I woke up, jumped in my new Honda Accord Coupe that any 27 male would love to able to own. I drove to my parking lot hopped on the train and went to my government job that I’ve had for a year after being unemployed for 2 years, I love my job. Although I was thirsty and urinating all week i thought it was the heatwave, and my excessive beer drinking at a cookout that weekend. However when I got to work I felt dizzy, nauseous, and my kidneys and legs hurt. My manager said I should go to hospital, so I did. I was in the ER at 630am thinking I have a kidney infection. The Dr on staff told me I’m diabetic. My eyes welled up, and “manly” tears began rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t remember the last time I had cried…The ER is probably the worst place to find out, they’re busy, and know very little about Diabetics. Anyhow, its been a few days since then and my family is freaking out, they don’t know what type I am since I’m healthy, and so young. My mind races all the time, sleeping has become my best friend, it serves as an escape from this surreal overnight life changer. I fear what people will think, what my friends will think, will I find a wife now, does this get easier, why me?..
Chuck, have you met with your regular doctor since the ER? What's the plan for treatment? I'm sure it's completely overwhelming. It's really important that you get the correct diagnosis. You might have type 1 actually, you'll need the tests to really determine. how are your blood sugars doing?
please read this
http://www.tudiabetes.org/profiles/blogs/melitta-s-top-ten-tips-for-the-newly-diagnosed-person-with-adult
now, as far as the future, there's no reason you can't do any thing you want. Our head administrator, Bradford, is doing TWO century bike rides this weekend, that's 100 miles both today and tomorrow. I've had it for 45 years myself, and still doing just fine. take a deep breath, you're in our family now, and we take care of each other here. I'm so very glad you found us right away. We try very hard to have the most accurate and helpful information on our site. Let me know if you need ANYTHING.
Thank you so much for the support Marie. I have a speciast now who I met with yesterday and the entirr staff was awesome. They are thinking it’s 2 but my levels aren’t reacting as fast as they thought it would, I’m on Metformin but I rarely get below the 240’s. They sent a full sample to see if it is type 1, I’m probably saying a bunch of stuff wrong, I just know nothing about this! I’ve been eating healthy buy im scared about losing a ton of weight i’m already think and dont want all the attention and questions from folks…
I agree with Marie, Chuck; you've definitely come to the right place. We have all been there in one way or another. It is absolutely overwhelming and yes, it is a life changer. But it is still LIFE! You can still drive your beautiful new car to your beautiful new job and do anything you want to do.
These early days are the hardest; there's a lot to do and understand. First and foremost is a correct diagnosis of type and getting started with a good doctor, preferably an endocrinologist. Make sure he tests antibodies and c-peptide. Then come back here and let us know how it's going so we can support you and make more recommendations.
I am so sorry, Chuck. It is hard enough to be told you have a chronic illness, but the ER is probably not the most sympathetic place.
Couple of questions: Did they provide you with your HBA1C and blood glucose test results? Did they refer you to an endocrinologist? You need all three of those things to get better. Are you on any medications for the diabetes? You need to get a doctor to help you get started, and a certified diabetic educator would also be helpful. Were you tested positively for ketones? My guess is that your ketones are probably high, which explains the symptoms, including the sleep--all are classic. When you get your blood glucose numbers down, those feelings will improve.
I was 10 when I was diagnosed, and I am now 60. I have had a full life, been married for 37 years and have a son. I recently retired, but worked at good, well paying jobs from the age of 24. My last two jobs required extensive travel and all went well. I even earned my masters at 50. You can have the same kind of life that non-diabetics can; you just have to add diabetes control to the everyday norm. Hang in there and seek out help.
yes, I hope the specialist you saw is an endocrinologist. I'm just thinking the sudden onset of symptoms (relatively) and that you're thin, seems to make me question the type2 dx (diagnosis). Not that you couldn't have type2. Hope you're going to see your team there early as possible next week. Oh, and, you don't have to take any unwanted questions from folks, most of the public are woefully uneducated about diabetes anyway, just make it clear to back off. You can come here anytime, there's usually someone in the chat room who can give you some good advice on how to deal with the "diabetes police" as we call them. Now with a bg over 240, I'd want to check for ketones. You can get these stips called Ketostix at any pharmacy. If there's ketones in your urine, I'd call your doctor right away. also, make sure you're drinking plenty of water with bgs over 240, it's very dehydrating.
oh and don't worry about saying things "wrong" in here!
Marie, Spock and Zoe, thanks so much. I’m attending the Mass General Hospital Diabetes Center, with an Endro, and nurse who will hold my hand trough this process, they’re suppose to be one of the best. They took blood yesterday to see what type I finally am, I should know tuesday. I will be using this forum regularly, I don’t know anyone with Diabetes so this is will be my outlet. I’m prone to depression and i’ve felt sad and wanting be alone for the past 3 days. Thank you all so much
I'm sorry to hear you have joined us. Being diagnosed with diabetes is a huge traumatic event. Many of us "celebrate" our diaversary, the annual day of our diagnosis. I know that it may not seem so, but everything will be ok. It will take time, you will have to learn some new stuff, but you can live a long, healthy happy life. And no matter what you think people will like you and love your for who you are and your diabetes is irrelevant to that.
Chuck, I got my dx on 02/21/13 at age 46. I know what you're going through. One of the things to ask them is for the results of the C-Peptide test.
I, too was sent away with Metformin, but only was on it for a couple days. My doc had the results back that showed I was T1D and have been on insulin for the last 3+ months.
A couple of books I would recommend are: Joslin Guide to Diabetes and 50 Diabetes Myths. I got both from my public library.
I still remember how ghastly I felt when I was dx'ed and often refer to that when people are like "wow, I couldn't do shots/ test bg/ etc." I'm sure it will get easier as, with anything else, the more you do something, the better at it you'll be. I've got a great wife and have had lots of fun with her, sickness, health, exercising at middle age, etc. I used to think "well, I'll never survive past 40..." as I was rather wild when I was younger but, at 45, I am looking at my prospects more optimistically.
Hi Chuck! First, big hugs, and welcome to our wonderful family. TuD is a second family for a lot of us. Here, everyone understands, no one judges, and we'll rant and vent right along with you. I'm sorry your family is freaking out; tell them you need them to support you, and to become educated with you. Most people know very little about diabetes until there's a reason for them to - I know that was true of me! The best gift/support your family and friends can give you is to become educated alongside you.
I'm SO glad you found us! You'll get loads of information and support here from people who live with D (diabetes) 24/7/365. We have successful lives, of all skills and professions, we do every kind of sport imaginable, we get married if we choose, have children if we want them, and live to see our grandchildren (and sometimes great grandkids).
It IS a surreal diagnosis, and it is life-changing. It will take a correct diagnosis and treatment and a lot of learning and practice before you can begin to accept it, and you will - I promise! Please do come into the chat room as Marie said. There's almost always someone there. We can share information, stories, and often some bad jokes ;) Keep posting Chuck - you can't say anything 'wrong' here, and we've all been in your place and grown past it, with diabetes ;)
Chuck, one more thing - I hope we'll see that sad face change to a Honda Accord Coupe soon! What color is it? Mass General is a wonderful hospital :)
I’ve got so many messages and responses, thanks so much! Its black on black V6 exl, i love it. Im in bed now the metformin goces me upsrt stomachs after every meal, but I gotta keep eating. To the folks wjo I havent responded to I’m using my iphone so Its a little limited, but trust me I read every single word from all of you, much appreciated
Oh Chuck....so sorry. But so happy that you went to the hospital when you did.
Don't worry about anyone but yourself....it's all that matters right now. Will you be tested to determine what type of diabetes you have?
Delighted that you are HERE at TuDiabetes...amongst friends.
*BIG HUGS*
You are not alone. We have all walked down the same road you are on right now. It’s scary but, in time, you will learn to live with it and will have happy days come to you. I was 26 and never sick a day in my life when I got it. So I can relate to where you are in life. That was 27 years ago. Also, I was in the Boston area at the time (I’m down on MV now). The folks at Mass General will take good care of you. There are also plenty of people here at TuD with decades of experience who are waiting to help you.
Yeah Linda thanks for the kind words, I found out this week what category I fit into to, I’ve learned alot just from this website, as supportive as my family is, they don’t know how I feel, you all do.
Fortunetly the tools, technology and education available to you today are 100% better than even 10 years ago. Good luck!
Let me add my voice to the chorus of support.
Some of what I have to say you've heard already, but good things are worth saying more than once. At least, that's the excuse I always give when I repeat myself . . . :-)
This diagnosis is a jolt, no two ways about it. But you're on a well-traveled road: we have all been there, and we've all emerged intact. The very beginning, which is where you are now, is the hardest part. It may not look like it, but that initial shock that you're still experiencing is the most difficult hurdle by far. I guarantee that you will eventually feel not just "better", but whole again. Maybe not today, but it absolutely will happen.
The first order of business is to get those high BG readings down. Just doing that will make a surprising difference in your physical and mental well-being.
And it's really terrific that you've found us, whether by accident or intent. tuD is a priceless source of both emotional support and technical advice. From the sound of things, you have an excellent medical team. Certainly Mass Gen is one of the better hospitals around. But peer support -- which is what we do best -- not only offers the chance to talk with someone who really understands what you're dealing with; it also is a source of practical coping strategies that just aren't available anywhere else. Doctors and nurses are trained in the technology of treatment, not the day-in, day-out management techniques that we who live with this every day have learned. With almost 29,000 members, this community is an incredibly rich source of shared experience to draw on. Don't neglect it.
You have absolutely come to the right place.
And speaking of coping strategies, here's one: the amount of information you will need to assimilate can seem massive at first. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by it! Take it in small bites. Learn one or two things at a time, then move on. You have plenty of time, after all. Diabetes isn't going anywhere, and neither are you. Absorb it at your own (comfortable) speed.
And another. Don't do this now; you have enough to think about at the moment. But when things quiet down, there are some truly excellent books out there full of immensely valuable knowledge. A few have already been mentioned. Here are a couple more:
Gary Scheiner, Think Like A Pancreas (Boston: Da Capo Press, 2011)
Richard K. Bernstein, Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution, 4th. ed. (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2011)
And as others have suggested, drop into the chat room once in a while, either when you need answers, or just want a moment of comic relief. Both are available in ample quantities.
One final thing -- welcome to "the club no one wants to join", and most especially, welcome to our community. We take care of our own -- please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing!
David
Hi Chuck, and sorry to hear you found out in such a way. Really seems quiet stunning how you found out, no wonder you are a bit stunned at it all. But a life changer? a little maybe but not where it matters luckily. You will soon learn about how your body works, and once that's down you can still do anything and everything you always could do. Yes that does include the cookouts and a few good ales (may I highly recommend some Belgian Duvel or Kwak if you get the chance)!
As for what people think, as a general rule most will be curious. A few will have silly questions or no idea at all and will need educating, but as a whole the general populace will be interested more than anything else. Friends won't mind, if anything like mine they love to get curious about blood testers and it's ohh so much fun introducing them to a finger test (lancet's turned to max so they fully understand :D ). Finding a wife, ok can't help with any advice on that as still looking myself. But it's not stopped me trying! Does it get easier? yep! Why you? hmm good question on that one and probably the one we can't answer unfortunately as just unlucky sadly.
But life changer? it gives you a few things to think about, but it changes your life as much as you allow it to. You will control it, and not allow it to control you and everything will go on as before. Look at the fellow D's on here and online, some have gone out and bagged 6 Olympic gold medals, and another who's a fighter pilot is about to become the first D in space. On the site here we've had comedians and sports people just in the past few weeks in the live chats. The barrier stopping you is really allowing D to control you, and not you controlling you. If you allow it to take control, it will take whatever it can. You are stronger than that, and will put it in it's place soon enough :)
So glad to hear it. As has been said, you will find a lot of help here.
By the by---in 50 years of T1, I have met one other T1 in my life. There have been T2s, but I like to think of us as an exclusive club.... :>)