Stressed out diabetic
OK I just had to let off some of my frustration. So, here I am. I was diagnosed with diabetes one month ago. I had no idea I was diabetic until I ended up in the hospital with a blood sugar level of 864. Normal being around 100. A very scary day going in and out of a coma with blurred vision and confussion.
I went home a week later to my Mom who I care for in my home. She is ambulatory and able to cook for herself. But, it's all my fault...how could I leave here here alone (my adult children were in & out & in phone contact several times a day). I even missed her 90th birthday. OK so I'm crap ...right?
I went back to my doctor a week later only to be told he does not treat insulin diabetics and I would have to find another doctor. Which I did. Except in the last 3 weeks I have had my insulin RX sent to the pharmacy twice. Been unable to contact the on call Dr. when my blood sugar went up to 400 in the middle of the day for no apparent reason other than I have had to go back to work and the stress there and at home is killing me. Today I went for my scheduled appointment only to be told they had not put it in the computer and the schedule was full (sure my boss won't mind me taking off more time for another appointment). They set me in a separate area away from the other patients because by now I'm having a melt down. I am not the kind of person to have hysterics.
They did get me into another doctor who said since he was not familiar with my situation he would suggest I start journaling my food intake. I had just finished diabetic classes (2 more days off work) but, he told me I must be eating all the wrong foods. He did nothing to address my fluctuating sugars 40-400. As I left the office that had done nothing for me the lady at the desk said very loudly hey, you need to check out. I told her to bill me and wait for it and walked out.
After 45 minutes in my car continuing my meltdown and blaming every body and everything, but cooling down I went home. The minute I pulled in I got the 3rd degree on why I was late and how inconsiderate I am for not calling. How stupid I am and if I wasn't so damn fat I wouldn't have to go to the doctors all the time.
OK now I'm not only stressed out, a dibetic in crisis with no doctor but now I'm also #$&*$&# depressed. Called a friend but got the answering machine. Guess NOBODY GIVE A CRAP. Why am I still here?????????????
Stressed out diabetic
OK I just had to let off some of my frustration. So, here I am. I was diagnosed with diabetes one month ago. I had no idea I was diabetic until I ended up in the hospital with a blood sugar level of 864. Normal being around 100. A very scary day going in and out of a coma with blurred vision and confussion.
I went home a week later to my Mom who I care for in my home. She is ambulatory and able to cook for herself. But, it's all my fault...how could I leave here here alone (my adult children were in & out & in phone contact several times a day). I even missed her 90th birthday. OK so I'm crap ...right?
I went back to my doctor a week later only to be told he does not treat insulin diabetics and I would have to find another doctor. Which I did. Except in the last 3 weeks I have had my insulin RX sent to the pharmacy twice. Been unable to contact the on call Dr. when my blood sugar went up to 400 in the middle of the day for no apparent reason other than I have had to go back to work and the stress there and at home is killing me. Today I went for my scheduled appointment only to be told they had not put it in the computer and the schedule was full (sure my boss won't mind me taking off more time for another appointment). They set me in a separate area away from the other patients because by now I'm having a melt down. I am not the kind of person to have hysterics.
They did get me into another doctor who said since he was not familiar with my situation he would suggest I start journaling my food intake. I had just finished diabetic classes (2 more days off work) but, he told me I must be eating all the wrong foods. He did nothing to address my fluctuating sugars 40-400. As I left the office that had done nothing for me the lady at the desk said very loudly hey, you need to check out. I told her to bill me and wait for it and walked out.
After 45 minutes in my car continuing my meltdown and blaming every body and everything, but cooling down I went home. The minute I pulled in I got the 3rd degree on why I was late and how inconsiderate I am for not calling. How stupid I am and if I wasn't so damn fat I wouldn't have to go to the doctors all the time.
OK now I'm not only stressed out, a dibetic in crisis with no doctor but now I'm also #$&*$&# depressed. Called a friend but got the answering machine. Guess NOBODY GIVE A CRAP. Why am I still here?????????????
Stormy girl......you have no support!....should have been given local resources and diabetic education prior to release from the hospital. Diabetic nutrional counseling is the BEST thing you can do. If you did not understand what your diabetic classes had to say, there are resources on line and in your community you can use. It's a bit overwhelming at first. Start with the American Diabetic Association, and the Joslin Center for Diabetes are 2 very good sites to start with.
As a person who has several diabetic friends and family member, as well as being an RN with an interest in diabetes.....the first thing I want to tell you....there is no food you cannot eat! The second thing is: All things in moderation. The food diary is actually a great idea for a week or 2, maybe longer...it shows you what your diet actually is, and where you can make changes for the most impact on your glucose. Carbohydrate counting is a technique many diabetics use to learn how to much insulin they will need to cover their anticipapted rise in glucose after eating. Some diabetics have foods that tend to raise their glucose more than others, and this can help to pinpoint it. As far as docs go, you want to find an Endocrinologist....they specialize in care of folks with diabetes ( & some other conditions). Once you get your diet and meds figured out, then you & the doc can start fine tuning your medications. Yes....I said you and the doc. Diabetes is one condition that is the best served by the person taking control, and working in a close relationship with the docs. Keep a food diary, a glucose check diary, and having your labs checked on a regular basis is key to your heath. I know you have had some terrible experiences trying to do the right thing and seeking medical attention, and I am outraged you have been treated in that manner. Look for a diabetic support group in your area. They can help you find resources, docs, and provide some emotional suppport during this time of transition. Good luck......This is not the end....it is a beginning!! Keeping you in my prayers!
Stormy girl......you have no support!....should have been given local resources and diabetic education prior to release from the hospital. Diabetic nutrional counseling is the BEST thing you can do. If you did not understand what your diabetic classes had to say, there are resources on line and in your community you can use. It's a bit overwhelming at first. Start with the American Diabetic Association, and the Joslin Center for Diabetes are 2 very good sites to start with.
As a person who has several diabetic friends and family member, as well as being an RN with an interest in diabetes.....the first thing I want to tell you....there is no food you cannot eat! The second thing is: All things in moderation. The food diary is actually a great idea for a week or 2, maybe longer...it shows you what your diet actually is, and where you can make changes for the most impact on your glucose. Carbohydrate counting is a technique many diabetics use to learn how to much insulin they will need to cover their anticipapted rise in glucose after eating. Some diabetics have foods that tend to raise their glucose more than others, and this can help to pinpoint it. As far as docs go, you want to find an Endocrinologist....they specialize in care of folks with diabetes ( & some other conditions). Once you get your diet and meds figured out, then you & the doc can start fine tuning your medications. Yes....I said you and the doc. Diabetes is one condition that is the best served by the person taking control, and working in a close relationship with the docs. Keep a food diary, a glucose check diary, and having your labs checked on a regular basis is key to your heath. I know you have had some terrible experiences trying to do the right thing and seeking medical attention, and I am outraged you have been treated in that manner. Look for a diabetic support group in your area. They can help you find resources, docs, and provide some emotional suppport during this time of transition. Good luck......This is not the end....it is a beginning!! Keeping you in my prayers!