I am a 30 yr. old female, living with type 1 diabetes for 25 yrs. I am on 4 shots daily 3 humalog and levemir at bedtime since Dec. 08. I was diagnosed at age 5 while doctors were searching for the cause of a failed ear reconstruction surgery. I have a disease called Cholestotma that required reconstructive surgery to repair my eardrum. Had I not had this surgery it could've cause me to go deaf. After being diagnosed with type 1 and getting under control they did the surgery again, it took. So I have a small hearing loss of 20% but atleast I can hear today. Back to my diabetes at age 16 they diagnosed me with having the early stages of kidney disease. I take medication everyday to control the progression of renal failure. I have remained at a steady pace for 14 years and counting. Just this year on Jan.26, I had another "complication", a mini stroke. It was the absolute most scariest thing that has ever happened in my life to date. They diagnosed it on 3/23/09 as a mini stroke after all of my test results had come back. I am afraid to do anything now, thinking I may end up having a full blown stroke. I feel like I will be living in fear the rest of my life. The only problem I still have from this episode is numbness in my left arm everyday, not all day though. My stress levels were "through the roof" while I was waiting to find out what had happened to me that Jan. day.
Diagnosed @ age 5 on November 23, 1983
I am 29 and have been living type I diabetes since I was 7. I'm not sure where to start, but I know what it's like to be scared all of the time, always wondering what's next. I suffered for about 4 years straight with back pain first and then chronic stomach problems. I was always at one doctor or another and none of them could figure out what was wrong with me. After years of this and every test they could think of, I was finally diagnosed with neuropathic pain in my lower back and gastroparesis. Last year I decided to stop taking all of the medications except for insulin and I started feeling a lot better. After about two weeks of feeling better I wrecked an ATV resulting in a shattered right wrist and torn labrums in my right shoulder and hip. I have already had three surgeries on the wrist and been advised to have surgery on the other two as well.
I have never had to deal with the things that you are, but I have learned that if I have to deal with it anyway, I might as well try to keep a positive attitude. I know that's not always as easily done, but I have noticed a HUGE difference in the way I feel if I can manage to have positive expectations. I hope it is helpful to hear someone else's story:)
The best way I know how to deal with my issues are just take life day by day. Try to stay positive even though it seems impossible sometimes.
It is nice to be able to share our own personal stories and listen to others tell theirs. We can learn and become stronger as an individual from these posts.