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Hello

L

Lashes

Member
Messages
10
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello my name is lisa I am 30 and have been diagnosed type1 for 26 years now ....I'm married with 1 son ..when I was pregnant I developed retinopathy after couple of ops and some sight loss in one eye I'm happy too say it's been stable for 3 years!! And hopefully will continue...I'm an old school diabetic still use insulin vials and syringes ...does anyone else or am.i the only one not moved on with the times ?? Lol
 
Hi lashes, I have a very similar background! T1 for 22 years married with 1 son too and developed prolific retinopathy and macular oedma in my pregnancy 2 1/2 years ago! Also had vitrectomy and have very bumpy vision in that eye, but otherwise it's not too bad unfortunately still have the edema though. That's great yours is stable now! I'm still on injections, not vials though..very old skool do you not fancy the pens?
 
I tried the pens when they first came out and convinced myself they hurt more! Hope you don't mind me asking but what are your thoughts in regards too having more children with your retinopathy??
 
It could be the needles!? Not at all, I was going to ask you the same question! It's such a dilemma for me at the moment! I would love love another and if I had no issues I'd be pregnant now, but I'm just not sure whether to risk it on the eye front. My eye docs say different things, the one I really trust and treated me for the retinopathy said it 'shouldn't' happen again, but no guarantees :/ but the macular edema is my main worry. What about you!?
 
Hi. I'm surprised you found the pens more painful. Modern pens use 4mm very fine needles (longer if you have a lot of excess weight) and I think you will find them shorter and finer than syringes with vials?
 
@Emilyprice .....my story is pretty much the same I was also told recently by the only dr I trust that it shouldn't happen again but it petrifies me that there's always still a chance ....I feel awful saying this but I realy do envy those women who can just make a baby without worrying and weighing up all the pros and cons !!
 
And as for the pens ...they had only just come out when I tried them I was young and probably just convinced myself because I don't like change ....probably should try again before they stop making the vials lol
 
I also got the retinopathy because I reduced my hba1c from ok to almost perfect almost overnight
 
Aw yeah I feel exactly the same, I wish I could just know for sure either way and then could stop debating it in my mind! I think I've read though, that if you've had lots of laser / maximum laser etc it shouldn't come back, but so many ifs and buts isn't there. Do you have any edema at all? I did hear from another lady on another site who had 3 more babies after having the same eye problems in her first so it is possible!
 
Lashes said:
I also got the retinopathy because I reduced my hba1c from ok to almost perfect almost overnight
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So weird..we have the exact same situation! On the pros list for having another baby I always think that at least this time it wouldn't need to reduce rapidly!
 
Yeah just my right eye but because its in one eye I have permanent double vision ...but my brain seems to ignore it most the time now....the consultant said same to me it's unlikely to come back with all the laser (which is most painful thing ever)
 
Eurgh double vision is the worst it definitely affects spatial awareness and balance too I think, feel like I'm On a boat sometimes. I've just booked an appointment for something called the noctura mask that is supposed to help retinopathy and edema so hopefully that works andy maybe even I proves.improves.
 
I've never heard of the mask before just quickly Googled it....who u book.your appointment with ?
 
I emailed them through their website and they got back to me to set an appointment. Really hoping it does some wonders!
 
Just been looking ....it's worth a shot!! Did they tell you how much ?
 
Hi,

I've been diabetic so long, I remember glass syringes.. The plastic syringes were cool with the smoother action.
The ritual of pulling up the dose from the vial was satisfying when I think back too.. Sigh.

Yep, the first pens were flimsy. The later ones with the metal chassis are solid though. ;)
 
It's £250 initially and then you have to replace the pod after 3 months, £200 each time you change so quite pricey but you can stop when you want. I'm going to give it 6 months I think, see if there are any improvements and then decide whether to carry on!
 
Hi jaylee, I don't remember glass syringes but do you remember the finger tester that you pulled back(always reminded me of a slingshot) pressed a button and it fired a lancet at your finger ....used to leave fingers so sore nothing like today's little pens!!
 
Emilyprice said:
It's £250 initially and then you have to replace the pod after 3 months, £200 each time you change so quite pricey but you can stop when you want. I'm going to give it 6 months I think, see if there are any improvements and then decide whether to carry on!
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Yeah please let me know if ypu see any improvement x
 
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