It's quite hard when making a positive change in life, when you have that one negative force dragging you down. For me it's my mother. She's been to every single diabetes related appointment I've had, We've had the same amount of instructions, previews, displays, informative discussions etc. But she literally knows nothing. She even tells family members "Oh he's doing so well, But I couldn't be any more lost." No matter how much I tell her, or show her it's like she doesn't care. But yet, if I sleep in for an hour, or have a later lunch she's suddenly and expert and "Oh you have to check your sugar, and do your insulin." I'm basically just ranting, but does anyone have an idea as to how I can get her to actually register with what I'm saying?
This can be difficult, but I'm sure she really does care. Sit her down and talk to her about the situation, let her ask you questions so she can understand better. The reality is at 18 your an adult and your on your own. My parents really care and understand what is going on in my life, but I handle my diabetes and everything that goes along with it, keeping track of supplies, making and going to appointments, all on my own. I think your best decision is to have a major heart to heart with her. Good Luck and I hope your situation gets better!
You should sit wth her and tell how you feel. If you hold in how you feel it will just "blow up" inside you! Go over what medications you are on and all the doctors you see. Also explain to what diabetes is and how is affects your daily life. Also keep in mind it is hard for her as well. Good luck and just think positive it will get better!
Obviously I can't say for sure, but maybe "not knowing" is her way of dealing with it. She definitely cares. She probably cares so much that she has taken the "ignorance is bliss" approach. I'm not saying that she's in denial, but I'm sure she's scared of what she might learn. My husband is the same way with our son who has diabetes. Don't stop talking to her and getting her involved, though. She'll feel better as time passes. Maybe you can encourage her to come to Juvenation. Meanwhile, I hope you find lots of support from others.
I gotta admit, Brandon, when I saw the title of your post, I thought you were going to follow it up with, "...to be a woman." (anyone?....anyone?).
Hang in there, man. I'm sure it's a little frustrating for you, but as a parent, I'm sure it's frustrating for her not being able to make the whole "Diabetes thing" go away. I'm sure she's worried (as many people are) about the possible complications.
Just reassure her that you're on top of your game and you are a normal teenager who likes to sleep a little later and eat at different times during the day. Is it better to have a schedule for this stuff? Sure. But, living under the thumb of a routine that doesn't fit what you want to do, isn't living at all.
Best of luck and enjoy your stay, Rick
Brandon,
It is very hard to deal with parents sometimes when they think they know what is going on and I mean it in the nicest sense. When I was younger and doing MDI I had many lows and issues with Hypoglycemia so my mom would always associate my being tired, grumpy, or stubborn as having a low blood sugar. It was a pain in the butt but I just dealt with it. Fast forward to now. IN the past two years I have been really trying to take care of myself, I am on an insulin pump and have a CGM. Yet my mom still thinks that every time I am tired, moody or stubborn, it means to her that my sugar is low. Oddly enough since trying to get control and using the CGM, things have been so great for me. I am more aware of things, yet I still have my moods. It annoys the heck out of me that my mother still tries to fit my moods to the old causes. I have tried to explain to her that things are different now and I am in much better control. However, she is a mother and as you know they worry no matter what. I could get cured tomorrow and the first day I had a bad mood I am sure my mom would still ask me if my sugar was low and if I needed to eat. Try talking, but not to put a damper on what others are saying, it might not take the first few times you talk to her about.