Life looks and feels a lot different since my diagnosis.

[Nat Ferrari]

Hi everyone,

Good to be in a safe space 🙂 I should have joined the forum sooner but I am no good at reaching out. I was diagnosed with T2D in 2021, then shocked to be diagnosed with LADA T1.5D in April this year. I've been injecting insulin since April, the Metformin stopped working last year. My sugars are now in good range, I was told by my consultant i will feel heaps better being on insulin but the truth is, I am struggling physically (fatigue, constant low energy levels) and emotionally (tearful, resentful and low).

I've lots of self-love and self-care resource in my tool box and work hard to keep spinning the plates. Lately, the plates have been crashing down one by one, and scarily, feeling i couldn't care less if they all come crashing down, Im exhausted. My family and some friends haven't been as supportive as i'd like, they just don't seem to get how serious the condition is, encouraging the wrong foods and expecting me to drink alcohol at their pace. I've had to tighten my boundaries and get the right balance to step up with my self care whilst still caring for others.

I have full time job working in a stressful sector, I am making plans to exit the job but I need to work to pay the bills. Quitting straight away is not an option. There are pressing issues regarding my health that I'd like to discuss with my manager face to face but I have resorted in putting my concerns in writing as I am not being heard and it feels hurtful. I was once a manager, before my health deteriorated, I fully supported a staff member who has T1D, it feels like a real kick in the teeth now that I am going through the same but not getting any support. There is some really useful info on here on employment and diabetes, I am getting to know my rights.

All in all, I still count my blessings but I am in need of support, I feel alone and isolated on my journey right now.

Thanks,

Nat

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Nat Ferrari

Sorry to hear how difficult you have been finding things. Diabetes can come bundled with a whole host of overwhelming emotions, and it feels like you’d no sooner adjusted to one diagnosis, than you had it changed to something else - with a complete switch of meds and treatment style.

Plus it sounds like you have a lot of other stuff on your plate too.

Some people experience a form of grieving after their diagnosis. With all the intensity of emotional states that can involve, including anger, denial, bargaining and depression. But just like other forms of grief, life will eventually begin to ‘grow around’ your diagnsis. The experience will never go away, but it will gradually be put into the context of a different ‘whole’, a form of acceptance.

Hang in there - things will get better.

And keep sharing your experiences, and seeking the support of others here who ‘get it’, and who are facing the same challenges each day.

 

[Inka]

April is still very recent @Nat Ferrari I remember going through a whole range of emotions when I was diagnosed. I felt very isolated with my Type 1, very sad, and very angry. It took a good 6 months for the intense feelings to reduce, and then probably another year or so until I felt more like myself.

On a practical note, have you had your tiredness checked out? Not that I’m saying it’s another medical condition causing it but it’s good to rule things out. Make sure they check your vitamin D too. Mine can drift low for no reason and apparently that’s not uncommon with auto-immune conditions.

You’ve done a great thing posting here. I find this forum invaluable for advice and support, and for feeling less alone.