Updates & Thoughts

1

Back in October I was a new member of this site and only posted a few times. I've been in the back round reading other people's posts. My life situation has changed a lot since last posting so I'm back. Staring over on this site. Here are some updates and some feelings that I just need to let out to people that I know understand. This post will probably be a long one. Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read/reply.

- Due to cost I had not used my insulin pump in 10 months. I was injecting my insulin but not at all the way I needed to. The bottom line for me and my health: I need to use my pump! As of 1 month ago, I'm back pumping.

- There were some positive changes to my insurance coverage that allows me more affordability with my pump supplies. Things are still very tight but I'm realizing that I have to do whatever it takes to ensure my well being. I'm still trying to figure out financial stuff so that is a challenge for me. While I'm using my pump, I'm not using it to it's full capacity. I am only running it for my basal. I am injecting for my meal boluses. This allows me to use less pump supplies. Because I use so much insulin daily, I would be changing out infusion sets and reservoirs so often. While the supplies are cheaper than they were I need to get some finances in order.This is something I am working to elevate.

- I have an appointment for some blood work at my family doctor since I haven't had anything done in so long (and they are requesting I have this done). At that point, I will get my referral to an endocrinologist. I've heard such wonderful things about the endo doctor I will see and I can't wait to get in there to see her. I want to talk to the endo about everything. Specifically, I would like to talk about my insulin resistance and get a C-Peptide and Antibody Panel drawn. I need some true answers about my condition. I am embarrassed to say that I have never been to an endo even though I have diabetes and hypothyroidism. All of that has always been "managed" by my family doctor. After all of this time I see that I should have always been seeing an endo. This was never suggest to me before. I feel like I've been mislead and told a lot of info that was really doctors "guessing" about my diagnosis. Now that I have the knowledge I am advocating for myself, doing research,and asking questions (to the RIGHT people).

- I also have an appointment to need with a certified dietitian who specializes in diabetic diet, control, and weight loss. I would like to lose 20 pounds. I also need some low cost options for foods that I can prepare at home.

- Over all I feel ashamed that I've allowed things to get out of control and stay that way for so long. It's a blessing that I'm even still here- not in a coma, hospital or dead. I'm embarrassed that I never took charge of my own health. This is so unlike me and I don't know why I've dealt this my diagnosis the way I have. I suppose it's easy not to deal with something you ignore or don't take too seriously. I feel like I am in a much better place now. I've made the steps to get things under control and I am READY to get things under control. I am finally willing to do what it takes- what I should have been doing all along.

2

Its great to hear that you have a positive attitude now. I wish as you do that I had taken better care of things all along. I wish you all the best and hope things come easy with the correct information and the right people supporting you.

3

You are on a path that many have been down already. About a year ago, I was where you are now -- determined to make up for a lot of neglect. The good news is, you can. I did. You still have time to turn things around, and you are quite obviously determined to do so. Please keep us posted on your progress!

4

Good job taking control of things!! I like having a pump and using it, counting carbs, etc. as a useful weight loss tool as if I gain a few pounds, I'll look at my BG and what I'm eating and can usually find a way to cut some carbs out which, in turn, often makes the weight come off.

5

Diabetes does not define you. Rather, it is a very unique part of you. Using that to your advantage is important to your well-being. I found that when I finally accepted the fact that I am a diabetic person, rather that an individual who suffers from diabetes, the diabetes was a whole lot easier for me to manage.

I am happy to learn that you are trying to get your arms around your personal health issues. I know it is difficult, but I also know how much better of a person you will be when you allow the specialists and those who take this walk with you to help and guide you. You are taking some huge steps, and I applaud you for it.

Rather than good luck, I am passing my best wishes to you.

6

Thanks for your kind reply.

7

Thanks for your reply. I'll post some updates after I get through some of these appointments. I love being able to reach out to people that have been where I am now. It really helps.

8

That was my though- eating low carb will help weight come off. It's exciting to think of the things that are to come.

9

Your reply put some things in to perspective for me and helped a lot. I think that's the way I need to look at things in order to get a hold on this so it doesn't have a hold of me. :)

10

These sounds like great steps to living successfully with diabetes. I think most diabetics have years in their teens when they look back and wish they had better control. You sound like me, eventually I woke up and took control. Just think of how your work now will allow you to have long and happy future. Kudos!

11

I'm the ultimate turn around guy. Even though I'm T2 I can relate to what your saying. I am an insulin dependent T2 on a pump. Starting insulin plus diet and exercise has brought me full circle.

Getting my act together has done more than improve my physical health it has also given me a positive attitude for the first time since diagnosis. Funny what a feeling of control can do for your mental well being

I love you new attitude.

12

Thanks!

13

That's great that you were able to make such positive changes!