Hello everyone. Just stopping by to learn and hopefully become a better, healthier me. I'm a 22 year old T1 diagnosed 10 years ago but not on a pump yet. This is my 1st post so I'll share my story:
I did great my first few years of having diabetes. I think my family handled it pretty well. I lost weight during onset which was a good thing because I was heavy. (Now weighing ~130). My BG levels were doing good and I had a great endocrinologist...Until my mom lost her job and insurance and everything went south. Well except us, we moved to Virginia from Florida lol. Upon moving here and being separated from my (now 24 y/o) brother, i began becoming depressed and skipped shots which, needless to say wasn't a good decision. Then complications began like Neuropathy and gastroparesis. Not only that, I've been hospitalized CONSTANTLY for DKA. Most recent episode was last week....I know this isn't the site to do so but please don't judge me. My highest blood sugar reading from the Lab in the ER was 1776! yes thats one THOUSAND, I truly thank God I'm alive. That was my wake up call because I was unresponsive for 2 days. I desperately need a pump now because my A1C is at 13.4 and I do not want any more complications. My neuropathy has resolved pretty much completely and no more complications.
I join this site in hopes to share my experiences, thoughts, and offer any insight as well as accept any and all that are given. I appreciate all honesty and bluntness. My family is very supportive, I'm still at home with my mother, working from home because of flexibility with college as well as not having to call in sick to a job. My mom is pretty frustrated with me at this point and I am with my self as well. In all honesty I may need to see a psychologist (do I?) because I tend to blatantly mistreat myself. I skip taking blood sugar readings and my novolog at times (Trying a lot harder now).
That was the honest true part of my situation. Now the perspective coming from someone with the disease for some parents who may wonder what and why their child is doing this:
Some (like myself) are just honestly frustrated with not being able to be NORMAL anymore. Why? Quite frankly its annoying to do. Finger pricks DO HURT, the injections don't really but the pain is more from just having to do it.
Going out with friends, Sometimes I'd like to just go and eat and not worry about having to check or take my insulin (that's why I skip sometimes)...Yes I know I'm damaging my body but THIS SUCKS!!! I'm sorry if this is more like a vent or a blog rather than insight but this is just how I feel and maybe someone else is too but can't find the words to express.
While I type this I will offer advice to parents seeking help based on my experiences as the 'child' and what I'm doing wrong.
Parents:
If your child is constantly getting sick and needing doctor's help but still 'say' theyre doing the right things, CHECK THEIR METERS FOR DATES AND TIMES. (ive lied to my mom even in front of the doctors) I know you'll swear by your kid to save face...do it, save the embarrassment but make sure you let them know the truth.
More than likely your child will eat the wrong things once they feel comfortable with Diabetes, its okay...they'll be okay but make sure theyre taking their insulin and not TOO much of the wrong things.
It's honestly a dedication to remember and do the right things so helpfully and sternly if need be remind them when they need to do so.
Kids will tell you a number just to get you off their backs. Double check this number when possible.
If your child is like me, there might be little you can do right now that will stop them from doing what THEY WANT! They'll learn on their own but do NOT watch them damage themselves. Yes, sit back some days and maybe let them feel cruddy because it's a feeling WE ALL HATE.
If you're not diabetic yourself as a parent, and never have stuck yourself with a needle or for blood sugars...try it. You might get .5% of what they go through.
That may be it for now, I'm sorry for the long introduction but I felt compelled to write my story in hopes of helping someone out there. You can email me or private message or call. ANYthing you want I'll try my best to give an advice based on how I feel or what I've done.
If you think I'm crazy....i think so too lol but please understand or try to understand where I'm coming from.
Andrew