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Overwhelmed Mum!

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Hello @Loubylou321 and welcome 🙂

You've already been given lots of good advice, so the only thing I'll add is - ask the diabetes specialist nurse if you can have his or her email address, as sometimes it can be difficult to get through to someone at a hospital on the phone, and if you have a list of questions which you need answers for but you don't need them immediately, it's really useful to be able to email them!
 
trophywench said:
LOL Louby - just look up the definition of the word 'chronic' -

(of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

‘chronic bronchitis’
Often contrasted with acute

ie 'for life' in this case - cos despite telling every one of us 'in 10 years there will be a cure' - don't waste energy on looking forward to that day !

I don't believe they do that sort of formal version of 'classroom' carb counting training for children or their parents - bearing in mind we aren't even allowed to do those courses soon after diagnosis, children can't wait that long cos everything is changing so very quickly - so each clinic has to train the individual parents pdq in every case. Carb ratios will be hugely less predictable for growing children than adults with at least their growth hormones ebbing and surging, let alone their puberty ones.
Click to expand...
Yes I did wonder how long it would be before we start doing the carb thing. We have an appointment at the hospital today. This all happened whist we were on holiday in Cornwall last week. So now we are home this is our first meeting with the local diabetic team. I’m hoping for loads more information!!! Knowledge is power!!!!
 
What a big shock for you both, Loubylou.

When my son was born he had heart complications, which they attributed to undiagnosed gestational diabetes. We were both very poorly for a while. He had surgery at 4 weeks and a valve replacement last year - tough for a young man in his 20s. Secretly, I was devastated for him but we rise to the challenge because we are mums and dads but that doesn't mean that we don't need support. I certainly had dark moments thinking "why him" and I am sure he did, too but disappointment and being scared is part of the process and I don't beat myself up about it. His condition has made me a bit over protective and I need to manage this. He is a year post surgery, this month and doing really well. He rails against the restrictions sometimes - no tattoos, no piercings, no physical training but overall he handles it. In his group of friends, most of whom he has known from primary school, two have type 1 diabetics and one has sickle cell, all diagnosed in their early teens and they all pretty much just get on with it. I think peer support is key in this and I think health professionals and schools are better at recognising this.

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world, especially at times like this. You and your daughter will find your feet, I'm sure. I hope all goes well for you, today.

(Big hugs)
Ruby x
 
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Just thought - if you’ve not come across it yet, you might find www.t1resources.uk a useful source of links to more information. All checked and reviewed both by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes. You can search for info for parents/ kids or by all sorts of other categories.
 
@Ruby/London - tell your son to watch out post op!

My brother in law's younger bro was born with a heart defect too, and eventually had it operated on and mended when he was almost 30. By this time he'd been married for nearly 10 years, but though they'd tried all sorts of things, the family they both desperately wanted didn't happen. So anyway - whilst he was recovering post-op - you'll never guess what happened ! Jade is now in her 20s …….

It clearly invigorates bits of young chaps they never imagined LOL
 
Hi Loubylou

Welcome to the forum. YES it does get easier. Sally summed it up very well, and the gaps between feeling very fed up with it all get longer. Sometimes a totally unrelated incident causes an overflow in my ‘coping cup’, but in general we find a way of getting on with it, because that is no way the new normal.

I am glad you have ordered the book by Ragnar Hanas. It is excellent and I still dip into it when an issue arises, and find it very clear and comprehensive.

Is your daughter stil in primary school and transferring next year?
You have already mentioned that she is coping very well, and she will gradually take on more and more responsibility. It may be useful to arrange a meeting with the school(s) and in some cases your DSN will arrange to meet with them if that will help.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask (absolutely nothing is a stupid question). I have found that there are plenty of people on here with so much experience that I have always found the information that I have needed.

Keep in touch and let us know how you both get on.
 
just wanted to add my hellos. I think we once did a thread about what was positive about having diabetes (not clutching at straws, honest 😉). Things included were being in better health generally - both by taking better active care of diet etc and by having regular check ups. Free perscriptions for life.. Umm - this wonderful forum - I have met some amazing people through having diabetes.
Anyway, welcome, we are here, we have your back 🙂
 
trophywench said:
@Ruby/London - tell your son to watch out post op!

My brother in law's younger bro was born with a heart defect too, and eventually had it operated on and mended when he was almost 30. By this time he'd been married for nearly 10 years, but though they'd tried all sorts of things, the family they both desperately wanted didn't happen. So anyway - whilst he was recovering post-op - you'll never guess what happened ! Jade is now in her 20s …….

It clearly invigorates bits of young chaps they never imagined LOL
Click to expand...

I did post on another thread that I would love to be a granny 😛
 
Hello and welcome 🙂
Sorry to hear about your daughters diagnosis, just take one day at a time x
 
Loubylou321 said:
Yes I did wonder how long it would be before we start doing the carb thing. We have an appointment at the hospital today. This all happened whist we were on holiday in Cornwall last week. So now we are home this is our first meeting with the local diabetic team. I’m hoping for loads more information!!! Knowledge is power!!!!
Click to expand...
What a huge shock for you and sure it must be a emotional roller coaster for you. I hope you had a good appointment yesterday and you are got the support you need.
Sending loads of support. Jo
 
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis.
 
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