"An Independent Patient Advocate who cares"

I am a full time carer for my 74 year old husband, who has stage 4 cancer that has metastasised throughout his body. He is in palliative care and is currently participating in a Clinical Trial at the Macquarie Uni Hospital which is providing his only hope of a cure.

My caring responsibilities have been frustrated by the fact that for 36 years I have been a type 1 diabetic who also suffers severely from 'impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia' episodes. As a pensioner, with no private medical cover, I have been unable to afford the purchase of a Continuous Glucose Monitor which I am needing to alert me of an impending hypo. My husband is now no longer able to assist me with getting through these hypo's, whereas previously I depended on him for help to prevent the inevitable coma, especially with my frequent nocturnal hypo's. The frustration of this has certainly added stress to our situation and has made our current life style tense and unsafe.

I had sought assistance from every government, medical and diabetic department imaginable, only to be told that if I was under 21 years of age, I would be eligible for a government subsidy for help - but otherwise nothing. That is not what a 70 year old needs to hear! I was at my wits end.

Consequently I approached Dorothy at Independent Patient Advocates Australia for advice. Even though she was overseas on leave, she took my call and immediately responded with providing helpful contacts and suggestions. Her commitment to helping others find solutions to their medical problems was most impressive. I am now thrilled to report I have been provided with a Continuous Glucose Monitor to ensure my future safety and reduce the stress my husband and I have been facing.

Based on this experience, I would recommend the services of Patient Advocates Australia to anyone needing assistance with medical problems and would strongly suggest our government subsidise Continuous Glucose Monitors for ALL diabetics and not only those under 21 years.