A Whole New World28 Jan 2009 09:34 am
By The Wiz
Guess what? I get to play in the world of doctor’s offices and insurance companies and constant medication for the rest of my life! Woo-Hoo!
Type I Diabetic. That’s me.
I guess that’s another reason why I’m so stinking skinny.
Don’t know much yet - just beginning the journey.
On the plus side - I never have to fast on fast Sunday again.
Also, the doctor told me to stop going to Curves immediately. Score. (I know I’ll probably have to go again once everything’s leveled off, but for now, NO BURNING ANYTHING EXTRA.)
Wow. I’m so sorry to hear that, Wiz! What a gigantic pill to swallow. Our prayers are with you and your fam as you attempt to figure out what all this means. Good luck and know you’re loved by all of us readers out here and we’re all pulling for you!
Comment #1 by StarababaJanuary 28th, 2009 at 9:47 amGeez, Wiz, that totally sucks. You’re definitely in my prayers. If there’s a silver lining at all to news like that, it would be that there have been some great medical advancements that you can benefit from. New glucometers that can use blood from your arm instead of your fingertips, insulin pumps that can keep you from having to give yourself several shots a day—the possibility of a long, relatively healthy life is still there for you.
Comment #2 by JewelsJanuary 28th, 2009 at 10:24 amSeriously? Wow. That’s crazy. You should talk to Susan M- she’s been diabetic forever, I think.
Yay for no Curves, Boo for Diabetes. Hope you figure out all the kinks soon.
Comment #3 by Tracy MJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:10 amWhat?! Are you completely in shock or have you been having symptoms and are “somewhat” relieved to know what’s been going on?
Comment #4 by AndiJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:21 amBeing married to a Type 1, I can see how this is going to affect your life a bit. Yes the hassle with doctors and insurance companies may be a pain, and so will the finger pricks, but I think the medical community is better at this than they were twenty years ago. Exercise will still be needed once the doctors help you figure out how food affects your blood sugar, in fact it’s a big help in controlling it. Oh, and by the way, yes you can test on your arm, but the finger pricks give a more accurate reading when it comes to glucose readings. Believe me, my hubby so wishes he didn’t have to prick his fingers being a mechanic and all, but accurate numbers are key to control…and not eating sweets. It will get better, I promise. After a while it will be just another part of your routine. Hang in there!
Comment #5 by mormonhermitmomJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:32 amOne of my deacon’s was asked who he felt about having diabetes. His reply, “It’s not bad. I get to eat a lot of candy.”
Comment #6 by Tim JJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:47 amThe positive is that you have a diagnosis. You will learn it all quickly, and it will all be second nature before you know it. I personally think the no-more-fasting is a HUGE plus! lol
My second son (now 18) was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes over 3.5 years ago. Once your BG (blood glucose) levels are brought down to the levels your doctors want you at, you will have a “honeymoon” period where things are great, very stable BG numbers. For most people this lasts about a year. For my son, it lasted almost 3 years. His CNP has told him that his numbers are better than hers, and she doesn’t have diabetes! Now that he’s out of his honeymoon phase his BG levels fluctuate more often, sometimes without rhyme or reason.
He can eat what he wants, within reason, as long as he is willing to take insulin for the carbs. It doesn’t take long to get comfortable with the formula to figure out how much insulin to take or with knowing automatically how many carbs are in certain foods that you eat all the time. It really does become something that becomes familiar with time and practice. With the exception of time to check BG and take insulin, his life is very much what it was prior to diagnosis. He would love a pump but that hasn’t happened yet with our insurance situation. Continue to know your body so you can tell when you start feeling low (or high) so you can correct.
Honestly, the biggest differences for my son have been being allowed to have his bag of insulin and candy with him at all times just in case (so during the ACT or SAT or during marching band or…) and realizing that when he serves a mission there are certain developing areas of the world where he is guaranteed NOT to serve as he will need insulin and medical assistance readily available. He learned quickly to weigh the benefits of a brownie after a youth activity or a soda with a get together with friends against the need to take insulin first. He astounded his doctor and most people with how easily he could turn away from things he previously would have eaten without a second thought, especially as a teenager. And even though he was never squeamish around needles, he and our entire family are completely comfortable around them now!
FWIW, Starbursts are good for pockets or purses; they work faster than Jolly Ranchers. Softer candies are harder to carry as they get smashed easily. Chocolate takes longer to get through the blood stream, so that’s not a good option when you need to quickly raise your BG levels. Juice is also a good thing to have handy.
Sorry to be so wordy. I just want to encourage you that once you get used to this idea, it is really okay. You adjust to the changes you need to make and learn to recognize your body’s BG levels. And life pretty much goes on as before!
Comment #7 by Michelle AMJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:50 amAnd once again, others can say what I mean far more succinctly (#5). Thanks, mormonhermitmom!
Wiz, track your numbers so you can start recognizing your personal trends with your BG levels. It will get better and become routine, I promise!
Comment #8 by Michelle AMJanuary 28th, 2009 at 11:57 amI am so sorry, I saw your message on facebook, and thought I would check here to see if you made a post. I worked teaching kids about it at the hospital if you have any questions, also did diabetes camps as camp nurse. Good luck, I will be praying for you!
Comment #9 by AndreaJanuary 28th, 2009 at 12:07 pmI’m sorry to hear this, Wiz. I actually didn’t know you could get Type I as an adult. My best friend has Type I and she’s been managing it for years. It’ll take awhile, but the advice above seems pretty accurate. We love you.
Comment #10 by meemsJanuary 28th, 2009 at 12:08 pmSorry to hear the news.
A diagnosis can be such a relief, but can also trigger all the symptoms of grief. You know, anger, denial, bargaining, all those (not so) wonderful things.
I was just reading about the development of insulin the other day. If you’ve never read about it, it is an amazing and wonderful story. Here’s a rather technical history. You could probably find something a little easier to read. But talk about medical miracles.
Best wishes!
Comment #11 by ResearcherJanuary 28th, 2009 at 12:26 pmI’ve been a type 1 diabetic for 21 years and my DS#1 was diagnosed with it 4 years ago. I know that right now you feel overwhelmed but it will get better. Just think of it as a completely manageable life growth spurt.
Comment #12 by All8January 28th, 2009 at 12:57 pmWell, there goes the kidney donation!
Comment #13 by SallyGirlJanuary 28th, 2009 at 1:09 pmAh Wiz, you didn’t even tell us (Mormon Mommy Wars readers) that you were sick. (Unless I somehow missed it). If you don’t mind sharing, I would be interested in how you got to this diagnosis. As others have said, a Type I diagnosis in your early 30s? That’s very unusual, isn’t it? Does this mean that you have had undiagnosed Type I for decades, or have you actually developed it recently? Or do they know the answers to things like that?
I hope that your journey to this diagnosis hasn’t been through severe health problems. I will certainly send well wishes your way!
Comment #14 by Pmom@ChocolateandGarlic.comJanuary 28th, 2009 at 1:35 pmOh my goodness. This is a shock to me. Was it also a shock to you? Are you ok? Wishing you a speedy adjustment to all the new aspects of life with a diagnosis.
Comment #15 by Mrs. MJanuary 28th, 2009 at 1:40 pmOh, and while I’m wishing, I’ll wish that your house will sell. I haven’t missed that, have I?
Comment #16 by Mrs. MJanuary 28th, 2009 at 1:41 pmOh, I am so sorry, Wiz.
Comment #17 by JamiJanuary 28th, 2009 at 2:11 pmI’m so sorry.
A diagnosis is a good place to start. And they’ve been making great strides with treatment lately. One of my cousins just got in on a study to regrow pancreatic cells using stem cells to try to cure her diabetes. They said preliminary results have been promising. It’s possible there will be a cure someday, and in the meantime, it ought to be manageable, though an extra layer of stuff to take care of every day.
Best of luck with the insurance and doctor and testing rigamarole.
Comment #18 by kaduseyJanuary 28th, 2009 at 2:25 pmI went into the doctor because I was having the classic symptoms - constant thirst, peeing all the time, and weight loss, (which I can’t handle).
So, it wasn’t really a shock, really, but it hasn’t been going on for very long, (that I know of) so it’s not like I’ve been chronically ill or anything.
I think it’s fairly unusual to get in adulthood, but certainly not unheard of.
Comment #19 by The WizJanuary 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pmHey Wiz,
Comment #20 by sugarfreesweetyJanuary 28th, 2009 at 3:05 pmI was diagnosed as an adult (20) with Type 1 diabetes almost 8 years ago. Its definitely a life-changing experience. But, it will become easier and on those days when things are just too hard to handle, you can always blog about it!
Check my blog (look at diabetes labels) or message me for advice or questions if you have any.
Good luck in your journey.
See? There ARE studies that you can join. TOTALLY the way to go, babe.
Comment #21 by Heather O.January 28th, 2009 at 4:00 pmI apologize for being the unfeeling, uncaring one here, but:
It’s no big deal, Wiz. As long as you manage it properly (and are genetically predisposed), you can live as long as Pres. Hinckley (who had diabetes). President Monson also has diabetes, but I think his is Type II.
When our son was diagnosed, the doctors were amazed we took it so well, but my feelings were:
“Diabetes? Fine. That’s manageable. At least it’s not cancer or AIDS or Lou Gehrig’s disease or some other horrible condition.”
There are professional and college athletes with diabetes. The key is control and maturity. (OK; you might be in trouble.)
:)
Comment #22 by RayJanuary 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pmI was diagnosed with Type I when I was about 23, 15 years ago. Get on an insulin pump if you can. Makes things way easier.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want an ear. There’s a lot of emotional and mental adjustments that come with diabetes.
And if you have a great doctor, cling to him or her. They’re rare.
Comment #23 by Susan MJanuary 28th, 2009 at 5:04 pmMy best friend has worn evening gowns with her pump. You would never know it was there.
Diabetes is a $%^&#$ disease, but I’m so glad you found it…
Take care…
Comment #24 by traceyJanuary 28th, 2009 at 5:32 pmGood luck getting used to everything that will change for you…I’m sure it will bedifficult at first, but you’ll be okay. (((hugs)))
Comment #25 by mellocelloJanuary 28th, 2009 at 6:21 pmWow, I am sorry.
Yeah, it’s manageable. But it’s also a whole new world.
Sending you love…
Comment #26 by Emily M.January 29th, 2009 at 9:58 amWiz:
Been there, am doing that, have several t-shirts. I will give you but one piece of advice - get an insulin pump. Do whatever it takes to jump thru whatever hurdles there are, but get one.
It beats the daylights out of stabbing yourself in the gut three or four times a day.
Best of luck, and welcome to the club.
Comment #27 by CorderioJanuary 29th, 2009 at 10:14 amI never knew the warning signs of diabetes, so thanks for an informative post. Now I have something new to have the doctors check our middle son for, in our never-ending effort to figure out why he can’t gain weight.
Comment #28 by VadaJanuary 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pmTo add context to #22: Just 3.5 years prior to our son’s diagnosis of diabetes, he had emergency appendicitis. His appendix burst and toxins leaked into his stomach for days before doctors could pinpoint exactly what was wrong. I completely credit priesthood blessings for the miracle of it not turning septic. His stomach was a MESS. He was in the hospital for 11 days, lost TONS of weight. The doctors reassured me that there was never any fear of losing him in surgery, but I have never been so scared in my life!
After that, the diabetes diagnosis was pretty easy to accept as manageable and liveable. The 2.5 day hospital stay seemed like a breeze compared to the previous one.
Wiz, there are emotional hurdles to go through and many physical adjustments to make. We aren’t trying to minimize your personal situation.
I guess life experiences for each of us affect our attitudes and offer perspective in how we view circumstances over which we have no control.
Comment #29 by Michelle AMJanuary 29th, 2009 at 2:31 pmMy wife, the context adder. *grin*
Thanks, babe.
Comment #30 by RayJanuary 29th, 2009 at 8:46 pmMy wife, the context adder. *grin*
Thanks, babe.
Comment #31 by RayJanuary 29th, 2009 at 8:46 pmMy very first double post here. COOL!! Now I know how it feels to be a Twilight fan!!!!!!!!!!
Comment #32 by RayJanuary 29th, 2009 at 8:47 pmAlso, if you’re still in the era of having children, you will never have to take that dreaded Gestational Diabetes test!
I’ve had Type I for 24 years now and have lived through many improvements. I highly recommend an insulin pump. Everything will be a steep learning curve at first, you might as well learn with a pump, it actually makes things much easier. One key for me is to remember that one blood glucose reading does not mean imminent death. Do the best you can, but do not expect perfection. There are a lot of things that will influence your blood sugar levels that you cannot control, just roll with it. Take your blood sugar levels, do what you need to to get back to a good range and move on with your day.
And always, always pray for help. Heavenly Father knows your body and mind better than you do. Much luck and love to you!
Comment #33 by Lisa AJanuary 29th, 2009 at 9:37 pmWiz, so sorry to hear. I had gestational diabetes with my last baby and they took away all of my favorite food groups. (sugar, fat . . . ) Seeing how different foods affect blood sugar levels was an education that changed me for life. Love and prayers to you.
Comment #34 by momof8January 30th, 2009 at 12:08 pmFasting on fast Sunday is a privilege and a blessing-I am sorry you are not longer able to do that.
Comment #35 by RaeJanuary 31st, 2009 at 7:52 pmIf you go ahead with the insuling pump, fasting is a possibility. My hsuband has been diabetic for 23 years, since he was 11 and he has had his pump for a year now. It makes everything so much easier! If you are careful fasting is doable since the pump helps keep your BG levels more steady than periodic shots.
Comment #36 by AdrianeFebruary 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm