a bit of advice?

[SilentAssassin1642]

I posted this over at LJ, but thought I'd post it here - sorry if it comes across ranty/depressed or whatever...I was in tears at the time. I could really do with some advice...

"I've just got back from my six monthly appointment at the hospital where I have basically just been called a bad diabetic. Great. And apparently I need to get myself sorted out quick sharp, and as soon as I get into my new place whereever that is, get on a course to learn more about my diabetes. I now feel like a total and utter idiot and why? All because I told the doctor that my sugars have been very up and down recently and that everything seems to have gone to pot since uni. I mean, I didn't go and get my bloods done because I'm terrified of the needle, so they don't know my overall control. I tried to explain the situation and he just wasn't listening and basically told me that I didn't have any problems YET because I'm young but if I don't start sorting myself out then I will get problems.

Yes, I know this. And I am trying to get myself sorted out.

But in the same way, being told that and given such a kick up the backside makes me wanna give them the middle finger. I'm getting increasingly fed up of this diabetes lark, I don't want it anymore. 13 years, and this is my first 'rebellion' as such, and I know its bad and believe me I'm trying to get it sorted but its HARD.

I have a log book now, which I am starting today so here's hoping that kicks me into shape a bit. I might phone the diabetes nurse later on and see if I can go down and have a chat with her, because right now I really REALLY need someone to talk to about it, because I really am about to burst into tears. I don't know whether I should or not, or whether to phone the University Nurse and have a chat. I just don't know. I just need someone to talk to y'know. I'm kind of all over the place and have no idea what to do, whether to wait until I move to my new place and talk with someone there or to talk to someone right now who's not gunna see me again.

Does anyone have any advice? Any good websites I could use to help me out with issues such as maybe starting myself off on card counting or a decent way to eat?"

 

[Caroline]

We all have bad days and we all need someone to talk to sometimes. COme here and let off steam, tell us how you feel. Wwe are a sympathetic bunch and have all been there at some time or another.

Do have a chat to the DSN, it will help, and if there are any courses available, go on them. Also see the practice nurse at your GP surgery (they are usually more up on things tahn the doctor) and see if something like a Physical Activity Referal Scheme is running in your area and if it would help you.

Also have a look round and see of there is a support group in your area Diabtes UK has groups round the country.

I hope you feel better soon. DO keep comming back to us, we will listen and make suggestions where we can.

 

[bev]

Hi salmonpuff!

What an idiotic consultant! If someone isnt getting on top of things - the worst thing they can do is to add to your worries with critisism! Their job is to give you the tools to be able to cope and to get on top of things!

Sounds like you have let things slip a little - BUT - that doesnt mean you cant sort it out now does it! if you start with today and start to log everything down - you will soon start to see some patterns as to why your levels are high/low. It could be any number of reasons - so logging it all will help you. Log your levels and your carb intake and your ratios/insulin requirements. Only then can you see what the problems are and then your consultant should be able to help you work out a plan of action.

It sounds like you do need someone to talk to - so i would say YES go and see your nurse at uni - or someone similar. Do not beat yourself up about any guilt you may have regarding your coping abilities with diabetes. Everyone falls off the wagon at some time i am sure.

So pick yourself up and start from today. Your not stupid, and you know that you have it within you to change things for the better, but i dont think anyone needs to be reminded about the complications you may have in the future. Its never a good idea to do something under pressure or for someone else - do it for yourself and that way you will be in control of your diabetes.
I dont know if any of this helps - but i hope the rest of your day is happier! Bev

 

[Northerner]

Hi Sam,

Sorry you got such a poor consultation. Does he somehow think that it's easy to keep your levels within range? He should have listened to your concerns and worked with you to try and find out how best to get you back on track. It's a chronic condition - and you've had it for 13 years even though you're only 20, it's no wonder that it gets you down from time to time. It won't be helped by the fact that your sugars are erratic as that can affect your mood too.

I'd go and see the DSN, and wouldn't wait. Even if you don't see her again due to moving away, she will be able to listen to your concerns. My impression has always been that the DSNs are much better communicators than doctors on the whole, although there are exceptions. If you want to give some idea of your levels and your insulin regime here, maybe people can suggest questions you may have when you see the nurse.

From reading the many experiences of people here on the forum, it's obvious that, sometimes, however hard you try control seems to go haywire. I know that you have a fear of needles, but it really would be worth getting your HBA1c so you have some idea of where you stand and a good base for the future. I believe that this can be obtained from a fingerprick test, so no needles involved if that is all they are testing for.

Do let us know how you get on - you are among friends here!🙂

 

[Copepod]

Hi Salmon Puff

You asked about carb counting - there is an online course which could help you get started. http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/ Hope that helps.

I'm not sure your timescale re moving - are you graduating this year? Do you have any work lined up? I realise that's particularly difficult at present. It's up to you to decide whether to talk to people before moving, but I can understand why you might be reluctant, as that's how I've felt when unsettled, moving lots etc. I found it useful to build up more spare supplies than usual, and, if necessary, use a SAE to get prescription sent to where living, before finding a GP.

 

[aymes]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Firstly, please don’t apologise for having a rant, we’re all entitled to one every now and then and this is certainly a good place to do it.

Sadly these sort of negative experiences seem to have happened to most of us at some time or another. I remember being told at one consultant appointment around the time I was finishing uni that “you will be blind and lose your feet by the time you’re 30 if you don’t do something,” I was then sent on my way! Now I was pretty out of control at the time so that may have been true but hardly the most helpful consultation I’ve ever had! However I am quite competitive person so now every time I’m having a bad run I things I tend to think, ‘I’ll prove that guy wrong!’

I think one of the most important things to do when you’re trying to get back into good control is to forget what has happened before, I don’t beat yourself up about where you may have gone wrong in the past. If you’ve got a new log book now, start that new page and go from scratch with today. I also find it useful when I have bad times to get a diabetes book from the library and re-educate myself from basics!

The idea of going on a course once you’re settled is probably a really good idea, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an indication that you are doing something wrong now, just that you can learn more and get a fresh perspective on things. I did dafne but there are many others in different areas which I’ve only heard good things about, the chance to meet other diabetics on these courses is also invaluable. Do call you DSN as you suggest, they can be invaluable with help and support, I’d always say ‘exploit’ (in the nicest possible way!) all the support that is on offer from them, your nurse may also be able to refer you to a dietician who can help with carb counting, diet etc.

Good luck with it all and do feel free to rant on here anytime you like!

 

[SilentAssassin1642]

Thanks guys. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who has had a bit of an off experience with the doctor. I've been logging my bs's all day and so far they've all been between 4 and 6 which is awesome. I'm seriously hoping that once uni is officially over in 2 weeks and the stress of finals is over then I can finally get back into a proper routine with it. It'll be tough to break the bad habits but I know I can do it. I want to proove that idiot doctor wrong!

I'm gunna wait til monday and see how I'm doing before I phone the uni nurse. Earlier was a bit intense, but I think if I see how things play out over the weekend with revision stress and whatnot. I think I will end up talking to her because I do need to come up with a bit of a plan, but I know I can do this. I've done it before, so can do it again!

Plus, a bit of retail therapy helped 😛

Thanks again for all the support!