New Type1 Looking for Advice

[Pigeon]

Definitely knowledge is power. I was on insulatard twice a day at first too - I think my clinic do that for new people as it's a simple way to start taking insulin - and two injections a day seems like plenty to start with! In time though, I found it affected my life too much - having to eat at the right times, and having to eat before bed was getting me down, and it was impossible to enjoy something like a wedding when you don't know what or when you'll eat.

I went on a course for newly diagnosed people at the clinic which was really helpful - I was a bit apprehensive beforehand but I learnt so much about how insulin works and what different foods do. I found out about the different types of insulin, and after that I changed to multiple daily injections (MDI) which is where you take a long acting insulin once or twice a day, and then a quick acting one with each meal. It's been a lot more flexible, and then you can choose when you want to eat, and how much -it really felt like I got my life back then.

Sorry if this is in information overload - stick with what you're comfortable with for now, but in time you may want to research what else is available and how it could improve your quality of life and help you enjoy eating out again.

 

[Dan101]

signing up here seems to have been one of the best decsions ive made in a long time. yeah, i agree, peoples reactions and things they say can be hurtful even though at times they may not realise it. im from the north west of england. i'll be keeping in contact with the message boards and continue viewing the site for updates etc

do you mind if i ask how you broached the conversation of wanting to see a psychologist? im thinking that might be exactly what i need right now. i understand if that is a very personal question

 

[Dan101]

Definitely knowledge is power. I was on insulatard twice a day at first too - I think my clinic do that for new people as it's a simple way to start taking insulin - and two injections a day seems like plenty to start with! In time though, I found it affected my life too much - having to eat at the right times, and having to eat before bed was getting me down, and it was impossible to enjoy something like a wedding when you don't know what or when you'll eat.

I went on a course for newly diagnosed people at the clinic which was really helpful - I was a bit apprehensive beforehand but I learnt so much about how insulin works and what different foods do. I found out about the different types of insulin, and after that I changed to multiple daily injections (MDI) which is where you take a long acting insulin once or twice a day, and then a quick acting one with each meal. It's been a lot more flexible, and then you can choose when you want to eat, and how much -it really felt like I got my life back then.

Sorry if this is in information overload - stick with what you're comfortable with for now, but in time you may want to research what else is available and how it could improve your quality of life and help you enjoy eating out again.

yeah, ive heard about MDI and that sounds a great way of getting things 'back to normal'. not sure about more injections at the moment though. its nice to hear you say exactly what im going through and i havent had to tell you, what you just wrote at the start of your message is exactly what im going through! No one seems to know how awful it is HAVING to eat before bed, its the last thing you want to do, that and wake up during the night to do a blood test just to make sure youre not going low, my sleep patterns are rubbish at the moment!

 

[Sugarbum]

signing up here seems to have been one of the best decsions ive made in a long time. yeah, i agree, peoples reactions and things they say can be hurtful even though at times they may not realise it. im from the north west of england. i'll be keeping in contact with the message boards and continue viewing the site for updates etc

Its strange, because at 28 when I was diagnosed, I really felt I knew myself well, what I was about and how strong I was. I got this, and it threw everything up in the air. At that time I just couldnt imagine "normal" again. But I promise you Dan, the more effort you put into learnign about it and getting in control of it, the better it all gets.

With regards to other, I would suggest not overloading them and giving them time and space. My mum still is abit weird about it and it was 4 years ago! She just feels bad for me. My dad has type 1 diabetes and cant even discuss it with me- he feels responsible.

But that is the great thing about the board, you realise everyone goes through the same kinds of problems.

Im glad you are pleased you joined the board. Just remember, nothing is silly. Ask questions if you need to!

 

[rachelha]

Dan you have come to the right place for support and advice this forum is great, I wish sites like this had existed when I was diagnosed.

WIth regards to the travelling it is still possible, just takes a bit more thought. One of the board members (type 1) has just headed off to Australia and i have done a far amount of travelling since diagnosis.

 

[aymes]

Hi Dan , welcome to the site. You've had some fab advice so far and seem to be approaching things well, willingness to learn is what you need to have to get to grips with it all. It is such a lifestyle change, I was diagnosed at 21 so know a bit about how much of a shock it all is. It sounds a cliche but it really all does become 2nd nature after a while and life does get back to 'normal', if indeed normal exists! For me going on mdi was the turn around for me feeling in control of everything, but I did stick on the mixed insulin's for a while, and I think that was right for me at the time, I think we all go at our own pace.
I do hope you stick around the site, so many of us find the place invaluable, just being able to talk to people who really 'know' how it is and understand.

 

[scotty]

Hi dan, welcome to the site,

I was diagonsed last october im 28, it hit me at first, and thought the worst, i do always think about it, but with good support and good control things will get better 🙂

 

[PhilT]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

 

[sofaraway]

Hi Dan welcome to the forum, You've had some great advice already.

I seem to go through different stages of how I feel about my diabetes and I have had it for 10 years now. There are some ups and downs, but generally I am able to be positive about it and appreciate what it has given me also.

Talking to people who just 'get it' really helps. Being on this forum has been really helpful to me and meeting up with these guys and everyone testing and injecting before eating was a really good experience. If you can get to one of the meets would be great, we've got Surrey, London and York coming up.

 

[Dan101]

Hi Dan welcome to the forum, You've had some great advice already.

I seem to go through different stages of how I feel about my diabetes and I have had it for 10 years now. There are some ups and downs, but generally I am able to be positive about it and appreciate what it has given me also.

Talking to people who just 'get it' really helps. Being on this forum has been really helpful to me and meeting up with these guys and everyone testing and injecting before eating was a really good experience. If you can get to one of the meets would be great, we've got Surrey, London and York coming up.

Thank you to everyone for the welcomes and support. im glad i made the descision to join and i know its helped me already. its true, talking to people who 'just get it' helps, not having to explain things is my aim, not having to make an excuse or feel a burden and thats how i feel at the moment.

 

[SilentAssassin1642]

hi dan and welcome. I've had T1 for 14 years and Ijust wanted to tell you that it does get easier. You will be feeling a bit out of sorts, we all get that sometimes. I'm still on MDI's after must be well...10 years or more...