So, you might have picked up on the fact that i'm a littlr hyper after my first ever dka (2 months ago - 12 years D).
But I also have other conditions. and I know that if you are sick and all you need to keep a closer look and all. But iv'e been sent twice already to the er. which is annoying. the only reason was because diabetes mixed in with anything - make's my nurses freak out. :-\
Hello Kittywolf:
I'll take a bite of this one.
There are entirely valid and GOOD reasons to go and visit the local ER. Now and at any time in the future, you will always make the judgement(s). Thank you for that advice, I will not be going for the time being thanks anyway, or, ok, sounds right, I'm on my way there now.
But always it is YOUR choice and entirely your decision alone. Make wise, informed decisions to the best of your ability. Some you will get wrong. Most will not be irreparable decisions regardless.
Being wound a little tightly after a scary event, is completely SANE and entirely normal stuff. If you were not a little edgy after whatever event(s) then I would be concerned. But basic nerves, occasional worry is part of the daily channel most of us play with every day.
Are we severely anxious, no. But if we pay attention for a couple minutes while we do the math, make the best informed choices/decisions we can, and then roll the dice.
Nothing wrong with minor anxiety, concern, curiosity, annoyances. But when/if if begins to stop you from doing things you would otherwise, then that "worry" is problematic and needs a much closer look at it.
Unless someone's specific training, and expertise is specifically DIABETES, most white coats are like anybody else They can recommend something, but that does not mean they are remotely correct about it. Ask them WHY they are recommending that course of action, make them explain their view.
When you recognize the ER personnel by NAME, then there might be a problem. Until then, this dis-ease is NOT simple, never easy, and completely incessant to the point of being malevolent (IMHE). Do not get wound up because you visited twice... though important, it was not a daily event.
Fear grows when we feed it. Try not to feed it!
Not sure I understand this: "the only reason was because diabetes mixed in with anything - make's my nurses freak out."
DKA is generally not a concern unless your BG is 300+ (and is not responding) and you have moderate or high ketones in your urine and you have multiple signs and symptoms like: Excessive thirst or frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath, confusion...
Of course severe Hypos are a concern too.
Fairly certain she means general illness lie a cold or flu. Which her nurses and she, are rightly concerned about.
Diabetes can have a definite impact on you and cause complications when you are ill, yes even with a cold.
For example, about 12 years ago I got food poisoning and had to be taken to the ER in an ambulance.
I threw up for hours and couldn't keep anything down after the meal.
Problem was I still had active insulin in my system.
TL:DR = Vomiting constantly, abdominal spasms, blood pressure 30, blood sugar 40 and dropping = A wicked combination that leads to hospitalization and being hooked up to every machine in the joint.
All of the above would have been quite different if not for the Diabetes. I would have just had food poisoning, puked for a while, felt generally miserable for a day or two and then been fine.
Diabetes can complicate anything, even if it is simple.
Wow, excellent comment, Stuart.
If any medical professional 'freaks out' because a diabetic is also ill for other reasons, I submit that medical professional is in the wrong line of work!
The most 'risky' illnesses for people with diabetes are those that can cause dehydration - ie. Vomiting and Diarrhoea or serious infections.
Does every episode need a trip to the ER? No.
With such illness important thing to ask, is:-
1. Am I able to stay hydrated (if not and it is more than a few hours a trip to the ER for some IV fluids is a good idea).
2. Are my blood sugars under reasonable control and responding to my corrective efforts?
Under reasonable control I would say 70 - 200 range AND if high or low, respond to eating / drinking or corrective insulin.
The main take home during illness is monitor more closely than usual. Don't get dehydrated. Seek help if corrections / food is not impacting blood sugars (give a few hours).
This doesn't preclude normal reasons to go to the ER that may be not diabetic related.
Unfortunately, if "they" are not highly experienced with Diabetes specifically, many, many (most?) blow their gaskets easily.
Ridiculous over reaction(s), defensive medicine, something else... take your pick. I am no longer ABLE to count the number of times I have been forced to explain my formulas, my approach and have an intelligent conversation with "them". I write it down for them, and they literally do not understand, I am NOT a TYPE 2, stop using that template... I am a Type 1, and yes I use injected insulin(s)...
SOmeone could (SHOULD) write a skit on this kind of ER nightmare-comedy