diabetes internet project

[krizzylash]

I am a member of a class at Denison University called Social Processes and Health. As a class we are interested in learning more about diabetes. We would like to know more about diabetesthan the physical symptoms or treatment and diagnostic information we have found in books and on the internet. We are most interested in your EXPERIENCE of diabetesand how you have interacted with others in seeking care and in living on a daily basis with diabetes. We would very much like to hear your own experience and would certainly appreciate any feedback you might offer on the following questions. You can either post your responses to the discussion group or feel free to respond backchannel to (assigned person’s e-mail). We will copy your responses and get rid of any identifying information (such as your e-mail address) so that your responses will then become confidential. If you would like to share your experience, we would appreciate your feedback by October 7, 2004 so that we will be able to fully consider your responses. Thank you.

Question 1: Prior to your diagnosis with diabetesor when you first experienced symptoms, did you talk to anyone outside of the health care system about your symptoms? If so, how did this influence your decision to seek medical care?

Question 2: Considering your entire experience with the health care system (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, ongoing check-ups) what have been some of the most positive and most negative aspects of your interactions with members of your health care team?

Question 3: Have you tried to change any of your habits or health behaviors as a result of your illness? If so, how easy or how difficult has this been and how have others been helpful or not so helpful in helping you to make these changes?

Question 4: People might respond to you differently as a result of XXXX. What are some of the most supportive and most unsupportive responses you have experienced from your family, friends, or even acquaintances?

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to share with us anything else you feel might be important for us to better understand what it is like for a person to live with diabetes.

[HeatherP]

Well, I might as well wade in...

1. I grew up with a Diabetic mother. I knew I had it, but I ignored the symptoms and my subsequent misery for several months until I couldn't stand it anymore.

2. I would have to say that my experiences have been positive. The one person that helps me the most is my CDE. When I'm out of whack, she's usually got me back on track in a week or less. Excercise should be more of a priority in my life. I am working on developing a routine to get back into it again.

3. I've always eaten a pretty well-balanced diet. When I was first dx'd my meal plan hardly changed. I've been on Lantus for going on 2 years. It has made a huge change in my life because before I switched from NPH

4. My most negative feedback was from my mom-in-law. I had actually lost 15 lbs since I'd last seen her, but because it was cold I wore an big oversized sweater on a vist. I got a letter from her a couple of months later telling me I was fat and needed to go to Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. My biggest support is my husband. Up until the last year I was on NPH he didn't pay much attention, but I started having really nasty lows, like being incoherent, having seizures and other ambulance-ride kind of stuff. Since then he's been a lot more interested in my day-to-day progress. And of course, an honorable mention to my CDE; see #2.

T1 for 13 years,
HeatherP

p.s. No complications

[krizzylash]

Heather,
Thanks so much for sharing your story with me. I myself had a diabetic mother and my older brother inherited it so I can actually relate to you and so can my brother. I also have an aunt that has diabetes. It's great that your husband is there for you because my uncle actually left my aunt a couple years after she found out she has diabetes. He's reason for leaving was that she couldn't bear seeing her suffer even though I don't think she really was because like yourself, she was taking such good care of herself and her diabetes was pretty much under control. I think that he just wasn't too happy about the financial aspect of it. I mean, she had to take a lot of pills and she had to see her doctor regularly. I feel like that is so lame because your loved ones health should be more important than money. If my spouse was sick I don't care if I ran out with money as long as his okay. If you want to talk at all about anything, feel free to e-mail me: krizzylash@yahoo.com

Thanks again,
Gazelle

[KLD]

My turn next!

1. I am a type 2, diagnosed quite by accident in 1998. In hindsight, I realize that I had had some symptoms but neither I nor my doctors recognized them for what they were (thirst, getting up in the night to go to the bathroom, and, most seriously, failure to heal properly from serious heart surgery eight months earlier.) I started having a series of bladder infections and my doctor prescribed antibiotics, based on my description of the symptoms, without doing a urinalysis. It was only when I got another one when I was out of town that the doctor at a walk-in clinic did a urinalysis and told me I was probably diabetic.

2. I have found the health-care system to be of remarkably little help to me in managing my diabetes, starting with the manner in which I was diagnosed. When I returned home and saw my doctor, he sent me for blood tests, which confirmed the diagnosis. I was referred to a diabetes clinic at a local hospital but the appointment was several months away. In the meantime, I was prescribed a sulfonylurea drug (which it turned out I didn't need), told to watch what I ate, and advised to buy a glucometer and test my blood. (Just what I was to watch and what I was to test for was not explained.) That was the extent of the medical advice I was given for several months until I attended the clinic.

The clinic consisted of several sessions with a nurse/diabetes educator and a nutritionist who spouted the Canadian Diabetes Association's standard advice about eating large amounts of carbohydrates, which made no sense to me at all. It was only after a few years of eating this way, during which my blood sugars soared and my husband (also a diabetic) lost his eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy, that I took matters into my own hands and actively started looking for another answer. Following a lot of reading on the subject of diabetes, I decided that a low carbohydrate way of eating made the most sense to me, and I have had great success with that approach for over two years. My family doctor strongly disapproved at first, but he is slowly, if grudgingly, coming around, due to my excellent blood glucose levels (last A1C 5.0%), better than average blood lipids, weight loss, and greatly improved blood pressure. I was recently referred to an endocronologist who, much to my delight, is completely supportive, to the point of saying that doctors who don't recognize this is the way all diabetics should be eating "have their heads buried in the sand." He also told me that if all diabetics ate the way I do, it would go a long way toward resolving the financial crisis in the Canadian medical system. But basically, I manage my own diabetes and occasionally report to my doctor what I've been doing. He is fine with that, as he can't argue with success. He orders tests (blood lipids, A1C, etc.), when I ask him to.

3. I have completely changed my diet in the last couple of years, eliminating sugars, grains, sweet and starchy vegetables, and most fruits. I restrict my carbohydrates to fewer than 50 grams a day, spread out over four meals. I would describe my diet as being high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate. I found it hard for only a few days until my body got over its craving for carbs; after that it was not difficult at all. I feel so much better that I am never tempted to go back to my old way of eating.

4. My family and friends were initially amused by what they thought was a temporary fad, but once they realized that I was serious about this and saw how much my general health improved, they became extremely supportive and are actually quite proud that I have taken responsibility for my health to such an extent. When they invite me for meals, they make sure they serve food that fits in with my diet. My daughters and several friends often try new low carb recipes when I am coming for dinner. My colleagues at work are equally supportive and frequently bring me low carb recipes they've discovered. I have never felt anything but interest, curiosity, and support about the way I eat among my non-diabetic friends and relatives. Other diabetics tend to be one extreme or the other. Most are very interested and some have followed my example and adopted the same diet; others almost seem to resent my success in having such good control, but that reaction is rare.

Karen

[mg_2204]

Question 1: Prior to your diagnosis with diabetesor when you first experienced symptoms, did you talk to anyone outside of the health care system about your symptoms? If so, how did this influence your decision to seek medical care?

Answer : I knew about diabetes because my mother was diabetic and one brother is. I also had 3 diabetic pregnancies. I've never talked much about diabetes with anyone else outside the health care system because usually people are misinformed and/or don't understand.

Question 2: Considering your entire experience with the health care system (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, ongoing check-ups) what have been some of the most positive and most negative aspects of your interactions with members of your health care team?

Answer : The most positive aspect ---> Knowledge! The more you know, the better. A good health care team will teach you about diabetes.The most negative aspect ---> You've probably guessed it already : knowing little about diabetes. If your doc scribbles a prescription without even as much as looking you in the face, you're in trouble! It has happened to me. Be wise and seek someone who really cares.

Question 3: Have you tried to change any of your habits or health behaviors as a result of your illness? If so, how easy or how difficult has this been and how have others been helpful or not so helpful in helping you to make these changes?

Answer : Yes! There is no other way. It's not always easy, life being what it is and me being only human. Support is your best bet in my opinion.

Question 4: People might respond to you differently as a result of XXXX. What are some of the most supportive and most unsupportive responses you have experienced from your family, friends, or even acquaintances?

Answer : Most supportive ---> My health care team! They should win an award. They are caring, understanding, supportive, and we have a really good and friendly relationship. I've been with them for (almost) 6 years and they know me. That helps greatly. Most unsupportive ---> People just don't know much about diabetes. Because of lack of knowledge they may come across as not very supportive at times. I try to accept this fact but... sometimes it's hard.

Hope that helped.

PS : Karen! It's sad people resent your success. Having excellent BG control means far less complications and having you around a lot more longer. That's what it's all about :)

Marie
:)

[MarkMunday]

I will try to be concise with this. But it won't be easy. Managing diabetes has become an integral part of my life and is the biggest single factor in all my day-to-day decisions.
[list=1]
Symptoms of T1 diabetes manifested so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to speak to anyone else about it. My mother recognised the symptoms and took me to a doctor. He confirmed her suspicions and within a week I was on medication. That was back in 1979.

Medical professionals have been generally helpful and supportive. But in the early days I was frustrated by doctors wanting me to comply with a system I didn't feel ownership of. And I have become increasingly suspicious of the medical profession over the years.

It was hard early on. But, probably because I now have a bit of grey hair, doctors take me more seriously. I now make all my own treatment decisions, in consultation with the doctor who gives me the prescription. My biggest frustration has been with dieticians who want to put me on a high carbohydrate diet. Which is a bit like advising alcoholics to drink more alcohol if they really want to get better! I am currently testing the low carb approach and I am encouraged by the success I have had so far.

Initially, I had difficulty on selling myself on the idea that I had to eat sensibly and act responsibly. It was only after I researched this affliction and took personal control of it, that I was able to start doing what it takes to get on top of this diabetes. The sense of being control is what made the difference for me.

People are generally very understanding and supportive. I have never felt that I am being discriminated against. But I have felt very alone in dealing with the problem. Until I joined this forum a few months ago, I had no contact at all with other people with diabetes.
[/list=1]

Cheers,

Mark

[Littlebit63_99]

Ok, I'll try this also.

1. My mother and falther recognized the symtoms because my grandfather had been a diabetic. I was six at the time (1970) and I don't remember alot of this. I do remember being told I had to go into the hospital......I was NOT a happy camper.

2. My experiences with health care professionals has been fantastic untill the last 3-4 years. I have a great team.....they work together to see to my needs. However, recently the doctors are so restricted by HMO's and liability issues that the care (in my opinion) has gone down hill. Let's take my foot as an example. I had a pressure ulcer on the bottom of my right foot. It needed surgery. I was treated once and hospitalized one more time for an infection in it. It needed the surgery. It took 6 months to find a doctor with the courage to do the operation......4 weeks later it has healed wonderfully and will be fine in another week or two. I am well aware that it could have gone the other way......but, it Never would have healed without trying.

3. I was raised with a VERY strict routine. My meats were measured/weighed fruits counted. Measuring cups were used to give me my portions. I have continued this routine my whole life. It is second nature....so not difficult.

4. I now have a "partner" who is extremely supportive. We are not and will not get married simply because I am so expensive to insure and meds are too costly by far. But, he is there all the time. Without fail. I have had people tell me over the years that is not a big deal......and some who have said "I cannot watch you go thru the things you will in your life." My family is my foundation. That, and my belief that God only gives us what we can handle.

Like Marie said....."Hope that helped"

Take care all,
Liz

[TvBabe]

I'm in :)

1. I am type 2, my diagnoses was so sudden that I hardly had time to think. One week I didn't have diabetes (just had a test to rule it out), the following week I had it. In my case my diabetes was probably "triggered" by Hemochromatosis so that could explain my "sudden onset". At that time there was NO family history of Diabetes, however, two months ago my mother was diagnosed (she's 86)

2. For the most part it's been pretty positive. I was seen initially at the local Diabetes Clinic as an "emergency" since my numbers were so high (33.5 or 603). The clinic begged my GP to put me on insulin since they were so high but because he knows I'm a rather pro-active patient (I have multiple medical problems so he knows how I react to things like this) he bet the Clinic 20 bucks I would have my numbers in check within a month and he won the bet :) I have taken advantage of all the classes available at the clinic which for the most part because I'm a rather pro-active patient I have found much too "generalized". That being said I have found the one on one sessions I've had with the Diabetic Educator and Dietitian much more beneficial. Within 6 months of diagnoses the Clinic "graduated" me. This means unless I have questions I don't have to have any follow ups until next year. They feel that my control is more along the lines of a diabetic who has had this illness for a couple of years. They and my doctor refer to me as "the poster child of compliance" :)

3. and 4. (combined) The Clinic suggested a modified low carb diet for me and for the most part this is working very well for me. My only problem is that I have a secondary medical condition (unknown diagnoses at this time) that causes my cortisol levels to be double normal values so I am STARVING all the time. This does make things a little difficult for me. That being said my diet really hasn't changed alot since my diet was pretty good prior to diabetes, the biggest difference being no more pop (e.g. I drank alot of Pepsi pre-diabetes).

My family and friends have been extremely supportive of my diagnoses. Especially my hubby, he has embraced all of my dietary changes with gusto. He eats the same as I do (just eat's a slightly larger portion) and I suspect that his changes might even prevent him from developing Diabetes himself. Since my diagnoses I've lost 40 pounds and he's lost 30 pounds. The only person I do have a problem with is my father who has a somewhat warped sense of what diabetes management entails. He's a senior who can't seem to get past the part that diabetes is an actual medical condition that needs to be managed. He firmly thinks you just have to test your blood and do nothing else. He has no understanding of the dietary needs of a diabetic and still offers me glasses of Pepsi when I visit him despite being told I can't have stuff like that. However this is "normal" behaviour for him since he also denies that his genes also contributed to my Hemochromatosis diagnoses :) It's ALL my mother's fault in his humble opinion :)

I did have a small problem with my endo, last time I saw her she insisted that I go on the Atkins diet (bear in mind I was her last appointment prior to her vacation in Scotland to attend her daughter's wedding so her mind might have been there instead) and she really sabotaged me. I am on oral meds (Diamicron) which causes me to have hypo's very easily. So I followed her instructions regarding the Atkins diet and crashed and burned within 4 days. I found Atkins much to restrictive and to be honest it was a dangerous move on her part. Many years ago I had a drug reaction which caused me to be anorexic, despite the fact that this was a drug induced anorexia I grew way too comfortable with the weight loss and when placed on a strongly restrictive diet like Atkins it caused those feelings of "control to loose weight" to come back strongly. I immediately saw this as a problem and went to the Diabetes Clinic, they told me to go back to the original diet they had placed me on and I was MUCH MORE comfortable.

[KLD]

PS : Karen! It's sad people resent your success. Having excellent BG control means far less complications and having you around a lot more longer. That's what it's all about
It's not a problem at all, Marie. As you well know, most of us are very supportive of each other's efforts, celebrate each other's successes, and sympathize with each other when we have problems. I was just trying to describe the full range of reactions I get in order to fully answer Krizzylash's question.

Karen

[BeadieJay]

Question 1: I didn't have any of the typical, well publicised symptoms, so it was a complete shock when I was diagnosed. I had recurrent thrush, I was constantly going back to the doctor for antibiotics and other treatments, until one day my doctor decided to check my urine. It was the sugar in my urine that was causing the thrush. I did mention the thrush to one or two friends, but it never occured to me or them that it might be something serious. However, I am overweight, so I think it had always been at the back of my mind that I might, one day, get diabetes. But I really didn't believe it would happen to me :eek:

Question 2: Initially I was really happy with all my health care. My GP saw me every two weeks to see how I was getting on, and it was encouraging to see him being pleased with my progress in getting my numbers down. As well as the diabetes, I also suffer from depression. After about 3 months I started to feel really depressed about the diabetes, and also constantly felt hungry. I mentioned this to my GP and he just shrugged, as if to say "so, you're always depressed, what's new, and of course you're hungry - you're eating less!" I don't know if that was what he was thinking, because he didn't actually say anything, and I left the surgery feeling really annoyed and even more depressed. I haven't been back to see my doctor since then. I don't have anyone else to turn to in the medical profession, as I'm agoraphobic, and so can't get to any appointments with a diabetic specialist or whatever. My GP said he will deal with all my health issues unless things take a turn for the worse. I have no idea what will happen then - guess they'll have to sedate me to get me to hospital LOL

Oh, another negative, is that I was given my diagnosis over the phone, and wasn't offered an appointment to discuss things with the doctor, though I did see a nurse who explained things to me.

Question 3: I've changed my eating habits to some extent...trying to follow a lowish carb diet, and eating more fruit and veg, cutting out chocolates, crisps etc. My kids always tell me off if I say I want some chocolate, and my husband (who has to do all the food shopping) has worked really hard to find foods that are suitable for me to eat.

I'm not exercising, though I would love to go for a long long walk - but the agoraphobia stops me leaving the house, and the depression stops me exercising at home - besides which I hate aerobics and would never stick to it. I used to love walking - but don't know how to overcome this problem. My GP wants me to lose weight, and says that only exercise will help me achieve that, but he's not doing anything to actually help me overcome all the other problems I've got. (sorry, do I sound bitter?!!!)

Question 4: My sister-in-law told me not to worry, as there was light at the end of the tunnel. Still not sure what she means, as diabetes can't be cured....so don't know what that light is supposed to be. I know she was trying to be helpful and encouraging, but I found her comment to be pointless and not helpful at all. My mum said she wasn't surprised (cos I'm overweight - so it's all my fault because I'm fat). My dad said that he didn't know of anyone else in our family who had diabetes - not sure what he was trying to say, but it didn't feel very encouraging.

My husband and children have been wonderful from day one, and continue to be so. I couldn't cope without their love and support. And it's my kids who make me want to deal with this, but right now I'm not doing very well.

Most other people I've told have to tell me of someone they know who also has diabetes - I'm not sure if they want to make me feel better cos I'm not the only one!! My friends have been supportive though, and I truly appreciate that. And this forum is the best, the help and support and encouragement that I've received from people on this site, has been truly inspiring, and for which I will be eternally grateful.

[Shalyndria]

OK I'll give this a go; anything to help educate the general public :)

1) I was only 11 at the time so this would be more appropriately directed toward my mother, to whom I complained that I wasn't feeling well. She took me to the Doc after I lost a surplus of weight and was dangerously underweight, and he mis-dx'ed me.

2) My health care team is, and has always been, invaluable! I get updated education (mandatory) once a year, and also see my team (mandatory as well) approx every 6 months. I have no complaints, and in fact owe much of my knowledge to them.

3) Adjusting is a natural facet of this disease. Every week I am required to adjust something (large or small) in order to maintain my optimum control. Being dx'ed as a child has made this much easier, IMO.

4) I've always encountered an open-minded attitude from ppl towards my disease. Most are uneducated but willing and eager to learn. My family is by far the most supportive, and friends IRL and that I've come to know here are great for positive support and feedback. The only thing that I ever admit to finding frustrating is the general public exposure to Type 2, while Type 1 is a relatively unknown disease to the public. But then I'm always willing to do my best to help spread the knowledge :)

Shy

[Belinda]

Question 1: Prior to your diagnosis with diabetesor when you first experienced symptoms, did you talk to anyone outside of the health care system about your symptoms? If so, how did this influence your decision to seek medical care? I too was diagnosed as a child so that would be info from my mom but I do know that they did a glucose tolerance test for me and my sisters. Also, the pediatrician ran some other test as well and told my mom to have me watch my diet and sugar intake because my sugar was borderline on the high side, but the next time I would go it would be fine.

Question 2: Considering your entire experience with the health care system (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, ongoing check-ups) what have been some of the most positive and most negative aspects of your interactions with members of your health care team? after I became too old to go to the pediatrician I spent several years looking for the right doctor. Several years ago I went on a mission of interviewing doctors to find one for me. After finding the right doctor I then mentioned the insulin pump and was referred to my endocronologist....who I believe is the best. If you count insurance as part of your health care team...they need to quit changing the rules each year and realize that we don't order medicine and supplies just because we enjoy taking or using them. I guess you could say the whole insurance experience makes you sometimes not want to go get the reccommended treatments.

Question 3: Have you tried to change any of your habits or health behaviors as a result of your illness? If so, how easy or how difficult has this been and how have others been helpful or not so helpful in helping you to make these changes? I am probably healthier now then I was growing up. I am more aware of dietary needs and exersice.

Question 4: People might respond to you differently as a result of XXXX. What are some of the most supportive and most unsupportive responses you have experienced from your family, friends, or even acquaintances? I don't hide the fact that I am diabetic. If people ask me questions about "what is that on your side?" (for my pump) I explain it to them and I modify for their age and mentality level as well so they can understand. From the mouth of a 3 year old I have contact with..." Well dad, (who is a doctor) she has something in her stomach that doesn't work like ours and she needs her medicine to help her stay well. Our body makes the medicine but her's does not so that is why she checks her blood and adjusts her medicine when she eats. I just love how kids have such an open mind and acceptance level

[buzzborne]

Question 1: Prior to your diagnosis with diabetesor when you first experienced symptoms, did you talk to anyone outside of the health care system about your symptoms? If so, how did this influence your decision to seek medical care?

I was at boarding school prior to my diagnosis, and when I went home for a weekend break, I spoke to my parents about how I was feeling, as my father is diabetic also he knew the symptoms straight away, did a urine check to confirm the amount of glucose in my blood and then took me straight to hospital.

Question 2: Considering your entire experience with the health care system (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, ongoing check-ups) what have been some of the most positive and most negative aspects of your interactions with members of your health care team?

my health care team is really good (now transferring to an adult clinic nearer home, so cant comment on them yet as not had a clinic) they have helped me get back on track many a time and I have regular check-ups between 3-6 months. as Shy said, they are invaluable.

Question 3: Have you tried to change any of your habits or health behaviors as a result of your illness? If so, how easy or how difficult has this been and how have others been helpful or not so helpful in helping you to make these changes?

I have tried to change habits yes, but i found it quite difficult being in a boarding school, (aged 11) with my friends and other kids stuffing their faces with sweets, which I knew that I couldnt have, also we had weekly tuck shops - i was handed one milky way by my hse mistress, while others had a whole bag full, it may have been harsh, but it did help with my control then.

Question 4: People might respond to you differently as a result of XXXX. What are some of the most supportive and most unsupportive responses you have experienced from your family, friends, or even acquaintances?

My family have been there through out for me which I am very grateful, most ppl that I talk to are willing to learn more about my diabetes, and I'm all up for telling them, though I have had one remark from a girl at my last school where she wouldnt even speak to me, she said that I had this disease, and she didn't want to catch it, i was upset at the time, i think I was 12yrs old, but I then thought, its because she doesn't know anything about it, I went to my headmistress and she organised like a talk to explain everything to everybody in the school.

[soremom]

Ok, I am game

1. I first was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Was told to watch what I ate and such after the baby to avoid T2. Eight months after his birth the symptoms came back, went to the Dr and was diagnosed. Four months after that my sister was also diagnosed T1. Complete blow for our family.

2. My first Drs care was completely out of whack, especially since he was a diabetic himself. He had me on pills and didn't say much more than see you in a few months. My honeymoon phase lasted till late fall. Started seeing a specialist that diagnosed me as T1 and had to put me on insulin. She said the pills worked because of the honeymoon effect. Have been with her since and am very pleased with her. I have a role in all decision about my dosages and my health in general. It helps me to take control of my life.

3. Changing my diet was not too hard. I had my sister to help me go through it, even though I wasn't living at home. I actually had no trouble get my bgs down and keeping them down. My a1c's came down easily too. My sister on the other hand had trouble for years to get hers to stay under control, and she watched what she ate and was athletic, still is. For me the hardest part was giving up sweets, I have a real sweet tooth. I have sinced learned how to incorporate them into my meals occasionally.

After having some bad lows for about a year or so, I went back on my insulin pump. It has leveled things out for me and keeping things more on track and even. I can feel the lows and not having nearly as many. No ambulance rides since April. Yeah! It also helps with eating at a more eratic schedule since my life never quites down till about 9 at night.

4. My family has been great about this. They really didn't have much of a choice with my sister and I. I know they worry constantly but it is just a part of us. When I was having the lows I was getting more hassaled about them. I did feel bad about the way I was being treated. I couldn't get them to understand how much I was testing to try and avoid them and that the lows hit out of nowhere. Since being back on the pump, they have left me alone on that.

My husband and kids don't treat me any different. My kids have never known me any other way. My 3 yr old knows what to do if I am low, gives me juice and crackers. My 13 yr old has had to call an ambulance for me and handle surprising well. He as scared but held together and got me the help I need while taking care of his brother. He is my hero. I will be grateful to him for the rest of my life. To my husband I am me the same as when we married. Just have an appandage on my side now with the pump. When I go low and he has to intervene (sorry spelling) it still freaks him out (and he has been EMT trained), but he handles it. We all try and eat healthy. If they have something I shouldn't, I either don't eat it or take a small portion. Other people have different response, some tell me I can't have what I am eating or tell me other facts about my disease that they don't know. I try and tell them the "right" facts but I am usually ignored, they know it all. My friends have never treated my differently, help me if I need it, otherwise, I am and Kim and that is all.

Sorry this is so long, didn't realize it till it all started coming out.

Kim

[rzrbks]

Question 1: Prior to your diagnosis with diabetesor when you first experienced symptoms, did you talk to anyone outside of the health care system about your symptoms? If so, how did this influence your decision to seek medical care?

Nope. I just assumed that the symptoms were nothing more than a reflection of the stress that was happening in my life at that particular time. My wife tried to get me to go the Dr. about it but I "Knew" that all the things would stop in their own good time. It was my eye Dr. who, attempting to discover the reasons for my newest prescription being wrong "Discovered" I had diabetes.





Question 2: Considering your entire experience with the health care system (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, ongoing check-ups) what have been some of the most positive and most negative aspects of your interactions with members of your health care team?

The only complaint I have is the lack of direction I got at the beginning. The Dr. didn't push to get me into classes quick enough to suit me. I wanted Information, and I wanted it NOW! By the time I got into the various classes, I knew everything that was discussed in the general sessions. I learned new information only in the one-on-one sessions.

NEGATIVE:::: at first my Dr. presented the idea that I was Type 2 and would be taken off insulin after several months. CDE, within 1st minutes, politely laughed off the Dr.'s idea and immediately began pointing me toward The Pump. CDE was right, Dr. was wrong. Just re-inforced my knowledge that The Experts are who you turn to for information, all else is just opinion.

POSITIVE::::::::The Dr. and CDE recognized very quickly that, with their support, I was/am able to adjust my own insulin needs. I do have to check in with them on a regular basis, but sometimes that's just a quick phone call.


Question 3: Have you tried to change any of your habits or health behaviors as a result of your illness? If so, how easy or how difficult has this been and how have others been helpful or not so helpful in helping you to make these changes?


Actually, there have been no big changes to my diet except that chocolate is now rationed and bagels are not a mainstay of my diet anymore.

On the other hand, exercise is more difficult simply because of the "Stuff" I gotta haul around. I do miss certain types of physical activity ( particularly, Field events in Masters Track; shot, discus) but that's changed almost as much because of age as diabetes.


Question 4: People might respond to you differently as a result of XXXX. What are some of the most supportive and most unsupportive responses you have experienced from your family, friends, or even acquaintances?


Because I'm Mean, Bad, and NASTY, nobody hassles me.:D

Friends and family are very supportive, I believe because they all know that I'm not the type of person to complain or fuss about anything. So when I actually vent frustration, irritation, discomfort, etc. about diabetic situation, then there is, indeed, something wrong. Everyone goes out of their way to make me part of whatever is going on. If I choose not to be involved, that's OK, whether or not it's my diabetes is rarely an issue.

[kctowers]

Hi krizzylash,

I was diagnosed at the end of September this year with T2Diabetes.
answer to Q1. I only found out I had diabetes after a yearly check-up of my prostate. The nurse at the surgery found I had a high blood-sugar level in my urine. I did not have many symptoms that I actually related to having diabetes. I was getting tired easily, but as I worked hard as an IT tutor and was studying for my Adult Teaching certificate, I put the falling asleep as soon as I sat in the chair down to that.

Answer to Q 2. We have a wonderful team here on the Isle of Wight. We also have Peer Counselling and a Diabetes Class we can attend, so in all, we have excellent after-care.

Answer to Q 3. I think I have now become paranoid to what is put into our food by the producers. I check every label, to my wife's irritation, as it now takes us twice as long to get round the supermarket. I have cut out eating chocolate, and watch the portion quantity of other foods I eat. I think if one is on the diet treatment it doesn't take a lot of brain to work out what is good for you and what is bad if you keep proper records. For instance, pizza sends my blood sugar level sky high because of the added potato starch and sugar put in by producers in making the bases. I now make my own bases and know exactly what is in them. Others, especially those on these boards, haven given good advice about nutrition etc. Oh yeah! I take excercise on a daily basis - a good walk or a swim and much better than Metformin for reducing bsl.

Answer to Q 4 I have had no experience of negative responses from people. Infact I think I have made contact with a lot of new friends and acquaintances since being diagnosed. My wife does rib me a bit when I say I am tired, though. Lazy more like, she calls it.

I have started to write a Personal Development Journal. It is no more than my own personal feelings and records about this thing on a day-to-day basis. If you would like me to email a copy to you (appx 8 pages so far) I would be pleased to do so. Please let me have your email address.

All the best with your research.

Keith

[kctowers]

PS
That should have read: "have given good advice" - slip of the finger to the keyboard.

Keith