So worried

[ashbash28]

Hi everyone, me again. My health anxiety is really getting to me now and I'm so worried about everything. Some days I'm of the mindset 'let's beat this diabetes!', then other days, I'm so panicky about having a heart attack I feel like ending things before my body has a chance to put me through that. Basically, I'm 28...I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and am obese. I am really trying to lose weight and eat better etc but even if I have one bad thing, I'm worried I will give myself a heart attack but equally if I don't eat enough I'm worried that it'll have the same outcome. I keep having discomfort in my left arm and my chest but had this probably to a worse extent before having diabetes and the gp put it down to my anxiety but now I'm worried that it wasn't. So in conclusion, I'm just having a bit of a meltdown, worried that I'm doing everything wrong and that I may have a heart attack. It is my biggest fear in life and while I know people have them, survive and all is okay, I'm just so frightened. Sorry for the dramatics, I just don't have anyone to talk to that understands.

 

[Gabrielle_Tai]

Hi ashbash28, do not worry so much remember it a marathon not a race.Take it slowly and as long you make change to your lifestyle i am sure it will work out in the end. Just look at me, i got diabetes at age 15 ( 2 months ago almost 3 months) but i still much alive and learning to manage it.

 

[Jo_the_boat]

Hello @ashbash28
Don't know if you have watched this video but it may help

Good luck

 

[B r e e]

Hi everyone, me again. My health anxiety is really getting to me now and I'm so worried about everything. Some days I'm of the mindset 'let's beat this diabetes!', then other days, I'm so panicky about having a heart attack I feel like ending things before my body has a chance to put me through that. Basically, I'm 28...I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and am obese. I am really trying to lose weight and eat better etc but even if I have one bad thing, I'm worried I will give myself a heart attack but equally if I don't eat enough I'm worried that it'll have the same outcome. I keep having discomfort in my left arm and my chest but had this probably to a worse extent before having diabetes and the gp put it down to my anxiety but now I'm worried that it wasn't. So in conclusion, I'm just having a bit of a meltdown, worried that I'm doing everything wrong and that I may have a heart attack. It is my biggest fear in life and while I know people have them, survive and all is okay, I'm just so frightened. Sorry for the dramatics, I just don't have anyone to talk to that understands.

Maybe you can see someone who can help you with the anxiety you have. I suffer from anxiety disorder as well. One time I was having symptoms of a heart attack & turns out it was a panic attack. They can be very similar symptoms. I agree this disease is very scary at times but the stress from anxiety will only make things worse. Seeing a therapist & being put on medications has helped me a lot.

 

[bangkokdiabetic]

Just try to stop worrying this will only make things worse. Take it 1 day at a time as Gabrielle_Tai says its a marathon not a sprint.
It is Scary at first but it does get easier, do not forget the exercise. You will win you will get more confidence and in years to come you will be giving advice to people with the same worries

 

[nailchewer]

Hi everyone, me again. My health anxiety is really getting to me now and I'm so worried about everything. Some days I'm of the mindset 'let's beat this diabetes!', then other days, I'm so panicky about having a heart attack I feel like ending things before my body has a chance to put me through that. Basically, I'm 28...I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and am obese. I am really trying to lose weight and eat better etc but even if I have one bad thing, I'm worried I will give myself a heart attack but equally if I don't eat enough I'm worried that it'll have the same outcome. I keep having discomfort in my left arm and my chest but had this probably to a worse extent before having diabetes and the gp put it down to my anxiety but now I'm worried that it wasn't. So in conclusion, I'm just having a bit of a meltdown, worried that I'm doing everything wrong and that I may have a heart attack. It is my biggest fear in life and while I know people have them, survive and all is okay, I'm just so frightened. Sorry for the dramatics, I just don't have anyone to talk to that understands.

 

[Janet_rabbit]

Diabetes can be overwhelming and I understand how you feel but I also know you can get through it and gradually make wee changes that will make you happier and stronger. I was very anxious for a time last year and not coping very well. I got support from my diabetes clinic who put me I touch with a psychologist and their support got me through that difficult time and I no longer need the medicine he prescribed. Try changing just a little thing at a time towards a healthier lifestyle and you'll feel so much better. All the best and remember the forum community is supporting you.

 

[ashbash28]

Diabetes can be overwhelming and I understand how you feel but I also know you can get through it and gradually make wee changes that will make you happier and stronger. I was very anxious for a time last year and not coping very well. I got support from my diabetes clinic who put me I touch with a psychologist and their support got me through that difficult time and I no longer need the medicine he prescribed. Try changing just a little thing at a time towards a healthier lifestyle and you'll feel so much better. All the best and remember the forum community is supporting you.

Thank you so much. I'm so grateful for how wonderful and lovely you all are on here! Xx

 

[nailchewer]

Hi, your fears are understandable. Are you monitoring your bs levels with a meter and urine testing strips? I have had diabetes for 40 years and was obese about 25 years ago when i went onto medication i was distraught and very worried. I noted that the stress took my bs levels to an all time high. So i decided to walk when i was stressed, not far around the block, my bs levels went down. So, I worked on doing just small things each day to improve my diet and to step up my activity levels and that has worked for me. I also believe that having diabetes does not mean it is an early death sentence.

I am now a healthy weight, have gold standard control, no worries with cholesterol and no medication - good low blood pressure, no sore cracked feet (they used to be a killer).

I feel that having the diagnosis puts me ahead of the game of life, i know what i need to do and try to do it and when i don't achieve what i wanted i remind myself i am human and that it is the HBA1c that counts and work on keeping that level stable over years not day or weeks.

Using strips and prick testing helps me. The strips show me that my urine and kidneys are working well, that i have or do not have infection that can affect my bs levels - also i have learnt when i need to drink more by using the strips and what i cannot eat. What causes spikes.

I am now 67 and i am able to swim miles, walk several miles at a time and I have an allotment. I also believe that prioritising meeting my health needs by buy-in what is not prescribed on the NHS and spending extra on my foot care and gym membership keep me away from the kitchen! Food could be my enemy - now it is not - i spend time preparing meals that healthy and satisfying and log what messes things up.

Ashbash i hope this is encouraging, i struggled and i am through that fight and fear that you are experiencing, now i go with the diabetes and do my best. Start small with movement, start to monitor and recognise your triggers and spikes, remember you are worth it and change will happen.

Wishing you all the very best for 2018. My goal for this year is to laugh more as this is good for you.

 

[pt_crompton]

I know when I was first diagnosed I was determined to beat it. However, life gets in the way as does stress and anxiety, As mentioned above it is a marathon not a race. However, there are some easy wins to start with and even potential cures.

I found cutting out major carbs helped me dramatically. I stopped eating bread, potatoes and beer. I found chips were like eating sweets to me.

Depression and anxiety can set.you back and I found friends and family helped me. The other barrier I went through was diabetic fatigue. I was just tired of being a diabetic and following the rules.

Now I am stabalised, 2 years since diagnosis, but apparently estimated at 7 years since developing type 2, I have now decided to be a bit more radical.

I am trying the Newcastle diet. 800 cals for 2 months. My blood sugar has dropped to an amazing 4.2. I am using a Samsung health app on my phone to help me. Normal food not food drinks, it can be done.

Good luck with your endeavours.

 

[linhil]

Hi, your fears are understandable. Are you monitoring your bs levels with a meter and urine testing strips? I have had diabetes for 40 years and was obese about 25 years ago when i went onto medication i was distraught and very worried. I noted that the stress took my bs levels to an all time high. So i decided to walk when i was stressed, not far around the block, my bs levels went down. So, I worked on doing just small things each day to improve my diet and to step up my activity levels and that has worked for me. I also believe that having diabetes does not mean it is an early death sentence.

I am now a healthy weight, have gold standard control, no worries with cholesterol and no medication - good low blood pressure, no sore cracked feet (they used to be a killer).

I feel that having the diagnosis puts me ahead of the game of life, i know what i need to do and try to do it and when i don't achieve what i wanted i remind myself i am human and that it is the HBA1c that counts and work on keeping that level stable over years not day or weeks.

Using strips and prick testing helps me. The strips show me that my urine and kidneys are working well, that i have or do not have infection that can affect my bs levels - also i have learnt when i need to drink more by using the strips and what i cannot eat. What causes spikes.

I am now 67 and i am able to swim miles, walk several miles at a time and I have an allotment. I also believe that prioritising meeting my health needs by buy-in what is not prescribed on the NHS and spending extra on my foot care and gym membership keep me away from the kitchen! Food could be my enemy - now it is not - i spend time preparing meals that healthy and satisfying and log what messes things up.

Ashbash i hope this is encouraging, i struggled and i am through that fight and fear that you are experiencing, now i go with the diabetes and do my best. Start small with movement, start to monitor and recognise your triggers and spikes, remember you are worth it and change will happen.

Wishing you all the very best for 2018. My goal for this year is to laugh more as this is good for you.

 

[Jared1]

I'm much same as you, while I'm not saying this is your issue your pain could be something as simple as mine. I get left hand chest and arm pain more days than not, it took a long time to realise it was from reading in bed propped up on my left elbow while on my side for long periods. I used to think something terrible could be wrong but it was because of something simple as that. The sound of days I worried were for nothing in the end

 

[ashbash28]

@nailchewer this is exactly the kind of story I can hope to achieve..you are an inspiration. For years I dreamt of being a healthy weight and fit and 5 years ago I was and I know the difference from then to now...I feel so much older than I am and I want to get back to a healthier and happier me. I think I've just let myself get way too overwhelmed and tomorrow is a new day and I will carry on making the positive changes that I already have been. I put 3lbs on over Christmas but before being diagnosed with thyroid problems, I would put on over a stone so that's already one good point, granted I didn't go mad as I couldn't and also trying to tell myself bad food is the enemy and it isn't a treat whereas like you say preparing a healthy satisfying meal should be a reward for my body. I really like the idea of going for a walk when I'm stressed, I will try it, I'm just not very good at going out alone but will definitely try it I hope you have a wonderful 2018 as well and thank you so much for sharing your experience and restoring some hope in me xx

 

[ashbash28]

@Jared1 I sometimes wonder if that is possible in me too as I often sleep in strange positions, sit oddly and have terrible posture. I think I've just been so scared as my great grandad had a heart attack and so did my nanna and my other grandad has angina so my heart has always been a worry of mine and I know worrying just makes things worse but it's hard not to. I've always had bad posture though and find if I try to walk properly and upright, that it then hurts too. I think it's cos I'm a tall woman and always wished I was short and most people I come into contact with are short. I know it's something I need to fix though. As for sleeping, I don't know how I'm going to sort that one lol

 

[Jared1]

@Jared1 I sometimes wonder if that is possible in me too as I often sleep in strange positions, sit oddly and have terrible posture. I think I've just been so scared as my great grandad had a heart attack and so did my nanna and my other grandad has angina so my heart has always been a worry of mine and I know worrying just makes things worse but it's hard not to. I've always had bad posture though and find if I try to walk properly and upright, that it then hurts too. I think it's cos I'm a tall woman and always wished I was short and most people I come into contact with are short. I know it's something I need to fix though. As for sleeping, I don't know how I'm going to sort that one lol

Yes I have shocking posture too and also get sore if try correct it - I've basicly stopped trying to fix the pain and just deal with it as something that is part of life - the biggest help was stopping worrying about it, the pain is annoying but for me is not something that is that bad can't deal with it - the biggest problem for me was the worry and once realised I didint need to worry about it every thing got easier and now is just a annoyance not a problem as such. You might find if can get to that stage you automatically sleep better, automatically hold your head higher etc sounds silly I know but it's amasing what falls in to place when you feel good and have a genuine good mindset, wish could say something to magic that for you because I feel like I've been there before and know what it's like

 

[Erin]

Diabetes is a very complicated disease. I often wonder, what with the epidemic of it, why we do not have diabetes clinics or even hospital departments, if not possible for more frequent appointments.

 

[Lynne C J]

Hi everyone, me again. My health anxiety is really getting to me now and I'm so worried about everything. Some days I'm of the mindset 'let's beat this diabetes!', then other days, I'm so panicky about having a heart attack I feel like ending things before my body has a chance to put me through that. Basically, I'm 28...I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and am obese. I am really trying to lose weight and eat better etc but even if I have one bad thing, I'm worried I will give myself a heart attack but equally if I don't eat enough I'm worried that it'll have the same outcome. I keep having discomfort in my left arm and my chest but had this probably to a worse extent before having diabetes and the gp put it down to my anxiety but now I'm worried that it wasn't. So in conclusion, I'm just having a bit of a meltdown, worried that I'm doing everything wrong and that I may have a heart attack. It is my biggest fear in life and while I know people have them, survive and all is okay, I'm just so frightened. Sorry for the dramatics, I just don't have anyone to talk to that understands.

 

[Lynne C J]

Hi ashbash, sounds like you've got yourself into a right old state. You can change things but as another post says, it's a marathon, not a sprint! Try making changes to a healthier diet with things that you will eat, this is for life, not just a short term diet. Then try going out for a walk in a local park or somewhere you can get in touch with nature, it will help your mood, honest. You can increase the distance you walk each day gradually and this will also help you to lose some weight as well as to feel better.
Have you spoken to your diabetes specialist about your panic over having a heart attack? They or your diabetes nurse will take you seriously and help you to deal with your issues.
I've been diabetic for 37 years, I'm 70 and I still go running so it's not a death sentence being diabetic but make the right choices, please.

 

[Dera01]

Hi everyone, me again. My health anxiety is really getting to me now and I'm so worried about everything. Some days I'm of the mindset 'let's beat this diabetes!', then other days, I'm so panicky about having a heart attack I feel like ending things before my body has a chance to put me through that. Basically, I'm 28...I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and am obese. I am really trying to lose weight and eat better etc but even if I have one bad thing, I'm worried I will give myself a heart attack but equally if I don't eat enough I'm worried that it'll have the same outcome. I keep having discomfort in my left arm and my chest but had this probably to a worse extent before having diabetes and the gp put it down to my anxiety but now I'm worried that it wasn't. So in conclusion, I'm just having a bit of a meltdown, worried that I'm doing everything wrong and that I may have a heart attack. It is my biggest fear in life and while I know people have them, survive and all is okay, I'm just so frightened. Sorry for the dramatics, I just don't have anyone to talk to that understands.

Hi Ashbash I can understand your frustration. First believe in you. Your worry is understandable but its not going to help you. You need a guide to manage your situation. Go to your diabetes clinic and get help. [Diabetes management coach (Type2 &Pre-diabetes)]