Hi everyone,
I've had type 1 diabetes for 15 years and am looking for a sense of community, which brought me here. I've been posting a lot today, but am usually not online this much - I just am feeling a real need for connection with other type 1-ers.
I'm in the Southwest, am 35, and, by profession, a librarian. However, I've been out on short-term disability since the end of February due to an unrelenting fatigue that keeps me sleeping more than half of every day. My blood sugars are always wonky, seemingly especially since I started using an insulin pump (medtronic 712 with cgms) in the fall. Things are such that I seem to be approaching long-term disability status. I will likely lose my house in the process, but maybe that's not such a bad thing.
Other diagnoses include endometriosis, osteopenia, "poor sleep architecture," hypo unawareness, pelvic floor dysfunction, interstitial cystitis, chronic pain, migraines, mitral regurgitation, vitamin d and b-12 deficiencies, a rapid resting heart rate, diabetic neuropathy, and depression. Most of this has been dx'd in the past 2 years. I am also currently exploring whether I might have autonomic neuropathy.
I'm frustrated with the healthcare I'm receiving in Arizona and am losing hope for ever feeling better. All my physicians are willing to blame everything I'm dealing with on diabetes, but so far, I have had little success in finding a physician who can help me get my rapidly-fluctuating blood sugars under control. I feel frustrated with my diabetes, too; ever since a car accident left me in chronic pain 6 years ago, my sugars have been haywire no matter what I do. I've been watching my health go downhill since then despite all my attempts at various treatments and modalities.
I am fortunate in having a very supportive relationship with my boyfriend. Most of my joy right now comes from our relationship and my Buddhist practice & sangha. Oh, and my cat, Myste. I've been thinking about the possibility of getting a diabetes-trained service dog, but I'm not sure my cat would approve... :) I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!