[jusrelaxin]

So today I went in to see my diabetes doctor for the first time...

I guess im a type 1.
She ordered some anti bodies blood test for me and want to start me on insulin as of sept 5th or earlier.

Im very scared to be put on insulin.I just hate the idea of having to stab myself with a needle 2-4 times a day.
I just dont even know what to think or feel right now.

[Superjew78]

have you discussed an insulin pump perhaps? It will slowly release the insulin into your system. instead of continuely needing to be stuck.

[princesslinda]

<<<Hugs>>> Yes, diabetes can be a scary thing, esp. at first, when you don't know what to expect. I know its hard to think of having to stick yourself, but you can do it! I take 2 shots of Byetta in my stomach daily, and the needle sticks are much less painful than the finger sticks we all do each day.

If you read through many of the T1 posts, you'll see that so many of these folks have been dealing with T1 for MANY years, and are doing well...YOU CAN TOO! Ask lots of questions, let them/us help you all we can. Hang in there! You'll feel so much better physically once your #s are in line...and like anything else in life that you do on a daily basis, at some point this will become almost a habit for you.

Give yourself time to get used to this new chapter in your life. Its okay to feel sad, and to even grieve for some of the things you're leaving behind, but you have so many things in life to look forward to.

[Erin]

Wow, it sounds like you're having a hard time with your diagnosis. I think most of us have felt that way at one time. I don't know how much this is going to help you right now, but it does get easier. I mean, you still have to test and inject (or use a pump) but it gets easier in your head. It becomes a routine, and you just do it.

Don't feel like you have to think or feel anything right now... you're scared and you're angry and sad. That's ok. Most people would be in your situation. Don't make yourself feel worse by thinking you shouldn't be feeling what you're feeling.

Even though it's okay to feel however you feel about diabetes, it would be a good idea for you to start learning about how to manage diabetes. Comming to this forum was a good place to start! Ask your diabetes doctor (endocrinologist) to send you to a C.D.E. (certified diabetes educator) so you can learn all about how to live with diabetes. I'm sure others on here can reccomend books that would help you.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Stuboy]

im interested as to why your diabetes doctor knows your a type 1 now (presumably not taking any insulin currently?) and wants to start you on insulin from the 5th September...

Why is he/she waiting? if you are a type 1 diabetic then you should be put on the insulin right way surely???

you've got nothing to worry about. Injecting isn't painfull at all, the needles are tiny and very very thin! I remember it took my 15 minutes to inject myself for the first time with a diabetes specialist nurse with me. she told me "you wont beleive me, but it wont hurt" she was right... i didn't beleive her!! but you know what? .... she was right... it didn't hurt

You'll be fine, at least you've found the best forums on the internet to learn from and be apart of.

[kgm0612]

(((HUG)) I felt the exact same way when I was dx'd. All I remember was crying my eyes out! Believe me, it got easier every day.

I had a fear of needles so rather than using syringes, my endo prescribed me the insulin pens. The pen needles are very small and made taking shots much easier to do. So ask your doctor about the pens!

Good Luck!

Karen

[It Ain't Over]

I take it your doctors were testing you for type 2, but you are a type 1. Most of us here were afraid of the needles when we were diagnosed. That fear will fade once you find that the insulin you need now will make you feel so much better. The thirst and fatigue, muscle pain and that fog will all go away with good care.
Then the rest of the fight begins, but take it one day at a time. Read everything you can and ask the providers every question until you have it down. Then ask them again. This is not the flu and it won't go away. You have to learn to treat yourself, administer your own medicine, test the results, calculate the food-drink- exercise- time of day- moods- stresses- and who knows what else, all with the goal of getting that blood sugar to fall in line.
Not easy, but you have freinds here to help. The alternatives are not at all pleasant and don't ever give up. No matter how bad you may feel, you are still alive and you have a hope.

[viranth]

Originally Posted by jusrelaxin

So today I went in to see my diabetes doctor for the first time...

I guess im a type 1.
She ordered some anti bodies blood test for me and want to start me on insulin as of sept 5th or earlier.

Im very scared to be put on insulin.I just hate the idea of having to stab myself with a needle 2-4 times a day.
I just dont even know what to think or feel right now.

It'll be scary at first, until you come to peace with the news. It's really not that bad with the needles, I don't even think about it anymore (my 8th month of diabetes). And I eat healther now than I've ever done before (and I ate healthy before too), Better shape than I've ever been, so I can only thank the diabetes.

Hopefully I won't get any complications, but that's a lot of years into the future.

Just take it easy and start planning for your diabetes.

[jusrelaxin]

Thank you guys so much for your support and your opinions.
I just came back from seeing another doc (family) and she has my ENDO appointment for me but its not until MARCH! can you believe that!
She also gave me some pills that are supposed to help protect my kidneys. (cant remember the name right now,but it starts with an L)
They are also sending me for some anti-bodies blood work...
And to answer the question on how they have decided about the insulin without seeing an ENDO...I have no Idea.But everyone I have talked to (drs and dieticians and others) have said they are pretty positive I am type 1 and really should be going on insulin.
The reason for waiting until sept 5th was because Im doing alright on the pills I am on right now (not great but not bad) and they wanted to give me time to adjust to the idea and to get my insurance all worked out.
So now I dont go to see anyone until the 5th (other than getting my blood work done)
and my A1C came back at a 9
But they said its not too bad for a newly diagnosed diabetic and they were expecting it to be in the 11's or so..or thats usually what they see.

[Carwy]

We all pass through bad times in our lives and this great group of people will help you through it. Just ask questions and keep on top of it.

[Mich]

Hi Jusrelaxin,

Believe me, we all pretty much felt like you do in the beginning. I remember it like it was yesterday and it was a looooong time ago!

It doesn't seem like it now, but sticking yourself does become automatic. (What's the cliche? Like brushing your teeth...) Needles and supplies these days are tiny and very easy to carry. A pump might be a good option for you, it is great to always have your insulin on your person and easy to administer in a casual way.

It's kind of a kick in the pants to be diagnosed with diabetes. It makes you have to pay attention to your health. You will end up healthier and a better manager than most people, although that may not seem like much consolation right now.

We're here for you. Keep us informed about how you are doing and ask anything you want to know. If someone doesn't know the answer, someone else will know where to find it. That's one of the great things about this group.

Buck up buckaroo. (What's a lady buckaroo?)
Sending you support and a hug,

Mich

[mortis505]

Trust me mate, the insulin needles are tiny compared to the lancets. Just remember to relax and breathe. Dont stress out over it. I used to be a needlephobic and still am slightly. But the syringes fell like a tiny little pinch as opposed to the jab of a lancet.



You can do it

[NoraWI]

If they are in no hurry to start you on insulin and say you are a T1, then you must be of normal weight, have no blood pressure nor cholesterol issues. It leads me to think that you have slow onset adult diabetes called LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults), sometimes also referred to as T1.5. Going on insulin right away helps extend the life of your beta cells, which is a good thing.

As to using a pen instead of a syringe, the needle in both is exactly the same if you order the thinnest and shortest for each. I use a syringe for my basal Lantus and a pen for the NovoLog I take before meals according to my BG reading plus the carbs I intend to eat. The different delivery systems help keep my two insulins from being confused and the pen is convenient to carry with me during the day. It will all become second nature for you in just a little while. Good luck.

[notme]

I am sure the whole thing is just a bit overwhelming to you. Not one of us liked the idea of having to use a needle to inject several times a day. I was started on insulin the day I was diagnosed so there was no time to think about it. You do what you have to do. Wait for the test results and do the very best you can. Watch your diet and exercise and hopefully you will be able to stay on the regime your on now for a long time.

Good luck! We are here for you.

[Mom Of "J" T1]

HI,
I am a jr mem too with a son who is T1 since age 2, 1999. As a mom I give you hugs for how you are feeling. I felt helpless as what to do at first. I prayed a lot, cried a lot, cursed a lot and thought "ok" this is what it is. I am thankful that he can receive the medical attention that he needs. Now after 7 years and approx 15,000 injections and finger pricks he felt ready for the pump (started yesterday). Granted he has always known life as a boy that happens to be diabetic. He has ups and downs too. He doesn't realize it as we do but he does. I say allow yourself the grieving time for life past as a non diabetic to the life as a person living with diabetes. My son is an energetic, fun, smart, athletic, sister and brother harassing 9 year old. And he will need people like you to look up to showing him that life is good and can be just as normal as everyone else's. Consider pumping. I am a very "green" pumping mom but we are hoping for the absolute best. Prayers and best wishes to you.

"J" Mom