How do you cope?

Hey just wondering if anyone can help or suggest something. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was eleven and have never accepted it and don't think I ever will. I never use to take my insulin properly and was constantly ill. I finally started to after changing diabetic clinics when I moved and things started to go great . I was put on DAFNE and it suited me. Then I dunno what happened I have stopped taking blood tests and often forget to take my insulin . And I have no interest in it what so ever and I don't know how to change . Even though I am only 22 (23 on sat eek!) I feel like my diabetes will end up killing me and don't see myself living to an old age . The doctors at the diabetic clinic all know and they just don't know how to help me. Thought I would try here for someone else's opnion on diabetes and the tips on how to get along with it.
Claire

I'm so sad to hear that you feel so negative.

I wonder though if maybe it's a phase linked to age? I'm 24 an although I've only been diagnosed for a short time, I have patches where I just really cannot be bothered. Sometimes I go to do an injection and just end up in floods of tears, just because. I also have times where I don't bother testing for weeks on end, because it makes me feel like I'm an "ill person".

I know how it feels to just think, 'Stuff it, I'm not doing this anymore.' If you aren't taking your insulin when you should and are worried have you thought about going on the pump? Then at least you won't need to worry about constant injections? Even if you could do it for a while until you feel better with the whole situation?

I hope you feel more positive soon, but I'm sure there are many more than just the two of us who feel this way sometimes!

Beanie
X

TBH it's been so long and I have generally gone through loads of personal battles.
It's been hard definately, but I made the decision long ago that I would not let diabetes and the world's misunderstanding of diabetes put me down.

Negatives:
-Health: yes suffered a bit.
-Life: less forgiving, does not understand, is always willing to challange.

Positives:
+Made it through after 18 years
+Am a uni student (two years left to finnish)
+Have some sort of understanding of diabetes to cope with the challenges of life.

Conclusion: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
AND
Knowledege is the key to success

Excellent answer...what are you reading at Uni?

Nick

Claire - I don't know why I have only just seen your post, but I hope you still come on here occasionally. My advice (which you can take or leave) is what I do. I start each day a fresh. I get up and have a choice to make. Am I going to be "good" today or maybe I can't be bothered. If it's sunny and my little boy doesn't give me a headache before 7am, that makes it easier and I have a "good" breakfast and take each hour as it comes - you are the only one that can choose your own destiny... each time you make a good choice, pat yourself on the back and smile. And forgive yourself for the crap decisions - we all make them!!! Perhaps if you take it in bite size pieces instead of forcing yourself to make a big decision to change everything at once, you may be more successful. I REALLY do understand how you feel - I suffer from depression and perhaps that is what you are suffering from?? Ask if you can talk things through with a councellor if you feel it would help? You will, no doubt, be put on a waiting list, but someone who is not related to you or has a vested interest in you may be easier to talk to. We are, of course here for you.

Been very fortunate to be studying Pharmacy

Oh excellent. Long way to go then

Nick

lol what do you mean "long way to go then"?

It was long when I was a kid. Now that I'm hear, I'm living the ambition.

3 years left (if i don't repeat any years) till I become a qualified Pharmacist.

Well 6 months was ages when I was at Uni and that was 3 yrs ago but maybe as a v mature student it just seems longer and I sooooooo wanted it over and done with. Hopefully you won't have to re do anything and just sail it

I hope so, but u never know.

I can't wait to learn about diabetes through a Pharmacist's eyes. Many a time I've been told I can't have a medication as it contains sugar and my "consultant will have to monitor me regularly"

For the future (if i make it that far) I aim to specialise in diabetes.

ahh you'll make it I am sure..I did!
I have special interst ( I wonder why??) in diabetes as a Podiatrist and get involved in all sorts of things to do with it

That sounds really interesting. Would love to learn more.

I've got an exam tmrw at 9:30.

Gonna be revising for 5-7 more hours.

Have to revise stupid pharmacy laws (they're sooooo boring)

Nice chatting, would love to understand your field of work to a greater degree (not the lieteral one!).

Isit kool to send u a private message with me e-mail ad?

Thanks and wish me luck, i'm off.

Imogen, thank you for your really inspiring answer! I'm also having troubles with accepting the disease. what helps me sometimes is a sense of humor, I always laugh at my misfortunes and turn them into a joke, my father taught me this trick. It really makes the life easier.