How do you mentally keep this disease in check?

[Aurelius]

All,

Since my diagnosis almost 3 months ago, my numbers have been VERY good (pretty much that of a person without diabetes) and I have lost over 40lbs through diet and exercise. That part has not been too difficult because this disease terrifies me into doing these things for myself.

The part I am still struggling with MAJORLY is the mental part.
I worry about complications from diabetes every minute of everyday.

I have missed a lot of work and am only now just getting back into the groove. My employer has been very understanding and essentially told me they would do anything and everything to help me. They are still paying me my regular salary regardless of how much time I miss but I know that I have to get back into things VERY soon.

I am also driving my wife absolutely nuts. She complains that all we do is talk about diabetes which is true. I have been going to counciling and it seems to help but it is very slow for me.

I have a ton of support from everyone I know.

I have even had several diabetics tell me not to worry about it and that I will be fine.

I also know I am doing everything in my power to keep this beast under control and have set personal standards higher than what my doctor has set for me.

Most importantly, I know I have obligations to family, friends and work that I must keep.

My questions for all of you are these:

What do you do to keep your mind off of the health issues?

Do you find that most people don't fully understand how serious this disease is?

Am I being too concerned?

Your thoughts would be a great help to me.

[Lloyd]

It is my experience that the more you do to improve your glucose situation, the better the results.

Learn all you can about diabetes.

If you have great results, resolve, and understand what is going on, the level of worry decreases greatly!

I don't worry about it at all now, but I still work hard at control.

Best wishes,

-Lloyd

[Hammer]

Hi Aurelius! Well, that's not an easy question to answer because everyone is different. I would suggest that you alter the way you're looking at your situation. You're doing everything right, so there isn't anything more you could be doing. Knowing this, you need to convince yourself that any complications that could develop are slim to none in your situation. The fact that you have control of the disease is the best you can hope for, but by having this control, you are preventing it from progressing to where it might cause complications. The key here is that you are stopping it's progress, thereby maintaining good health.

Since you have it under control, you're worrying about something that most likely will never happen. Heck, by worrying you might be hurting yourself since stress can raise your BG numbers, so think to yourself that you need to stop worrying as yet another way to help avoid complications.

My family knows the seriousness of it because it runs in my family, but I can't comment on whether other people are aware of the seriousness of the disease, because I never tell anyone I have it....no family, no friends, no co-workers...no one. Only my doctor and myself know I have it. I figure they'll find out I had it when I die, so why bother them with something that will only cause them to worry needlessly.:)

[princesslinda]

Aurelius, you're still very new to diabetes, so its only natural that it would be in the forefront of your mind. Your life has changed so dramatically, you now have to focus on everything you eat, making sure you get proper exercise...its enough to make anyone a little obsessive.

I remember my husband asking me early on "can't we go one day without talking about diabetes?" At the time, I was crushed. My diabetes had become the focus of my life, then I realized that it wasn't just the focus of my life, it was becoming my life and that wasn't fair to me or my husband.

I watched my mom die from complications of uncontrolled diabetes, because she wouldn't take control and eat and do as she should, and if I let myself, I could worry so much that I wouldn't be able to function. What i've basically had to do is tell myself that I have diabetes, I am doing EVERYTHING in my power to keep myself healthy...that's all I can do. Sure something bad "might' happen to me at some point...its going to happen to everyone, diabetic or not, if we live long enough...but there's a peace that comes in being proactive abut your health.

I think most people don't think much about diabetes at all unless if affects them (either personally or within their family). I think UNCONTROLLED diabetes is a very serious disease, but if we control it, we can have a healthy and happy life....and there are much more serious diseases we could have had.

Give yourself time to adjust to all that's changed in your life. Maybe consciously go a weekend without mentioning your blood sugar results, your diabetes or what you need to eat around your wife. Diabetes doesn't just affect us, it affects our spouses and families as well...and they truly can't understand what we're going through. That's why the forums are so important...no one understands unless they've lived it themselves.

In time, you'll find a way to live your life normally with diabetes. Try not to worry so much. Reading all these posts should let you see how well so many people are doing in managing their diabetes. Its very encouraging to me personally.

You're going to be fine!

[kgm0612]

Aurelius..............sounds like your'e doing a fantastic job at controlling your diabetes by keeping your blood sugars as close to "normal" as possible, and by losing the weight you have lost thus far. My advice..........take a deep breath and relax a bit! The tighter you're in control, the less you'll be to end up with complications down the road.

My grandmother was a type 1 and so were her two brothers, both of which were amputees. My younger brother was dx'd almost 20 years ago and was in denial for over 10 of them. He has some kidney problems. When I was dx'd 5 years ago, I knew I didn't want to end up with complications, so I've done my best at keeping things under control. I admit, some days are much easier than others, but I want to control my diabetes............I don't want diabetes controlling me!

Karen

[Evermont]

Humans are unique in that we have something (technically our neocortex) which we can insert between stimulus and response. We get to think about our response before we execute it. This is a very special and extremely valuable gift.
:stupido2:
It is ours to allow diabetes or anything else to rob us of this very precious commodity, this space between stimulus and response. Or not. Don't let it! Diabetes may exact some toll from us, someday, but we needn't cede this ground yet, or ever.

This is a matter of choice.

There are things we can do to minimize our particular risks from diabetes. Spend an appropriate amounts of time acting on those things. Acts include thinking and talking about them as well as physical action. This is our response.

What's the point of living if it's entirely devoted to unproductive focus on a single (though complex) negative condition?
:goodnight

[fgummett]

Hope for the best but plan for the worst... sounds like you are already working hard to help yourself physically, so pat yourself on the back and keep it up until your diabetes care just becomes a natural part of your life; like brushing your teeth or changing your clothes. Sometimes you will do better and other times not so well... all just part of the human condition. :) It's fine and healthy to be focused on D when you are first diagnosed but after a while don't forget the rest of your life and loved ones... try to refocus onto other things that interest you... any hobbies?

[davef]

Aurelius,

You are doing really well, you are focused on keeping things under control, but as Linda says it's still new to you. It does take some time to get your head around it and become a part of your life. I think the situation to conciously avoid talking about it about home for a weekend is a good one.

I had to check myself a while ago, I found that when I met friends my diabetes always came up at some point and couldn't then remember if they brought it up or if I did, I didn't want to become a diabetes bore!

As Karen says don't let it control you. You could always try just talking to us for a while to get things on a more even keel outside of the forums.

Do take a deep breath, you are doing great, you have made positive changes, look after yourself today and try not to focus on years from now. When first DX'ed and on occasion since then I have wondered (more than worried) about complications but decided that if I take care of my BG now then it will reduce the risks later, afterall I could be hit by a bus and never have to worry about anything else ;) and I don't worry about being hit by a bus, cause it may never happen.

[xMenace]

Am I being too concerned?


I have to say yes. What you've done is fantastic, but you've got to get back to meaningful activities. With great control reduced stress SHOULD follow. I won't live a sheltered life living in a hole like a scared mouse. Neither should any of us.

[natayo]

You have done absolutely everything right. 40lbs in 3 months, I can only claim 30 lbs in 3 months. You have done everything in your power to be in control of your situation, from controlling your numbers with diet and excercise to seeing a counseler for the mental side of things.

I also talk about D too much. But what do you expect? You have just had something happen to you that at a minimum requires a complete lifestyle change, let alone fear of a dubious end.

Why do I talk about it so much? I think I want support that I'm doing the right thing and that everything will be okay. But I am an adult, and I have to provide my own support. Based on all the information I have read, and how I am excercising and eating, then I have done everything I can to put the odds in my favor.

That's where these forums come in handy. People who have been there and have an enormous amount of collective knowledge and experience.

I don't worry too much about talking about it too much. I know I am new to this and with time, the urgency will fade and I will be my own best support.

[soso]

The angst does even out a bit over time... 3 months is not long enough to let go of all the shock fear and life changes.. it will though....
My advice is try to get back to a normal routine as soon as possible,,my work carries me over a lot of my rough patches, because I have to just get on with it, stops my dwelling....

Sounds to me like you have the tiger by the tail anyway...a major part of living with diabetes is knowing you can do it!

[MarcS]

What do you do to keep your mind off of the health issues?

Do you find that most people don't fully understand how serious this disease is?

Am I being too concerned?

Your thoughts would be a great help to me.

Not that people don't understand how serious the disease is, but that they have no idea about the disease period. Some (my mother) think I have my foot in the grave, others think I can continue to live my life the way I have been (friends, co-workers) -- meaning eat the way they do, etc. I see both extremes. I like to think that things are in my hands, I get what I put into it. If I am exercising 2 to 3 times a day, I should see results. I am concerned. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think ,"Should I push myself harder".

I have great support, my boss is a good friend of mine, so I take my lunch break and walk down to the pier on the beach, and walk for 45 minutes a day. My mother is non-stop nudge about getting healthy taking Holistic or Acupuncture, or practicing Eastern Philosophy (meditating, etc). When she came out here a few weeks ago, she showed me how to make Vegan soup, and we walked lots. I like to make my own choices, and she is starting to realize that (yeah 44 years old and mom still likes to make decisions for me).

[Holly]

WoW....and I thought losing 10 pounds in three months was doing well.

[gleny]

All,

Since my diagnosis almost 3 months ago, my numbers have been VERY good (pretty much that of a person without diabetes) and I have lost over 40lbs through diet and exercise. That part has not been too difficult because this disease terrifies me into doing these things for myself.

The part I am still struggling with MAJORLY is the mental part.
I worry about complications from diabetes every minute of everyday.

I have missed a lot of work and am only now just getting back into the groove. My employer has been very understanding and essentially told me they would do anything and everything to help me. They are still paying me my regular salary regardless of how much time I miss but I know that I have to get back into things VERY soon.

I am also driving my wife absolutely nuts. She complains that all we do is talk about diabetes which is true. I have been going to counciling and it seems to help but it is very slow for me.

I have a ton of support from everyone I know.

I have even had several diabetics tell me not to worry about it and that I will be fine.

I also know I am doing everything in my power to keep this beast under control and have set personal standards higher than what my doctor has set for me.

Most importantly, I know I have obligations to family, friends and work that I must keep.

My questions for all of you are these:

What do you do to keep your mind off of the health issues?

Do you find that most people don't fully understand how serious this disease is?

Am I being too concerned?

Your thoughts would be a great help to me.
hI Aure,
I am new a few days ago here.I have been pre diabetic for a few years.Last week my sugar was way up and I am now on metformin 2 times a day and its working good.I lost 4 lbs in 3 days.You have done so good you really have.I worry constantly which brings my sugar up..its on my mind all the time and i talk about it all the time..I had 2 panic attacks last week knowing i finally neeeds meds for it.My grandmother died at 52 and I am 59 and they have done so much since then.I like you worry about long term things going wrong, even dream about it.Thank god my dr knows me good cause other wise he think I was going crazy at times..I am scared and now my BG is down I feel better but I want to lose like you have and get off these pills.I don't want my body relying on them. I need to lose about 30 lbs..I wish you luck and try not to worry, I am doing my best not too also.Some days are good some are bad..I hear and read so much good and bad...WTGGGGGGGG on losing all that weight!!! Gleny

Life is short!
Break the rules!
Forgive quickly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably..
And never regret anything that made you smile.

[rochie-08]

I was diagnosed with T2 in June 2007. When I was first told I had it, it was only normal to feel depressed and I obsessed over it as well. Over time I realized that I can control this disease not the other way around. Yes, it was a lifestyle change and it wasn't easy. Once again, it will take some time to get adjusted to this new lifestyle. Am I perfect every day? No, but if I cheat a little one day, I make sure I get back on track the next day.

[pokie]

I think you are doing great. It is hard not to focus on the disease, especially when it changes your lifestyle from uncomplicated, carefree and casual to regimented and rationed! (as in carbs) I missed a lot of work last year because I was having an awful time getting under control, and had issues with illness. My employer... Well, at first they were great; yeah, we'll work with you, yada yada, then I got a toe infection and needed to be out for at least a week and that was that, they fired me. I was, and still am, hurt and confused and pretty overwhelmed. I was a person who identified strongly with who I am a related to my job. I am a machinist and I used to love what I did. Now I have lost my confidence. I am a 43 year old woman looking at a possible career change and I have no idea what I want to, or am capable, of doing. Yes, diabetes takes a mental toll.

[dbc]

this disease terrifies me into doing these things for myself.


It does/did the same to most of us who take it seriously. After a while (months/a year or two???) you WILL get to a better balanced view of the D and the rest of your life. Took me about 3 years!

The part I am still struggling with MAJORLY is the mental part. I worry about complications from diabetes every minute of everyday.

Time is all you need to give yourself. I think the over-anxious response in the initial stages of adjusting is both to be expected and "healthy". Better to start off over-reacting and ease off later than the alternative. . .

I am also driving my wife absolutely nuts. She complains that all we do is talk about diabetes which is true.

This used to worry me enormously and sometimes still does - the effect of our disease on those closest to us. Responding to a Diabetes diagnosis implies such enormous shifts in lifestyle that it seems to occupy all our energy and attention that it inevitably affects our families. Not sure I have the balance right yet, but it's getting better.

I also know I am doing everything in my power to keep this beast under control and have set personal standards higher than what my doctor has set for me.

Likewise with me, and, I think, for most of the people here. Taking charge of your disease and working with your medical team as against simply "doing what you're told" is the only to go. The medical people only know what the textbooks tell them, all based on statistics, whereas we have to live with it. We're all different, and the disease has slightly different effects on each of us, so each one has to work out their own management plan.

What do you do to keep your mind off of the health issues?

After a while you relax with the realisation that by keeping your BG under control you are actually not going to lose a limb next year - or the year after that - and probably never will. By adopting a healthier lifestyle you will in all likelyhood live longer than you would otherwise have done!

Do you find that most people don't fully understand how serious this disease is?

Yes, but not surprising - how much do you know about MS, or the various forms of cancer, for instance?

Am I being too concerned?

Probably, but don't beat yourself up about it. This thing takes a lot of getting used to!

You're started off doing all the right things, good luck!

[eleanor6198]

i think the best way for me to keep mentally in check is to make a plan for myself with meals. i think that the <a href="http://www.supplementinfo.org/index.php?src=directory&view=HealthNotes&srctype=detail&refno=112&category=HealthNotes">dietary supplement information bureau page on type 1 diabetes</a> might help some out in figuring out what nutrients and what supplements are beneficial!

[Janlaton]

For the first 39 or so years I really did not do a lot of worrying over my diabetes although I will have to admit that having a long term disease is a downer. About 4 years ago I started having dizzy spells and blackouts. This brought concern in my mind.

At that time I still had no complications from diabetes. My eyes are good especially since I am 63. Other than a bone spur my feet are fine. I do have arthritis in my knees thanks to being a very active tomboy growing up. I have no loss of feeling in my hands or arms. No protein in kidneys. Man I had it made or so I thought. Then last September they came up with the cause for my blackouts, I have neuropathy in the cardiovascular nerves. So sometimes the nerves don't tell my heart to bear. Now that's scarry. Can they do anything? To reverse the damage, no it took to long to diagnose the problem. I am on a medication to keep my blood pressure up and I wear ted hose to stimulate circulation in my legs.

So keep going. You can have a very full and active life if you take and keep control of the diabetes you have it. Diabetes does not have you. I do talk more about my problem now than in the past because I am in the 2% on diabetics that have this type neuropathy and I have from 2-12 years left to live. I plan to live each day to the fullest and for my Lord.

Keep the faith.:)

[Aurelius]

All,

Thank you so much. It really means a lot. You are all truly an inspiration to me. :)

[Aurelius]

All,

Thank you for your advice and support. It has really helped put things in perspective for me.

I think I have my Diabetes under control now but I am still having major mental issues with this condition. My councilor has recommended I take a break from browsing the internet for awhile because I am constantly insearch of information about complications and cures. It has consumed me mentally.

I will be back again if I have questions which is likely, but for now, my mind needs a rest.

I am also seeking additional mental help because I simply cannot go on thinking about this every minute of everyday.

I wish you all nothing but the best. See you again soon.

[princesslinda]

Sometimes it does help to take a step back from things that cause you stress. You have to do what's best for you and your family. Wishing you the best...and we'll miss you! Hope to see you around on the forums in the future.

[Kim_in_TN]

At the beginning of diagnosis, I was consumed with it as well! I even experienced the feeling that my hubby and family were sick of hearing about it. That was hurtful to me because I felt like I had almost been given a death sentence! However, as I have gradually make progress and see my labs getting better and better, my fears / obsessive thoughts have greatly decreased as well!

Don't be too hard on yourself, just try to focus on the fact that you are doing an excellent job of controlling your D right now! Try to also remember that not everyone gets all the terrible, debilitating complications ... those come from years of uncontrolled diabetes!

I hope you will hang around and let us help you through this!

[Janlaton]

Relax and do what is necessary for you. Like I said it took 36 years to develop any complications for me. I still do pretty much the things that I want. If I just have 12 years left to live so what I'll be 75 then. How much older would I want to live? :T

Janlaton
type2 40 years

[ElleMarieR]

WoW....and I thought losing 10 pounds in three months was doing well.

Holly, it is GREAT don't stop the journey you are on. Soon 10 will turn to 15 and before you know it you will be where YOU need to be. I spent too many years comparing my story with someone else's story.

We are all different and a victory is a victory. Claim it and enjoy your new lifestyle.

[Janlaton]

Last night at church I had a 3rd grad boy ask if I knew a certain person was a diabetic. I said "no" and he said well it controls him and what he eats.

I said no it can only control "Joe" if he allows it and he has to watch what he eats to control the disease. The boy then said "How do you know" I replied "I am a diabetic."

The planned lesson was forgotten as my 3rd graders had a lesson in food choices and diabetes and how we have to control the disease. It was an eye opener that the boy really thought the regular Dr Pepper the 1st person memtioned was trully theraputic!

So how we control our minds is all in what we know and what we want to know.

[terryok123]

and keep track what you are doing with your doc and others.. good luck. it works for me.