Adult with Type One

MonicaM · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 12:15 PM

I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with Type I over the holidays. I spent four days in the hospital wondering how in the world this happened. I have always tried to take care of my body. I eat well, run marathons, exercise five to six times a week and live a pretty good life. However, I was not completely in shock when they told me. Over the last several years a little part of me had a feeling something was wrong, I even asked to be tested one year ago...of course the test came back negative. I feel better now than I have felt in two years. All of the little questions, such as why the blister on my toe never healed correctly, why my eyesight seemed to get worse, why I was tired all the time, why I felt like I was having panic attacks, etc. now have an answer. Don't get me wrong, I had my pity party, but now I have to move forward and not let this control my life.

I don't understand diabetes completely, but I am determined to do my best. I have all the normal questions....why am I having to double my carbs when taking only 2 units at breakfast. Can I cut back on my units if I am not that hungry? Will I ever sleep solidly thru the night without worrying if I will go low?

Has anyone gone to support group classes? Does it help? Will my future husband understand? ie, mood swings, etc.

I do have a good doctor, as he was diagnosed with Type I in college. I know in time my questions will be answered. It just seems so strange, I guess I am just one big kid.

rzrbks · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 12:33 PM

Sorry you had to join us is such an unpleasant fashion MonicaM.

Quote:

Don't get me wrong, I had my pity party, but now I have to move forward and not let this control my life.

Good start.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you are being overwhelmed with information at this point but as you relax and grow more accustomed to the situation you will understand and come to feel more comfortable.

You and the Dr. are at a stage where you are feeling your way around to grasp where you are and what works for you. Controlling Diabetes is as much art as it is science.
Patience is one of the key mantras that Diabetics have to incorporate into their lives.

As for cutting back on Carbs and insulin--right now that probably is not a good thing. Again, you and the Dr. have to establish a base line from where you will then begin controlling your insulin, carbs and life. BUT-- you have to establish a baseline and work from there.

Quote:

It just seems so strange, I guess I am just one big kid.

Hah, read enough of the posts and threads here and you will see that applies to most all here. Join the club.

MonicaM · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the feedback. My doc has given me the go ahead on changing up my insulin before meals, of course with what I am eating. I am a vegetarian and it is really difficult to find 50-75 carbs of healthy food sometimes without stuffing myself like it is Thanksgiving day, three times a day.

I do take Lantus as well. He is also allowing me to move forward with the pump. He said that insurance can sometimes be a bear and that he felt comfortable with me moving forward in a few months. I am really looking forward to the day I get that thing!!! It appears that it really helps some people. We'll see. Again, thanks for the support and feedback.

lgvincent · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 01:23 PM

Wish I could afford one of the darn things. It looks like it would be uncomfortable having it connected to you so much but I guess you can get used to it, if you have the means to pay for it.

rzrbks · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

MonicaM

I do take Lantus as well. He is also allowing me to move forward with the pump. He said that insurance can sometimes be a bear and that he felt comfortable with me moving forward in a few months. I am really looking forward to the day I get that thing!!! It appears that it really helps some people. We'll see. Again, thanks for the support and feedback.

If you go on the pump you'll be able to kiss the Lantus good-bye.

You might want to check out the different pump companies. My CDE and I are partial to the Deltec Cozmo, but you've got to find the one that works for you.

There are alternatives to the pump, my personal choice for now, the InDuo by OneTouch is a portable device. It's as if you are using a non-attached pump. (No I don't work for them.

) And since you've still got to carry a meter with you while on the pump, I decided to have the optionstill open to me.

Just keep in mind that it's a day-by-day process and that we all have ups and downs. That's why we gather here and whine and complain to people who know what we're going through.

It sounds like you've got a good Dr. and that you've decided to move on in a healthy fashion.

I congratulate you. ( picture a deep sweeping bow)

HeatherP · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2004, 02:30 PM

Hi MonicaM, and Welcome to the club! I'm T1 for 12 years, I take multiple injections daily of Humalog and Lantus. Having a dr that has diabetes will probably be a boon for you - he most likely understands the disease WAY more than most doctors. You should see a dietician/CDE - he/she will be teach you about changing your insulin to carb ratios, testing your b/s and all kinds of other details that will be a big help in learning to live healthily with this disease.

All of the worries and info can be overwhelming at first, so just absorb as much as you can, and then maybe do a "refresher course" w/ your CDE 6-12 months later.

I'm sure I speak for us all when I say please feel free to ask questions, vent, and share your own experiences.

Welcome again,
HeatherP

MonicaM · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2004, 09:04 AM

Thanks again for the feedback, it is nice to know there is a place to ask questions amongst the common folk.

I am leaving on a flight in a couple of weeks. This will be my first since being diagnosed. My doc and NP said that the airport sceening is a lot better than what it use to be, as far as all the needles, etc. I know that I need to carry everything on with me, is there any other advice? I fly a lot so I want to make sure I get it down to a science. Are they going to strip search me when they see the needles:>) Just trying to be prepared.

Thanks again!!!!!!!

HeatherP · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2004, 09:20 AM

Hi Monica,

I've traveled a few times, but only w/i the country, so I don't know about international travel.

When I get to the security checkpoint I tell them right away that I am diabetic and I have syringes and insulin etc with me. I carry my prescription print outs from the pharmacy, and although I've never been asked, a note from your doctor probably wouldn't hurt. I've been asked to turn my monitor on, and they rub this swab-thing around my insulin but it always comes up positive for drugs, but I've never been hassled about it.

Hope that helps,
HeatherP

p.s. I don't know what kind of monitor you have, but the older ones could be harmed by the xray machines - make sure you can send yours thru.

lgvincent · #9 (**permalink**) 01-15-2004, 09:37 AM

I'm surprised about the insulin showing up positive for the drugs. I though something like that would be fine, especially since you can't get a high off of it. Oh, dopey me!
What sort of harm does the x-ray machine do to meters? I've gone into buildings that use them but have never put my meter into one. I just show it to whoever is operating the machine to let them know what it is but I've worried about the x-rays erasing the memory or something so that's why I've not put mine into one.

HeatherP · #10 (**permalink**) 01-15-2004, 09:43 AM

When I got my first meter, a One Touch II, the manual said it could be harmed by xray machines, so not to let it go thru one. The last two I've had, I checked w/ the manufacturers and was told it was okay to send them thru. It probably depends on how old the meter is.