Lately I have been having anxiety.....

[karen]

..............about complications if I make it to retirement. I don't know if this is a normal feeling, of aging and not having good health, or more of a concern because I am diabetic.

I feel very fortunate after 40 years of diabetes to be relatively complication free but.......

Karen

[am1977]

I think that as a Diabetic, it's a concern most of us have... I know it is for me. In fact, more and more recently, I'm feeling myself be more anxious and stressed out than (probably) necessary, and I can't say exactly why. Today, I went for a manicure and the girl who did my nails had to tell me to relax... then they threw in a free massage- I guess it looked like I needed it.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that you aren't alone in your anxiety. I think it happens to a lot of us.

[MJM]

..............about complications if I make it to retirement. I don't know if this is a normal feeling, of aging and not having good health, or more of a concern because I am diabetic.

I feel very fortunate after 40 years of diabetes to be relatively complication free but.......

Karen

Karen, worry only increases anxiety, so won't help matters. Try to just go along with things and count your blessings that you have gone without complications for such a long period. Who knows maybe another 40 years are on the cards for you. :thumbsup:

[princesslinda]

Hi Karen:
Sorry to hear of your anxiety. It is understandable though...and allowed. I think we all think about the "what-ifs" every now and then. I'm newly diagnosed at age 42 and I often wonder what will happen to me (i've seen so many BAD things happen to my mother due to uncontrolled diabetes before she died at age 54). You've been managing your diabetes so well for so long, you should be proud of yourself. I can't imagine. I'm overwhelmed at times after just 4 months of having it.

My neighbor, age 14, has just been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease..and I got to thinking how I worry that I may die young like my mom and only have 13 more years, then I started thinking how he'll probably never get to get married and have kids...what a different perspective it gave me.

Anyway, bottom line, we can't control the thoughts that enter our mind, but we can CHOOSE to dwell on them or not. Let's choose "not."

Hope your anxiety lessens...you've encouraged me just by the 40 years of managing things :).

[hadi_1975]

We can't avoid such feelings in us, sure it happens sometimes. It happened to me when i first had microalbumine in my urine. But after about 10 years I am doing more than good and the microalbumineuria is gone. Look at yourself and what has you achieved in those 40 years of good care (I really mean it when I say “good”). You have fulfilled your duties so well, now it's time to enjoy the beauties of your life with your family.

[Aftiel]

Hey Karen,

It isn't just diabetics that feel this by a long stretch. The amount of people that are taking medication for it is staggering.

The girl doing your manicure probably has parents and relatives on Xanax - it seems to be the trend.

I agree that it is human nature anymore to focus on things - almost to the point of being a phobia.

But as has been said - try and ease your mind - 40-years as a Type 1 should help you realize you have the hang of it really well :)

- Aftiel