[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]

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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!

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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. . .

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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.

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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.

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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!

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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?

Originally Posted by Aurelius

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=d etail&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?

Janlaton
type2 40 years

[ElleMarieR]

Originally Posted by Holly

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.