....try to ensure that you have a good supply of insulin and medication on hand at all times. I was going to my Dr's to get usual prescription for insulins etc a couple of days after the earthquake. After the quake I stayed with my daughter in another town (as no running water/sewerage) and rang my usual Medical Centre and asked please could I get a script for a cartridge of insulin to be faxed to the nearest chemist, and I would make the appointment with my Dr when I came home in the next week. The Practise Nurse refused and said they were much too busy dealing with matters of life and death. She also asked frostily 'why I was using up more insulin than usual' (...well Nurse, just guess!) I had to cycle seven kilometres to find a nice chemist who gave me the necessary insulin. So it worked out OK in the end.

With insulin it pays to keep a couple of week's worth handy because no matter what they tell you on TV (about normal Drs' surgeries being open/phone numbers available to get necessary drugs etc etc) these systems may not work for you or work at all in your area.

How are other people with Type 1 who live in Canterbury getting on?

I usually have at least a couple of week's worth of insulin on hand for DS, sometimes manage to get a bit more ahead. My biggest worry with meds is mine. I'm on antidepressants and because of what they are, the chemist won't let me get too many at a time. I can never get them stocked up a bit, and I know in a disaster is one time I'd need them.

A huge earthquake somewhere years ago reminded me about this, and ever since then I've been keeping ahead on my scripts, always have at least one cartridge spare - up to 3 or 4 sometimes (one is enough to last me ages, a week and a half maybe).

I also have an emergency bag for such occasions... lets hope we never need it. Inside it is spare meds, needles, etc. And more water than anyone else needs just in case the stress makes me high which means super thirst for me!

I do hope you complained to the practice Manager, as the Nurse concerned obviously needs to resit her accreditation.