Carolina Lady
04-25-2005, 10:28 PM
Hello, This is my first time here and I'm very excited about finding this forum. I was diagnosed Type 1 when I was 25 yrs old and that was 30 yrs ago. Like I read from one of the other members, technology was nothing like it is now. Life expectancy was not to live thirty years with this disease. After being in the hospital for a week trying to get regulated on insulin: by starting high & coming down to an acceptable level, I was given an exchange diet and sent home. I had an aunt that was diabetic, but I still didn't understand it. I just knew that I felt really weird at times and was not supposed to eat a lot of stuff that I really liked! A few years later, judging by my symptoms, my mother found out she had been diabetic for years and was declared legally blind. She, then, was referred to an Endocrinologist. I went for several visits with my mom and discovered that I needed an appointment there too. Well, I lucked out. This doctor, Dr. Edith Miller of Charlotte, NC, saved my life. She and her team, taught me what to expect, how to take control of my care and what questions to ask. It's been a learning experience. But so is life. If you stop learning, you stop living. My doctor, at the time, advised the pump in 1983, but my insurance would not approve it due to the cost. So it wasn't until I had to retire due to health in 1998, and get on disability, that I FINALLY got the pump. I have been on a Minimed 508 since 2000 and it has changed my life tremendously for the better. I do have some compications, but I'm still blessed. I've had the first laser surgery for mild retinopathy, last year, and I STILL have 20/20 vision. ( Of course, I am at that age to need bi-focals!!) I do have some kidney damage, but levels are stable at present. I have great team of dr's, CDE, and a great Diabetes Center in my hometown that I get hope & help from. I'm glad I found this forum. With an illness like this, you can always use support and new ideas. And who knows, maybe I can be able to help someone else.
One of the main things I would suggest is to USE YOUR METER! & test, test and test. In order to keep your levels at a more 'normal' range, you have to know what your levels are and what foods affect them more. Remember, it's your body and your responsibility to know it. From what I've read already, there's alot of good info flowing here. I'm excited!
Nice to be here,
Carolina Lady aka Anita
One of the main things I would suggest is to USE YOUR METER! & test, test and test. In order to keep your levels at a more 'normal' range, you have to know what your levels are and what foods affect them more. Remember, it's your body and your responsibility to know it. From what I've read already, there's alot of good info flowing here. I'm excited!
Nice to be here,
Carolina Lady aka Anita