I was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago, when I was 16 years old. Since then, I guess I've just been feeling a little angry about it and then I feel incredibly guilty about being angry. I know that there are much younger children who get this and I know that "it could have been worse" and I feel weak and immature for being angry. I love my parents and I know that they're trying their best to help me but they just can't understand what I'm feeling. When I was first diagnosed, they were 100% behind me and then they sort of just gradually did less and less. But, what's worse is that now they say "It's been 2 Years! You should be used to this by now!" and it hurts me because it shows that they don't really understand how much diabetes has affected me. Before I got sick I was a perfect student and I was in perfect health. Before I was diagnosed my grades suffered because of the high blood sugar and after I was diagnosed I suffered from severe depression which also hurt my grades. Yet I still graduated from high school with a high gpa and having taken 11 AP classes. I'm on a gap year now before college. I traveled through Europe and Northern Africa and I taught English in the Sudan for 3 months. Now I just want to focus on my own health. I want to exercise more and learn how to cook and I want to gain more control over my Diabetes. I'm working to get my A1C low enough to get an insulin pump. I'm working hard but I find my family's lack of sympathy a little bit discouraging. That's why I joined tudiabetes, I'm just looking for a little bit of support from people who understand what I'm feeling.
Brilliant One-
I am now almost 26 years old, but I completely understand where you are coming from. I was diagnosed with Diabetes when I was 9 and a half. It changes your life. You can no longer be a carefree child/teen/adult like many of your friends. I compare having diabetes to a job... except in many jobs, you put the hours and effort in and then you go home for a break and can forget about it until your next day of work. Diabetes doesn't give you breaks.
Most days I keep my spirits high and don't let it get to me- as I, too, know there are people suffering all over the world with their own various problems and diabetes can be somewhat controlled unlike some other illnesses. However, it is much more difficult than people (family, friends, coworkers, strangers) realize. I hope you find the support, encouragement, and compassion that you are looking for through this site. Realize, you are not alone... and there is no shame in being sad and upset and even angry that your life is forever changed and different. I wish you the best of luck! :)
obviously you have some self esteem and ambition based on your posted name, continued success in high school and the confidence to travel far from home! i am a mom of a 14 year old diabetic and do not have diabetes so as he likes to tell me i just dont get it! there is a fine line in parenting between hovering and being really not available. most older types 1's here who grew up in a different era said their parents had very little involvement in their D and this helped them to become independent. since jacob was diag at 10 i have been involved he is working towards independence, ( he does have the skills to go it alone, i just dont think it is a good idea for him to feel like all this is on him just yet) it is just my nature to be supportive and try to lighten his load. that being said, now you are officially an adult and although it would be nice if your parents where helpful, it seems that is not the pattern and seeking help here on tu is a great idea. you've got this, you already have it or i doubt you would of had the confidence to travel to sudan! I would say move forward in your life, learn as much as you can about D, and make one healthy choice at a time, if we wait for others to motivate and support us we can fall flat. all the inspiration you need comes from with in, send out healthy vibes and it will come back to you. if you family wants to join you in this healthy awareness great but if not please do not let them hold you back, you have the potential for anything, believe this and all good things will come! as far as the pump goes all you need is good logging skills and that you are carb counting and accountable and your endo should help you move forward with this if this is your choice. many blessings, amy
I actually fear the topic of diabetes coming up with family because as non-diabetics they can never understand. I don't blame them (I was equally clueless before dx) but I take great care to not bring it up.
I was born with diabetes at birth.I was born with no pancrease or gual bladder so I had no way to make insulin in any form. I suffered all through the 80s an 90s with teachers, peers, an I was an extreme athlete as well. I was a great student. There was no one on my side to support me. They all felt sorry, and treated me different in school. tried to stop me from being normal. I know all to well the difficulties of chilhood and teenage diabetes.
Brilliant One,
You are clearly a strong, brave, and intelligent person! What amazing things you've done - and all with diabetes on board! It is ok to experience your feelings, and they are not always good ones. You have it in you to learn and grow and manage diabetes successfully - and live a full life. I hope you find the resources and support system you are seeking, and I hope you know that you have what it take to succeed.
Whatever you feel is ok, they are your feelings. I went through childhood and being a young adult with this disease. I never let it stop me from doing things, and it certainly hasn’t stopped you. People can’t totally understand unless they have walked the walk. However, you can teach them what you need from them, as well as how to treat you. The disease is only part of you, don’t let it be who you are.
Maybe try writing a letter to your parents telling them how you feel.. That way you can say everything you want without forgetting or getting all worked up.. Ive had situtations in the past and i find writing a letter gets all my thoughts out.. Keep you chin up..
You want to know something funny? My son, who is now almost six, was diagnosed at age 18 months. Everyone says how sad it is that he was diagnosed so young, and I tell them no, because he will never know what it would have been like to grow up WITHOUT diabetes, although he may someday get the chance to be able to make the transition in the other direction. I can't really imagine how difficult it is to go from perfectly healthy one day and then forced to adjust to a completely new reality. You would not be normal if you DIDN'T feel really angry about it. But look at everything you've accomplished in spite of it! You don't let it stop you, and that's the main thing. Yes, it is aggravating as all hell to have hurdles like this. But it will make you a better hurdler.