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Son diagnosed yesterday

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DamoT666

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Parent of person with diabetes
Hi,
I’m an anxious parent who’s son was rushed into hospital at the weekend after being ill for a week.
We though he had flu and didn’t know about the 4T’s.
Phoned NHS 111 and they told me to take him to hospital immediately.

His blood sugar reading was 25 and he spent 2 days on fluids etc due to dehydration.

he’s home now but very upset about it all.

He was due to join the army and now his dream is over.

His weight has plummeted recently but he’s actually put 6 pounds on since the weekend.

he’s having real trouble drawing enough blood to do finger prick test. Any suggestions. Thanks
 
Hi @DamoT666 Sorry to hear about your son’s diagnosis. It’s a hard thing to get your head round because it affects daily life and means having to think about food and eating in a new way. It does get easier over time.

For finger pricks, first make sure his hands are clean. If he washes them in warm water, it will help the blood flow better. He can also shake them a few times like he’s trying to shake something off the tips of his fingers. Prick the sides of the pads of the fingers. The smaller fingers are easier. Importantly, make sure the finger pricked is set to the correct depth.
 
Thanks for the reply. I’ll look into all this. He was getting really frustrated earlier and he kept trying different fingers. I’ll have a search through the forum posts.
 
Could well still be quite dehydrated - is he drinking enough. I was saying just the other day that these days when you go for a blood test anywhere, or go to the blood donor centre you tell them you're there and they invariably want you to drink pleanty of water before going to to see the vampires. A pint when going for a blood test (taken from the arm, and usually take no more than c 10ml) and a whole litre when donating blood.(c 300ml) One mug or can is nowhere near enough to touch the sides!

Make sure the hands are warm, don't prick in the middle of the pads, prick in the side of the pads. If not immediately successful or not enough, massage the same side of the finger as the hole, firmly upwards from where it joins the hand a few times. All these things can help!
 
trophywench said:
Could well still be quite dehydrated - is he drinking enough. I was saying just the other day that these days when you go for a blood test anywhere, or go to the blood donor centre you tell them you're there and they invariably want you to drink pleanty of water before going to to see the vampires. A pint when going for a blood test (taken from the arm, and usually take no more than c 10ml) and a whole litre when donating blood.(c 300ml) One mug or can is nowhere near enough to touch the sides!

Make sure the hands are warm, don't prick in the middle of the pads, prick in the side of the pads. If not immediately successful or not enough, massage the same side of the finger as the hole, firmly upwards from where it joins the hand a few times. All these things can help!
Click to expand...
Thank you. These are the bits of advice we need.
 
I can't help you with T1, and you've had good advice on finger pricking - also Search on YouTube
But I have a friend who was in the same position as yourself

His son was keen on joining the army, but he was diagnosed with T1 in his teens, which was very disappointing
They had a realistic man to man talk along the lines of - well son, life ain't fair, but let's see what you can do, and not what you can't

Eventually he became a paramedic
He had always been interested in guns, and took up shooting, becoming a Range Officer at Bisley, the national shooting centre

As the song says - you can't always get what you want, but sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need

www.nra.org.uk
 
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As a young T1 i managed to backpack the length of Africa,then around India,then later sail twice around the world on a small yacht.
Teresa May who is also T1 managed to become prime minister !

So like a prudent sailor does when the wind changes,adjust your sails and carry on!
 
Spoken to his nurse earlier. It seems that he was told to turn needle up from first level. So he’s only been scratching his skin. Got hospital appointment in the morning, be nice to finally ask some questions.
 
I still have trouble getting blood out, even after many years, and that is down to cold hands! Make sure you have warm, clean hands and shake them about until you can feel them getting warmer, then more! Oh, and yes, do make sure the depth gauge is set appropriately!
 
You have obviously discussed this with the hospital diabetic team but try asking them about Libre Sensors, they’re attached for two weeks then no more needles. They can be bought from a chemist (Ifound Asda was cheaper) but still £50 each so try to get them on the NHS
 
So sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis. My 16 Yr old daughter was diagnosed in May and I also have type 1. It is a huge shock and it is totally understandable your son is upset to loose his dream. My daughter is keen to be a marine biologist and wants to go diving which I am sure will present challenges. Am wishing you both all the best - lots of great advice on here already, do ask anything as it comes up. Take care.
 
Think diving's fine from memory - but not sure about black dives? Once lockdown is done with - many diving clubs run diving lessons in council swimming pools and she'd certainly be able to get shedloads of info from them about that side of it. Only qualified Marine Biologist I've ever known had actually pursued a career in insurance since he couldn't find a job in his speciality and love.
 
Sorry to hear about your son’s diagnosis @DamoT666

It can be a real shock and take some getting used to, but life goes on after, and while it may throw a spanner in the works for some plans, and other things need to be adjusted or adapted, it is still possible to have a full, happy, healthy and adventurous life with T1 along for the ride.

Keep asking away with any questions 🙂
 
@DamoT666 I wonder if it is too early for your son to give up on his dream.
The Army recruitment website says diabetes might stop or delay recruitment. Whilst it is not positive that is not an absolute negative and maybe worthwhile investigating further before completely giving up.

What about the other branches of the military?
My quick google search found that the Navy has a diabetes handbook. So could be worthwhile investigating.
All I found for the RAF was a seven year old document that said diabetes precludes entry but things may have changed since then.
 
Sorry but I think it’s no for joining the RAF. It’s probably little comfort now but I have found some of my greatest disappointments have been for the best in the end. Good luck
 
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