe she's very knowledgeable, but I'm following a low carbohydrate diet (very low, the Dr. Bernstein diet) and she personally doesn't recommend the low carb approach. The diabetic counselor and nutritionist in the same group are also not supportive of the low carb diet, but I've had wonderful results (drastic reduction in my HbA1C after a short period of time, great blood sugars except for some lows, etc.) from the Dr. B diet and so I want to continue on it. Just looking for some more options in the healthcare community and particularly those that might be supporters of the Dr. B diet (or Protein Power, etc.)

Permalink Reply by David on March 2, 2011 at 10:36am

Hi,

I was looking at some of your other posts and noticed you followed Dr. B's plan and wondered if you were running in to conflict with the doctor about that. What's the big deal? If I had a patient who was doing well with what they were doing and lab work was good, then why should it be an issue?

Actually, I'm a dietitian so I can ask around for someone (endo/CDE) who is more open to a more non traditional way of eating. But I'll be honest, it might not be easy. I'm pretty much into complimentary and alternative medicine and find the traditional approach to treating diabetes as much too non holistic. What I wish I could find is a naturopath who is well versed in diabetes care!. I know of one CDE who is in to complimentary and alternative nutrition. My eating pattern is also not quite traditional (but not low, low carb) but since I've always done well and labs are always great, I think they tend to leave me alone since I'm an RD. All the RDs and CDEs I've seen always remark that my diet puts them to shame! I did do low carb in the past, but as a former vegetarian, it was difficult for me to stick to it easily as I don't eat that much meat. I also started feeling better overall once I started eating more carbs but I'm pretty particular about the carbs I eat.

Aside from your dietary differences with Dr. Trost, how did you find her otherwise? I am looking for someone who is more responsive than my current endo. The 2 times that I actually have a problem , I get letters from him 1 to 2 weeks later (and one instance was regarding my basal rates on my pump not too long after starting on it). I need help getting my basal rates fine tuned and I'm getting somewhat vague suggestions and I want to do this more methodically as in doing basal rate tests. I have not been completely thrilled with the support I got from the CDE after starting on the pump so I have resorted to consulting Gary Scheiner with Integrated Diabetes Services in PA. They offer a 3 mo pump optimization program which is just what I'm looking for.

I'm glad you are having success in managing your diabetes with your diet and can relate to your frustration regarding finding a supportive provider.

Permalink Reply by hockeydad on February 16, 2012 at 9:31am

Hi i live in Lebanon NH. I really like all the people in the endocrinoligy dept. I would just my docotr but she is leaving in June. So she has to get me in contact with a new docotor there.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Truex on April 12, 2012 at 1:54pm

Ginger is a wonderful contact and a dear friend of mine, and has far more experience in connecting people in the DOC. However, I have found all of my endocrinology experiences very frustrating up here in Burlington. Be it slow response time, or just poor bedside manner, it has left a bad taste in my mouth. That being said, it has taken many different physicians for me to finally say that I am very happy with Dr. Andrea Marney at Fletcher Allen Endocrinology.

Best of luck in your search, and feel more than free to contact me with any questions.