Type 1 Very distressed and in pain

[Mimastones]

I'm type 1 diabetic, I have been since I was 13 so it was 8 years this feb. For at least 6 of those years I suffered with diabulimia. (I skipped insulin to loose weight) I finally overcame it and an currently very well managed with my last HBA1C reading being 7.5.

But, about a month ago I went to the doctor complaining of a sunburn feeling when anything brushed the skin on my thighs and across my chest. My dr said it is likely nerve damage and prescribed amitriptyline which I have been taking 50mg of. The side affects are killing me. Having overcome the initial drowsy stage I am now having trouble sleeping for longer than 3 hours at a time as well as this I have lost my appetite, eating purely to sustain my blood sugars and the worst thing is being severely constipated. I have also now developed pain in my back, like the muscles have seized up, it may be linked to the constipation, I'm not sure. I just don't know what are side effects and what are new complications

Overall I'm just feeling really down. At 21 I feel like this is just the beginning of a life filled with medical issues. I know there is no one to blame but myself, that is probably the hardest part.

If anyone can give me any advice or info about any of my issues I would really appreciate it, or just word of comfort. I'm scared.

Thanks x


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[Scandichic]

No advice I'm afraid - go back to doctor immediately and insist on help! Only can give big virtual hug!


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[mo1905]

At 21, or any age, you shouldn't have to suffer the way you are. Make an appointment to speak to your doc about alternative medication as your body can't tolerate current side effects. Good to read you're trying to get back on track and your BG levels are back on target. Really hope you get a positive outcome and begin to feel better soon.
Mo


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[Ambersilva]

Hi,

I don't know about the side effects of the drug you have been prescribed but I recommend that you seek medical advice for what may be an adverse reaction to the drug.

Well done on your latest HbA1c and keep doing what you are doing to keep it down.

 

[carraway]

How long have your sugars been back in control?
Have you tried vitamin B supplements for nerves?


Go to see a pharmacist tomorrow and get something for the constipation. Increase fibre and water in your diet.
Book a GP appointment next week, with a different GP if you want, and get a referral to a specialist.

You don't need to settle for this.

Big hug from me and please let us know how you get on


Cara

 

[semiphonic]

I'm type 1 diabetic, I have been since I was 13 so it was 8 years this feb. For at least 6 of those years I suffered with diabulimia. (I skipped insulin to loose weight) I finally overcame it and an currently very well managed with my last HBA1C reading being 7.5.

But, about a month ago I went to the doctor complaining of a sunburn feeling when anything brushed the skin on my thighs and across my chest. My dr said it is likely nerve damage and prescribed amitriptyline which I have been taking 50mg of. The side affects are killing me. Having overcome the initial drowsy stage I am now having trouble sleeping for longer than 3 hours at a time as well as this I have lost my appetite, eating purely to sustain my blood sugars and the worst thing is being severely constipated. I have also now developed pain in my back, like the muscles have seized up, it may be linked to the constipation, I'm not sure. I just don't know what are side effects and what are new complications

Overall I'm just feeling really down. At 21 I feel like this is just the beginning of a life filled with medical issues. I know there is no one to blame but myself, that is probably the hardest part.

If anyone can give me any advice or info about any of my issues I would really appreciate it, or just word of comfort. I'm scared.

Thanks x

Hi Mimastones, I'm not T1 so I have no idea how tough it is to have to live with it for so long. One thing that really stood out for me was your statement "I know there is no one to blame but myself..." You really are not to blame for this illness, how could you be? You have been through so much more than most 21 year olds, you should be proud of yourself.
Get back to your GP and discuss your problems and make sure they get properly diagnosed and sorted out, if not, change GPs.
Be strong and remember that you are an inspiration to many of your friends

Steve x

 

[Beachbag]

Hi Mimastones. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time!
I'm almost sure the symptoms you are now experiencing are mostly due to the side effects of Amytriptiline. I agree with other suggestions that you make an appointment to see your GP asap.
I hope you get better soon
Take care
Geri

 

[totsy]

Hi hunni,
sorry you are feeling so bad, i started with lots of illnesses at your age too, i cant take amitryptyline as it doesnt mix with my thyroxine, gives me awful side effects,
for a different illness to u i now take pregablin which is a epileptic/nerve pain drug, i cant tolerate this in high doses but it does help,
i would suggest that you see your gp and tell them u arent coping and can they please help you , always here if u need a chat

 

[Jenny85]

Hi i am currently battling the same thing. Diagnosed at 19 and now 28 my control has been really good in the past (especially when pregnant with my son - hba1c 6) but since my marriage broke down last year everything has snowballed out of control. A mixture of avoiding insulin, binging/purging and laxatives. I felt so ashamed recently when my family discovered what I've been doing to myself that I went to see my GP, she has since referred me to a psychotherapist and eating disorder service and the future is starting to look a little brighter. The hardest bit is admitting the problem and asking for help. Don't blame yourself. I hope you find a solution with your meds and start to feel better soon xx

 

[Mimastones]

Hi everyone.

Thank you so much for your comments, its very comforting.
I saw my GP on Monday and she has changed my medication to Pregablin. So going to give that a go and hope that alongside good managment everything will get better.
Feeling a little better about everything. Sometimes its just cathartic to share.
thank you xxx

 

[oldgreymare]

So sorry to hear your predictment - but don't give up hope. I totally agree with carraway and Beachbag. Also remeber these prescriptions are tackling your pain symptoms not necessarily the underlying cause. You are young and the human body is amazingly resilient given a chance. Aim for good control, perhaps try low carb as an alternative to diabulimbia to address your weight concerns. B6 and B12 supplements are definitely worth considering to calm your hypersensitive nerves down.

 

[Dzialo]

Hi, I'm 21 to and don't let it get you down it all looks like a big medical slap in the face but believe me slowly day by day everything goes away. I was operated on my knee for a torn cruciate ligament so that's about a year of therapy and now they tell me that I've got type 1(very possible that I got it from the operation) so know I have 2 things to carry around with me and it sucks because I can't use my foot properly
to do the things that cheer me up, but as I said take it 1 day at a time and you'll see a totally different picture

Hope I helped xxx