by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
Generally, people aren’t choosing to see a dietitian on their own. It’s usually a recommendation from their health provider. When you have good appointments with people, and they learn something and don’t hate the entire hour they were with you, that’s something to be celebrated as a dietitian.
I think it is necessary to be aware that people aren’t excited about seeing a dietitian. I’ve always realized most people don’t want to be sitting in that chair across from me. They may have just had a life-changing diagnosis – which is what happens with most patients I see these days. Someone wasn’t feeling good, and they go to the walk-in, only to find out their life has changed forever, and it’s regarding food. So, now we need to learn how to navigate that – hopefully without too much life disruption or tears. But tears come. I get it. It’s a lot to take in with little time to process. And a lot of times, we’ve only heard scary things about diabetes.
I try to bring a comforting face and an attitude to let this patient – and their family – know they will be fine. They can do this. Will it suck sometimes? Yep! But we can do it. I’ve been in that seat. Thought all the things they are thinking. Having type 1 gives me a whole different perspective on how I talk to patients. It isn’t doomsday, but there are crappy things involved. When was the last time anyone was excited to get a shot?
So many moms have breathed a sigh of relief after knowing that I had a baby, no complications for either of us – everyone was healthy. Thankfully that wasn’t going to rob their child of being a parent or them of being grandparents.
I don’t have a ton of rules when I visit patients. There is a lot of thankfulness in that. Good nutrition is always the goal, but everyone needs to realize having diabetes doesn’t change your palate and make you some type of “perfect” eater. Oreos, birthday cake, and your favorite mashed potatoes grandma makes can all fit!!
Parents and patients have been thankful when I’ve shared that I also have type 1. And I seem normal! 😉 Sometimes, they don’t know anyone who has it, and that creates loneliness. Or they only know something bad that’s happened to someone with diabetes. That creates fear. Loneliness and fear aren’t going to create a safe space to learn.
I’m thankful I can provide a safe and mostly positive space to teach new patients, and I’m thankful they trust me. But I’m most thankful for my AMAZING dietitian, Barb Moe, who gave me a great mindset and inspired me to be just like her!
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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