One month in and struggling

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LouiseLaura

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi, I’m 22 years old and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on the 5th of January 2021. My sister has had type 1 diabetes since she was 5, she is now 20, so I was very familiar with it pre diagnosis.
I am struggling to accept it, it doesn’t feel real and I know the struggles that my sister has faced all of her life. I find that I am crying all of the time which is not normal for me and I can hardly eat without feeling guilt for what I am eating or grief of my prediabetes life. Some of my friends have been extremely supportive and are constantly trying to cheer me up whenever I have bad moments but I feel like I am a burden on them, which they have continually told me I am not.

I am also finding doing my blood sugars difficult as all of my fingers have bruises all over them from the finger prick, which is painful and the injections have been hurting recently, especially on one side.

I just thought this might be a place where I could express my emotions and possibly receive advice if anybody has some?

thanks
 
Hello LouiseLaura, welcome to the forum, I would say you have come to the right place if your struggling. Im sorry to hear of your diagnosis but really it’s not all bad. Once you can come to terms with it, it will get easier, I’m like your sis and got it fairly young but I don’t remember much about the diagnosis but I do remember that I felt I was special to receive all the attention I was getting. Your friends sound great and you should let them fuss on you a bit and accept their love and concern, it’s very early days for you but one suggestion I would have for you is ask your diabetic team to get you on a freestyle Libre sensor an then you only need to stick it one once a fortnight, it will save your fingers.
I’m sure lots of other people will be along to say hi and give you some support here, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, best of luck on your new journey and don’t forget it gets easier
Paul
 
LouiseLaura said:
Hi, I’m 22 years old and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on the 5th of January 2021. My sister has had type 1 diabetes since she was 5, she is now 20, so I was very familiar with it pre diagnosis.
I am struggling to accept it, it doesn’t feel real and I know the struggles that my sister has faced all of her life. I find that I am crying all of the time which is not normal for me and I can hardly eat without feeling guilt for what I am eating or grief of my prediabetes life. Some of my friends have been extremely supportive and are constantly trying to cheer me up whenever I have bad moments but I feel like I am a burden on them, which they have continually told me I am not.

I am also finding doing my blood sugars difficult as all of my fingers have bruises all over them from the finger prick, which is painful and the injections have been hurting recently, especially on one side.

I just thought this might be a place where I could express my emotions and possibly receive advice if anybody has some?

thanks
Click to expand...

Hi @LouiseLaura Sorry to hear you’re struggling. I think this is very common. I found the first few months very hard. I felt upset, angry and resentful. It’s still very, very early days for you so be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your feelings and try to step outside them a little and know that they’ll pass gradually.

Firstly - and very importantly - don’t feel guilty about eating. Food isn’t the issue in any way. As I’m sure you know, the problem is your immune system. It’s nothing to do with what you ate or didn’t eat in the past or what you’re eating now. If, for example, you eat a sandwich and get high blood sugar that’s not because of the sandwich in any way. It’s because of some slight miscalculation/mis-timing with the insulin.

Your sister’s difficulties are sad but remember you are not her and you were diagnosed at a very different age.

For your sore fingers: do you have the pricker set at the correct depth? Are you making sure not to press it?

It does get easier - I promise you that. Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. Remember too that we’re closer to a cure now. Stay positive.
 
Hi and welcome from me too. The feelings you are going through are quite normal and many of us felt like that. I was diagnosed just 2 years ago at 56 so I understand it takes a bit of getting your head around when you have been used to pre diagnosis life. The members of the forum here have been absolutely wonderful in supporting me and providing tips and advice since my diagnosis, so I am really pleased you have reached out to us. Even if it is only to vent some of your fears and frustrations, we all understand that here and can relate to what you are going through.
I agree that Freestyle Libre would be a huge benefit to you, so something to ask about but learning to use your lancing device to minimize the discomfort will be helpful. I think there is a thread or link called Painless Pricks which might be helpful to you... I will see if I can find it and link it. Bruising usually occurs when you squeeze the finger too much rather than from the lancet piercing the skin. Making sure your hand are warm will also help the blood to flow more easily, so running them under warm water or even holding a mug of tea or coffee can help with that. The side of the finger pads is supposed to be less sensitive than the centre of the pad, so that might be something to try and finding the appropriate setting on your lancing device for your fingers is crucial. Start low and slowly increase it until you get a drop of blood without much squeezing. There is also a device on the market which is expensive but uses a vacuum to suck the blood out which is supposed to minimize the pain. It is made by Genteel, so if you search that, it might be something that family could club together to buy you if you continue to have problems with sore fingers. Does your sister not have some tips to pass down to you. I guess it might be difficult for her to relate to your situation as she has lived with it pretty much all her life so knows nothing else. Both situations have their difficulties, so not saying either is easier, just different.

Anyway, just really wanted to say that you are absolutely not alone in the feelings you are getting and we all know from experience that they will lessen or disappear over time, but I know that doesn't help much at the moment. Hang in there. It will get better and accept help and support from everyone who is prepared to offer it. I am sure there will have been times when you provided them with help. This is what friendships are about! Celebrating the good times together and helping each other through the tougher times.
 
@LouiseLaura
I wanted to also welcome you to the club.
Diagnosis is difficult but we have all been through it - some as children, some as adults.
I know it was not easy for me. like you, I am not a teary sort but I had my moments of crying and thinking I didn't want this for the rest of my life. It has now become normal and I get annoyed if anyone suggests they feel sorry for me.

Ask questions, vent, moan, ... that is what the forum is for.

The only happiness I remember when I was in my just diagnosed teary state was realising my tears tasted sweet rather than salty. I even had my boyfriend licking my tears to try them out.
 
I was 22 as well. For at least months, I'd burst into tears at some very inconvenient and unexpected times. Going to sound potty, but it is a process of grief being diagnosed with any chronic condition. I always thought 'chronic' meant whatever was being discussed was very bad - it doesn't, it means very long lasting - and Type 1 absolutely is that, cos it's for the rest of our lives.

Look up ' The 5 stages of Grief ' on the internet - although usually applied to how to deal with grief after someone dies - it's equally applicable to this situation. I didn't discover this until I'd already had T1 for over 30 years, and can still recognise and plot my progression through all the stages.

The crying is inconsolable really, cos however sympathetic anyone is, they can't cure it any more than you can. I'd only been married 12 months at the time and after a while I said to my man, just bung your arm round me whilst I have my weep, don't need to say anything - just be there for me, it's enough, knowing you are.
 
Paulbreen said:
Hello LouiseLaura, welcome to the forum, I would say you have come to the right place if your struggling. Im sorry to hear of your diagnosis but really it’s not all bad. Once you can come to terms with it, it will get easier, I’m like your sis and got it fairly young but I don’t remember much about the diagnosis but I do remember that I felt I was special to receive all the attention I was getting. Your friends sound great and you should let them fuss on you a bit and accept their love and concern, it’s very early days for you but one suggestion I would have for you is ask your diabetic team to get you on a freestyle Libre sensor an then you only need to stick it one once a fortnight, it will save your fingers.
I’m sure lots of other people will be along to say hi and give you some support here, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, best of luck on your new journey and don’t forget it gets easier
Paul
Click to expand...
Thank you, I think they have put me down for a libre.
 
trophywench said:
I was 22 as well. For at least months, I'd burst into tears at some very inconvenient and unexpected times. Going to sound potty, but it is a process of grief being diagnosed with any chronic condition. I always thought 'chronic' meant whatever was being discussed was very bad - it doesn't, it means very long lasting - and Type 1 absolutely is that, cos it's for the rest of our lives.

Look up ' The 5 stages of Grief ' on the internet - although usually applied to how to deal with grief after someone dies - it's equally applicable to this situation. I didn't discover this until I'd already had T1 for over 30 years, and can still recognise and plot my progression through all the stages.

The crying is inconsolable really, cos however sympathetic anyone is, they can't cure it any more than you can. I'd only been married 12 months at the time and after a while I said to my man, just bung your arm round me whilst I have my weep, don't need to say anything - just be there for me, it's enough, knowing you are.
Click to expand...
Thank you
 
helli said:
@LouiseLaura
I wanted to also welcome you to the club.
Diagnosis is difficult but we have all been through it - some as children, some as adults.
I know it was not easy for me. like you, I am not a teary sort but I had my moments of crying and thinking I didn't want this for the rest of my life. It has now become normal and I get annoyed if anyone suggests they feel sorry for me.

Ask questions, vent, moan, ... that is what the forum is for.

The only happiness I remember when I was in my just diagnosed teary state was realising my tears tasted sweet rather than salty. I even had my boyfriend licking my tears to try them out.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
Thank you so much. The nurses have shown me how to do the finger pricks at the side and the finger prick is at the lowest setting, I think unfortunately I just have a low pain threshold and tend to bruise easily. They have me down for a libre so hopefully I’ll get that soon.
rebrascora said:
Hi and welcome from me too. The feelings you are going through are quite normal and many of us felt like that. I was diagnosed just 2 years ago at 56 so I understand it takes a bit of getting your head around when you have been used to pre diagnosis life. The members of the forum here have been absolutely wonderful in supporting me and providing tips and advice since my diagnosis, so I am really pleased you have reached out to us. Even if it is only to vent some of your fears and frustrations, we all understand that here and can relate to what you are going through.
I agree that Freestyle Libre would be a huge benefit to you, so something to ask about but learning to use your lancing device to minimize the discomfort will be helpful. I think there is a thread or link called Painless Pricks which might be helpful to you... I will see if I can find it and link it. Bruising usually occurs when you squeeze the finger too much rather than from the lancet piercing the skin. Making sure your hand are warm will also help the blood to flow more easily, so running them under warm water or even holding a mug of tea or coffee can help with that. The side of the finger pads is supposed to be less sensitive than the centre of the pad, so that might be something to try and finding the appropriate setting on your lancing device for your fingers is crucial. Start low and slowly increase it until you get a drop of blood without much squeezing. There is also a device on the market which is expensive but uses a vacuum to suck the blood out which is supposed to minimize the pain. It is made by Genteel, so if you search that, it might be something that family could club together to buy you if you continue to have problems with sore fingers. Does your sister not have some tips to pass down to you. I guess it might be difficult for her to relate to your situation as she has lived with it pretty much all her life so knows nothing else. Both situations have their difficulties, so not saying either is easier, just different.

Anyway, just really wanted to say that you are absolutely not alone in the feelings you are getting and we all know from experience that they will lessen or disappear over time, but I know that doesn't help much at the moment. Hang in there. It will get better and accept help and support from everyone who is prepared to offer it. I am sure there will have been times when you provided them with help. This is what friendships are about! Celebrating the good times together and helping each other through the tougher times.
Click to expand...
 
Inka said:
Hi @LouiseLaura Sorry to hear you’re struggling. I think this is very common. I found the first few months very hard. I felt upset, angry and resentful. It’s still very, very early days for you so be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your feelings and try to step outside them a little and know that they’ll pass gradually.

Firstly - and very importantly - don’t feel guilty about eating. Food isn’t the issue in any way. As I’m sure you know, the problem is your immune system. It’s nothing to do with what you ate or didn’t eat in the past or what you’re eating now. If, for example, you eat a sandwich and get high blood sugar that’s not because of the sandwich in any way. It’s because of some slight miscalculation/mis-timing with the insulin.

Your sister’s difficulties are sad but remember you are not her and you were diagnosed at a very different age.

For your sore fingers: do you have the pricker set at the correct depth? Are you making sure not to press it?

It does get easier - I promise you that. Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. Remember too that we’re closer to a cure now. Stay positive.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. The nurses have shown me how to do the finger pricks at the side and the finger prick is at the lowest setting, I think unfortunately I just have a low pain threshold and tend to bruise easily. I also find it hard to get blood so I have to push it a little bit further. They have me down for a libre so hopefully I’ll get that soon.
 
LouiseLaura said:
Thank you so much. The nurses have shown me how to do the finger pricks at the side and the finger prick is at the lowest setting, I think unfortunately I just have a low pain threshold and tend to bruise easily. I also find it hard to get blood so I have to push it a little bit further. They have me down for a libre so hopefully I’ll get that soon.
Click to expand...

It’s a bit of a knack. I was told “Ease don’t squeeze” - you gently ‘push’ the blood from the base of the finger up towards the tip by stroking upwards with your thumb. Warm fingers help enormously. Don’t do it too much at the side - more kind of the side of the centre, if that makes sense.

Some finger prickers are better than others. I find the FastClix one very good. It’s by AccuChek. I have lots of prickers and that’s my favourite.

It might also be that you need the next setting up. Have a go and see which you prefer. It might be that a slightly deeper prick actually hurts less because you get the blood out more easily. None of the settings are super-deep so don’t let that put you off.
 
Last edited:
Hi and welcome to the let it all out forum.🙂

I would give you a hug but at my age my heart might not survive.

You seem to worry because your sister has struggled. Remember she has struggled with being a child and growing into an adult. A difficult time for anybody let alone with diabetes to make you 'different'. You are passed all those problems. Not going to say you won't get any just different. Best wishes.
 
LouiseLaura said:
Hi, I’m 22 years old and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on the 5th of January 2021. My sister has had type 1 diabetes since she was 5, she is now 20, so I was very familiar with it pre diagnosis.
I am struggling to accept it, it doesn’t feel real and I know the struggles that my sister has faced all of her life. I find that I am crying all of the time which is not normal for me and I can hardly eat without feeling guilt for what I am eating or grief of my prediabetes life. Some of my friends have been extremely supportive and are constantly trying to cheer me up whenever I have bad moments but I feel like I am a burden on them, which they have continually told me I am not.

I am also finding doing my blood sugars difficult as all of my fingers have bruises all over them from the finger prick, which is painful and the injections have been hurting recently, especially on one side.

I just thought this might be a place where I could express my emotions and possibly receive advice if anybody has some?

thanks
Click to expand...
Hi @LouiseLaura, Welcome to the forum!

I just wanted to drop in and say that it's completely understandable to feel as you do. Getting a diabetes diagnosis can be a shock, especially if you've seen the challenges a loved one has faced with it.

Although it may not feel like it right now, you have a head start in managing this and living a fulfilling live as you have the experience of your sister.

Don't feel guilty re food, we need food to live! As you learn more from the blood sugar readings you'll learn the impact that certain foods may have on you which will really help.

If you ever feel as though you need to vent, please do get in touch on the forum as you'll find that many of us have gone through the same range of emotions when first getting diagnosed but time and info will ease things with time.
 
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