Hello

[Rik]

Hi Rik here, I have type 1 diabetes diagnosed last November. I have struggled with this ever since both mentally and physically. To be honest I was in shock for months and wondered is there anyone else in a similar position? all advice would be a great help.
Thanks

 

[Greyhound Gal]

Hi Rik and welcome to the forum 🙂.
There is pretty much every type of diabetic on the forum, so any questions just fire away and one of us will be along to help wherever we can.
It is a lot to take in at first, but everything does become second nature and part of everyday life, albeit unwelcome at times.
How did you come to be diagnosed, and what insulins are you on?

 

[Rik]

Hi Rik and welcome to the forum 🙂.
There is pretty much every type of diabetic on the forum, so any questions just fire away and one of us will be along to help wherever we can.
It is a lot to take in at first, but everything does become second nature and part of everyday life, albeit unwelcome at times.
How did you come to be diagnosed, and what insulins are you on?

Hi thanks for the reply, I'm on Humalog and Lantus. I also have pancreatitis that's how it all came about.
I was in and out of hospital for nearly two years before the diagnosis. Its been very hard to get my head round it.
I can usually maintain blood sugar but I'm having other problems like numb fingers, poor eyesight and etc It can be very depressing. Not been myself this year.

 

[khskel]

Hi Rik, just over 3 years in myself and was initially very daunted but gradually I've got into the swing of things.

 

[Rik]

Hi Rik, just over 3 years in myself and was initially very daunted but gradually I've got into the swing of things.

Hello, yes it is daunting. I think really I need to get back to the docs explain how I'm feeling. Constant anxiety.

 

[khskel]

Hello, yes it is daunting. I think really I need to get back to the docs explain how I'm feeling. Constant anxiety.

And possibly ask about a nerve conductivity test if you are worried about your fingers.
Are you on any meds because of your pancreatitis? There are a few of us about on Creon.
Have you had a retinal scan yet? It could be just that your eyesight has settled down as your BG levels have stabilised.

 

[Radders]

Hello Rik, sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time, but glad you found us. There are lots of nice people on this forum.
I think you're absolutely right that you should mention your anxiety to your medical team. I know that when a doctor asks me how I am it's easy to think all they mean is the physical side but, our emotional and mental wellbeing is just as vital.
Good luck!

 

[Rik]

Hello Rik, sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time, but glad you found us. There are lots of nice people on this forum.
I think you're absolutely right that you should mention your anxiety to your medical team. I know that when a doctor asks me how I am it's easy to think all they mean is the physical side but, our emotional and mental wellbeing is just as vital.
Good luck!

Thanks so much yes I'm glad I have joined the forum. I'm sure things will improve.

 

[Rik]

And possibly ask about a nerve conductivity test if you are worried about your fingers.
Are you on any meds because of your pancreatitis? There are a few of us about on Creon.
Have you had a retinal scan yet? It could be just that your eyesight has settled down as your BG levels have stabilised.

Yes had a retinal scan, my eyes improved but lately have gotten worse. I'm back at the hospital early next month so will get a check over. The pancreatic thing is mainly pain management when it flares up. I take gastro tablets etc etc

 

[Ditto]

Hello Rik and welcome to the forum 🙂.

 

[Greymouser]

Welcome to the forum Rik, good decision coming here. I am Type 2, so a little different for me, but trust me just as daunting, not helped by my GP being poor. If you are struggling with depression though Rik, ask for help at your GPs, don't let fear of any stigma stop you asking. Good luck with the check up next month. 🙂

 

[Flower]

Hello and welcome @Rik 🙂

Sorry you are having a difficult time and have had to join the diabetes gang. It is one steep learning curve having to deal with the management of blood sugar, insulin and food on top of recovering from being so unwell before diagnosis. High glucose affects every system in the body and it does take a while to get back to equilibrium, that includes coping mentally with the new situation.

Have your diabetes team suggested a carb counting course yet such as DAFNE or equivalent ? - different areas run courses with different names That helps to get to grips with carb counting and adjust insulin for what you eat plus you get to meet other people living with T1.

How are your blood sugar levels at present? If they haven't quite settled down as yet then that could explain the blurriness with your sight. The lens of the eye swells with higher glucose circulating in the body and makes focus difficult. It does usually return to good focus when things are in balance but do get it checked at your next appointment.

I hope things start to improve for you and you start to feel better. It is a tough call but being able to speak to people who know what you're going through really makes such a difference. I wish you well.🙂

 

[New-journey]

Welcome Rik to the forum and sorry you are having such a hard time. It does sound a good thing to mention your anxiety to the doctor. I think many of us went through shock and anxiety at the beginning, I know I did.
This forum has helped me hugely and I know I wouldn't be coping as well as I am without the daily help and support. Good luck with with everything.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello, yes it is daunting. I think really I need to get back to the docs explain how I'm feeling. Constant anxiety.

You should certainly tell your clinic how you are feeling Rik. Adapting to a dignosis with a long-term condition can take a while, and affects people very differently. Some liken it to grieving.

You may be able to get additional psychological support if you are having a difficult time with it - but your clinic need to know so that they can refer you if appropriate.

One of the common issues can be a sense of isolation, but there is research that shows online peer support like the forum can help with that 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

Welcome Rik, from a T2.

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

Hi and welcome Rik. Sorry to hear how you're feeling, it's all very overwhelming and hard to come to terms with. My hospital offer psychological support to those who are struggling, ask your dsn if they provide any help.

 

[Rik]

You should certainly tell your clinic how you are feeling Rik. Adapting to a dignosis with a long-term condition can take a while, and affects people very differently. Some liken it to grieving.

You may be able to get additional psychological support if you are having a difficult time with it - but your clinic need to know so that they can refer you if appropriate.

One of the common issues can be a sense of isolation, but there is research that shows online peer support like the forum can help with that 🙂

Hi thanks for the message ill be seeing the doc on Friday.

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi Rik here, I have type 1 diabetes diagnosed last November. I have struggled with this ever since both mentally and physically. To be honest I was in shock for months and wondered is there anyone else in a similar position? all advice would be a great help.
Thanks

Hello Rik and a warm welcome to our friendly supportive forum. Sorry you've been dx {diagnosed} but glad you found your way here ~ there's a wealth of knowledge & experience here ~ so you just ask the questions and there always someone who will come by to chat with you.

I advocate the book CARB & CALORIE COUNTER. It has over 1700 coloured photo's of a wide range of popular food and drink items. The carborhydrate ~ calorie ~ protein ~ fat ~ saturated fat ~ and fibre values are clearly displayed below each photo. Amazon £10.49 and a pocket size version is £6.99. Photo attached.

When I was dx it came as a huge shock too ~ couldn't believe it and was in denial for months ~ a daunting prospect ~ coming on here was one of the best things I ever did. The forum helped me tremendously with encouragement advice and support. I wouldn't have learned so much about my Type2 diabetes had I not joined. I have my diabetes under control now with diet control & exercise ~ apart from the occasional glitch! My last HbA1c was 32 ~ non diabetic range.

Do mention your anxiety to your GP on Friday because amongst other things ~ anxiety/stress can play havoc with our bgls (Blood glucose levels)and elevate them. I hope things will begin to improve soon for you Rik. Do please stay with us and update us following your appointment, take care.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome Rik
So much to learn so quickly.

Apologies if I have missed this, but have you done any course in carb counting? If not it could help. It was the biggest thing that made me feel as if i actually had some control over my condition. I started to understand why levels were rising and found amanaging exercise better so had fewer hypos.

Do ask any questions you want. There are loads of helpful and supportive people on here.

 

[Beck S]

Hi Rik, welcome to the forum.

I've definitely found it helpful to come here and chat to people, it really helps to talk to people who are going through it too and know exactly what's happening.