New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice needed

SineadMarie

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi I'm Sinead I'm 22 and was diagnosed May 2012 with type 1, having overcome an irrational fear of needles (and I use the word overcome lightly) I am struggling to stay in control of my diabetes, I go days without injecting due to anxiety with regards to the needles and I am nearly always ill, either with colds, coughs or UTI' s.
I have a little boy who is 2 and I work, so being ill isn't very convenient and I was wondering if anyone else had been through any similar situations?
I have been thinking about a pump but don't know much about them

Looking forward to some much needed advice :)

Sinead x
 

Lucypieee

Well-Known Member
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227
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Diabetes
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

Hi Sinead, welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, when your diabetes is out of control you're even more likely to become ill, skipping injections really won't help anything. Pumps can be prescribed for extreme needle phobic patients, there's even a patch pump which doesn't involve tubing. It might be an idea to look at the NICE guidlines regarding obtaining an insulin pump, INPUT (http://www.input.me.uk/) is also a very good website regarding details on all the pumps and the guidlines on who can obtain one.

If you really can't face injecting every day, you need to speak to your DSN or your consultant and start moving onto the path of having an insulin pump as soon as you can, if they agree that you would benefit from one, your PCT cannot refuse funding for one, they are obliged to provide a pump.

Part of the criteria is to learn to carb count and to put it in practice, as well as blood test regularly and carefully manage your diabetes. There are quite a few websites that teach carb counting, or when you speak to your DSN or consultant ask to be referred onto a DAFNE course as well.

Good luck!
 

joelcam

Well-Known Member
Messages
167
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

Hi…I’m a T1 and have been for just over 3 years. I too hated needles but was able to quickly come to terms with everything by focussing on these facts. 1) Most of the time the needle does not even slightly hurt 2) When it does hurt it stings for a few seconds only 3) Injecting ultimately keeps me alive 4) I love my children.

In your case, why not let point 4 by at the forefront of your mind and get yourself in order for you child? He will benefit from having mummy healthy and living to a ripe old age. The other choice is to carry on not managing your condition and risk leaving earth early. Those are the cold hard facts, the sooner you get in the right mindset the sooner you’ll realise that every single injection and finger-prick is in fact a blessing. Without insulin you and I would be dead, enjoy it and live a long and happy life with your family.
 

twinkle1980

Well-Known Member
Messages
106
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

hiya

I'm a newbie type 1 too, and also a mum. I also agree with the above poster, but perhaps there are some other things you could do to help with your needle phobia. I know you mentioned your missing injections, what about testing?

What about the special needles which remain hidden until in contact with the skin. They were invented to prevent needle stick injuries but if you dont have to see the needle - perhaps they could work? Similar to the lancet devices the needle is hidden from view until you press the button.

Have you had any counselling or therapy to overcome your phobia? - if not start stamping your feet and demanding it. Phobias are a psychological problem and this needs addressing.

What about switching regimes? Instead of 4 (or more) jabs a day what about 2 by using one of the combination mixes available. Yes they are more limiting to manage your diet - but if the phobia is as bad as it sounds the less jabs the better right?

I have no experience of pumps (and little experience of much tbh - being so newly diagnosed), however its certainly worth discussing this with your specialists.

Finally, and forgive me for being blunt... but you need to sort this asap. Your son deserves a better mummy than one who is constantly poorly through her own mismanagement. It is not safe for him, and its certainly not safe for you. Should something happen during the day when your alone with him, what then? Please dont think I am saying this to be cruel, I really really feel for you, it must be so disabling to be living with a condition that requires the use of the very thing your so afraid of. I just really want to urge you to seek the help you so deseperatly need, and not tomorrow - now.
 

SineadMarie

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

Thank you all so much for all your advice and opinions, I went to see my diabetes nurse today who I haven't seen since being diagnosed, she has now arranged for me to be on the list for an ALFIE course which will enable me to have a pump if I choose, and give me the dietary knowledge I have been wanting.
Cold hard facts are sometimes what you need to give you the kick up your backside you need, so for that I am grateful.
Unfortunately there is a very long waiting time for therapy however I have been placed on a waiting list!
I must say you all seem very strong and determined to not let diabetes rule your life, I am hoping that with the help of this forum site I might one day be as good as you guys!
S x
 

KateF

Member
Messages
5
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

Are you managing to carry out your testing?

Make a big fuss about the therapy. Ask to get an appointment with your consultant (you should be seeing a consultant as a T1) and tell them that you are not injecting properly etc etc. Point out that you really need the help and that you need is urgent. Maybe even try and contact the psychology services and explain to them. Ask the consultant to help you accelerate this referral and maybe your GP too.

Consider writing to the Chair of the PCT and maybe your MP about the wait if this does not get you anywhere, citing the risk of developing complications etc.

My husband was diagnosed as LADA and referred for urgent therapy for his needle phobia. It took months and only came through when I told the consultant I was going to write to the above, plus the local papers, plus Diabetes UK and anyone else I could think of. Suddenly there was a noticeable increase in the level of action and we got an appt through within a few weeks.
 

twinkle1980

Well-Known Member
Messages
106
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

hmmm
IF and only IF a bit more foot stamping (perhaps your OH, health visitor would be good to stamp too), then....

I'd be tempted to phone the psych crisis team EVERY time I needed to test and inject - I could almost guarentee a swift referral if they were being called out 10+ times a day! However, that also means that there will be other psych patients missing out on care whilst you "hog" the system - but if it needs doing?
 

noblehead

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
23,618
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
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Disrespectful people
Re: New-ish to Type 1 & struggling with control, advice need

SineadMarie said:
Thank you all so much for all your advice and opinions, I went to see my diabetes nurse today who I haven't seen since being diagnosed, she has now arranged for me to be on the list for an ALFIE course which will enable me to have a pump if I choose, and give me the dietary knowledge I have been wanting.


Result....good luck and well done:thumbup :thumbup: