[Tigerlily]

Marnie I have to apologise because when I read your message I was delighted that you mentioned loss of genital sensation. I have the same thing and have never dared mention it to anyone. It is the one symptom that has truly frightened me. I have Irritable Bowel Syndome which used to rule my life, but a change i eating patterns seems to have that one under control. I find that I have to stay absolutely focused on my diabetes to be "good", when my attention wanders, I grab food on the run, forget to exercise and my levels rise. Basically I get lazy and it is visits to forums like this that motivate me. I just have to make the effort to visit more often. How are you dealing with your challenges?

[Marnie]

Hi there Tigerlily
Thank you so much for responding!! It was a bit of a risk making that post for me but I needed to know how others cope with this as my diabetic specialist said it does happen to females as well as males. It took me a few months to speak to the specialist about it --I was too embarrassed to talk with my own GP first. The decrease in genital sensation started about 6 months before I spoke to the diabetic specialist and the fact that I began having decreased bowl sensation and one event of full bowl incontinence did I then speak to the diabetic specialist. He took it very seriously and since Dec. have seen a Neurologist and have an MRI booked for later this month. Bottom line is that if it all comes back neg then it is indeed a diabetes complication and most likely not reversible!! That is the medical update however, I am finding that this loss is the hardest thing I have had to deal with in a sense, in regards to my diabetes and its many complications. I have been put on medical leave a week and a half ago to take extra stress off me and to allow more intense monitoring, tests etc. I have a very loving partner who has been extraordinarily supportive however I am struggling with the loss. I am trying to think positive until I hear back the results as there isn't much I can do in the interim. That is some of the ways I am trying to cope for now. Please tell me about yourself as I think you were pretty brave in responding. I hope I haven't rambled on too much but I was excited to read your post. I hope you also are able to go and talk with your Dr. Keep in touch

[Tigerlily]

Hi Marnie,

I think you are the brave one, at least you have had the courage to take action. I am at a loss, my diabetes specialist is male and is not an easy person to approach. If I approach my GP they will tell me to discuss it with my diabetes specialist. Still, I am just making excuses aren't I, and I will do something about it. Perhaps I can speak to my diabetes nurse. I am awaiting an appointment to see a rheumatologist about the pains in my legs and hips. I think this is neuropathy but my diabetes specialist says he has never heard of such pains...I also have an appointment with the eye hospital, so I guess I am reluctant to admit to yet another problem. Crazy, because like you, this is the one that I find the hardest to accept. I enjoy making love, I enjoy orgasm and this is too cruel on top of everything else. I try to stay positive and most of the time I succeed, but this one is too hurtful and unexpected. It was not something I was aware of. I know men can experience impotence, but had not known it effected women. It is good to share this and I appreciate your willingness to talk about it. If you would like to know more about me, come visit my web page, you are always welcome: click here for my page

[Marnie]

Hi Tigerlily
My diabetic specialist is male and he was great to talk to. I hope you find some answers.That is one of the biggest problems with Diabetes --going to your dr with yet another problem--diabetes does not leave a stone unturned-thank God we have had so many advancements in this generation my father and grandmother were not so lucky. I went to the web site--is that your web site? and are those pictures near where you live? the picture looking down the raod made me feel like I would love to step on to that street! I haven't heard from anyone else yet who was experiencing some of my problems--maybe I said too much too soon?

[Tigerlily]

Hi Marnie,
I have been surfing around re our specific loss. There is a fair amount of info re the problems men face with impotence caused by diabetes and ways of treating it. For us females this problem is barely acknowledged and few suggestions for remedies! Would you believe a small hoover to draw blood to the appropriate spot! Umm...Yes that is my web site and please do visit often. The road is not near me, it is a place I escape to. It is very steep and leads down to a small fising village and then on to the sea. Bliss. I hope others will respond, I feel sure we cannot be the only ones experiencing this. Hopefully others we feel encouraged to join in. If you would like to mail me direct, please do. May I ask how are you and your partner dealing with this?

[millien]

I am 60. Not sure how long I have been diabetic. It is a mystery that I have it at all. No one in my immediate family had or has it. I miss being able to enjoy things like "Italian Cream Cake", gooey chocolate deserts and celebrating things with champagne. I do sucomb to the deserts at times but stay away from the champagne. I have not had any other health problems due to diabetes thus far.

I have balance problems, concentration problems, very painful TMJ, etc. related to head injury from car accident in 1972 and other ear problems (meniere's disease likely). Oddly enough I was on my way home from a flying lesson. My balance, concentration and ear problems were the cause of me having to quit work and apply for dissability which I finally started getting in July of 2002. Also have thyroid problem (underactive since late 1967). Taking medication for high cholesterol. Lipitor works great. The years of pain from the TMJ caused an embalance in my brain resulting in depression. I take Celexa for that. Currently taking 3 oral medications for diabetes. I don't think of the clock ticking that much from just the diabetes. Try not to think of it at all.