Oh those syringes!! I think my folks injected me with inch long needles and used same needle until "it became more difficult".....!
Diagnosed at 18 month old. Blackmailed into injecting self at 9yr old with a promise of an Action Man....
Oh those syringes!! I think my folks injected me with inch long needles and used same needle until "it became more difficult".....!Congrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….
The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.
You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.
But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?
I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.
At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….
I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !
I do so agree - I was diagnosed in 1967 and having gone through some superb specialists who have all now retired, I’m now left with medical pros who may be great with the newly diagnosed but not for someone whose been on insulin for over half a centuryHey, I absolutely understand what you mean, been Type 1 since May 1970 and as you say probably know a lot more about living successfully with diabetes than most health professionals. The only thing which stops the possible being talked to like I'm ignorant is for me to attend clinic in uniform...I'm an occupational therapist working in the NHS. If In rock up with uniform and badge I get treated extremely differently, almost like a peer!
Hey ho. My 50 year anniversary was celebrated by a friend presenting me with a carriage clock made of cardboard (they're very art and crafty). I burned the clock in a tongue-in-cheek ceremony......
Oh, I too remember those glass syringes, needles and boiling tablets. In fact I have still got them as souvenirs. Diagnosed 47 years ago I don’t expect any medals from professionals - just a ‘well done’ from family and friends would be nice. Having seen you deal with injections and hypos all their life, few recognise the constant hard work, discipline and struggle you go through on daily basis. I was told on diagnosis that if I looked after myself I would easily make it to 55 or even 60. I am now approaching 70 with the constant support from my wonderful, ever understanding and patient wife. The only galling thing is I have been diagnosed recently with Stage1 CLL and Parkinson’s disease which seems like a kick in the teeth after dealing successfully with Type1 for so long! Ah well, who said life was all a bed of roses?Congrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….
The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.
You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.
But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?
I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.
At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….
I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !
Congratulations on 50 years . I was told about the 50year medals from my diabetes team.Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.
I also am 50 years this month and know nothing about medals and such.Since I described this in writing not long after, here it is!:
. On 9th July [2009] I had achieved fifty years of diabetes and as such was eligible for the Nabarro Medal which is issued by Diabetes UK in memory of Alan Nabarro, who presented it. The “ceremony” took place in the Diabetic Clinic at The West Suffolk Hospital in the late half of August. I was told to be there at 08.30 and report to the Receptionist. As usual the waiting area was filled with faces that looked stony, resentful, anxious or blank. There wasn't a medic to be seen.
I sat there with Helen [my wife], Stephanie [daughter]and Neil (who were to marry on 29th August) dressed as though I was going to the beach. After a while a gang appeared, spearheaded by Dr Clark:
“Mr Vicat, would you like to stand up please?”
(Er not really)
“Here we have a remarkably fit patient who has lived with diabetes for just over fifty years and is an example to us all.”
(Stony or alarmed expressions abound)
“Can I just say that I would not be here but for the geniuses who work at King's College Hospital, The West Suffolk Hospital and the first hospital to treat me?”
“That may be so, but it is your attitude to your condition that has played a vital role in your survival.”
And so I was presented a medal in a little blue velveteen box. [This didn't have a name or date in it]
I felt curiously deflated.
That sounds a very ungrateful thing to say, but I had been told that there would be newspaper reporters and I certainly wasn't expecting the usual almost depressing background of the clinic. Maybe I'm too vain to be allowed out! When I wrote this I was under the impression that 9th July was the date of my diagnosis. I now know it was 30th July.
Congratulations - I know what you must have experienced in the earlier years of your treatment! You will find @deniski 's advice above unbeatable. The direct link is; https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/medalsI also am 50 years this month and know nothing about medals and such.
I will say it now. Well done!I do so agree - I was diagnosed in 1967 and having gone through some superb specialists who have all now retired, I’m now left with medical pros who may be great with the newly diagnosed but not for someone whose been on insulin for over half a century
Thinking about how I’ve been treated recently it’s been the ‘it’s not good enough’ mantra that they think is helpful - hBa1c should be higher/lower etc I’m alive, have all my limbs, sight, organs are working yet no one has ever said ‘well done’
I even have surgical spirit and road drills etc in my diabetes museum!! I was at King's later on, under David Pyke and then Peter Watkins - both geniusesCongrats on 50+ years and good reporting, I have now completed 61 years….
The only recognition I get is is “Oh you’re still around then “ in a quasi-humorous style.
You can’t win everything and I genuinely feel happy at what I have achieved during my time on insulin; four children, one more adopted as she has special needs, great children now adults including one Doctor, one Head Teacher, one Managing Director, good time in voluntary work including physical needs for lifesavingvqualifications and sub Aqua ratings.
But enough of that, hasn’t diabetes management changed since the early 1960’s ?
I was at Kings College under Professor Oakley and he revovokutionised diabetes management for children - “don’t be stopped by it, go out and achieve” - a theme choked by bthe fantastic Women’s Football team and their fantastic win. So he was obviously a really great guy to have as my Doctor even if I rarely saw him as he was so busy.
At least no more glass syringes, to be boiled weekly, needles like pokers, surgical spirit (still remember that smell), urine testing with the boiling tablets of Clinitest in the little plastic box….
I could go on and on (typical teacher), but won’t, but will hope many more people will reach the 50 year and beyond mark. It’s all about healthy living !
Congratulations! I fully empathise.Well done you No mean feat! I’ve been Type 1 for 53yrs and am not particularly concerned about medals etc but would like some recognition from the GP and nurses that I have managed for 53yrs with all my limbs intact, healthy heart and kidneys without their help, plus I probably know more than the newly qualified nurse in the surgery! Sorry but I get outraged at being spoken to like an idiot but thanks to my Mum’s hard work and teachings I am here and healthy
Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.
Hi everybody, I have been a Type 1 Diabetic now for just over 50years I was told a year ago that at 50 years as a type 1 diabetic you get recognition of this fact from your Diabetic Hospital. Is this true? As I notified the admin staff a couple of times at The Churchill Diabetic Centre in Oxford that I attend on my birthday back in January. However, I have heard nothing from them.
With the ups and downs of 50 years surviving fairly healthily I myself think that is no mean feat as for the majority of it I have been on my own.
Feel sorry for your experience, hope it might make you feel better, but I have had type I for 52 years and nobody has contacted me. I emailed Diabetes UK, saying my consultant had recommended me - NOTHING!!!!Since I described this in writing not long after, here it is!:
. On 9th July [2009] I had achieved fifty years of diabetes and as such was eligible for the Nabarro Medal which is issued by Diabetes UK in memory of Alan Nabarro, who presented it. The “ceremony” took place in the Diabetic Clinic at The West Suffolk Hospital in the late half of August. I was told to be there at 08.30 and report to the Receptionist. As usual the waiting area was filled with faces that looked stony, resentful, anxious or blank. There wasn't a medic to be seen.
I sat there with Helen [my wife], Stephanie [daughter]and Neil (who were to marry on 29th August) dressed as though I was going to the beach. After a while a gang appeared, spearheaded by Dr Clark:
“Mr Vicat, would you like to stand up please?”
(Er not really)
“Here we have a remarkably fit patient who has lived with diabetes for just over fifty years and is an example to us all.”
(Stony or alarmed expressions abound)
“Can I just say that I would not be here but for the geniuses who work at King's College Hospital, The West Suffolk Hospital and the first hospital to treat me?”
“That may be so, but it is your attitude to your condition that has played a vital role in your survival.”
And so I was presented a medal in a little blue velveteen box. [This didn't have a name or date in it]
I felt curiously deflated.
That sounds a very ungrateful thing to say, but I had been told that there would be newspaper reporters and I certainly wasn't expecting the usual almost depressing background of the clinic. Maybe I'm too vain to be allowed out! When I wrote this I was under the impression that 9th July was the date of my diagnosis. I now know it was 30th July.
That's appalling. They're quick enough to send lottery ads etc. I hope it's simply that they are short staffed. I hope you get due recognition soon. Congratulations Gary!Feel sorry for your experience, hope it might make you feel better, but I have had type I for 52 years and nobody has contacted me. I emailed Diabetes UK, saying my consultant had recommended me - NOTHING!!!!
Congratulations on 50 years! They really should acknowledge 60 years. Here's hoping.Hello there and well done, when I reached the 50 years mark I mentioned it to my Diabetes team at the hospital where attend. A couple of weeks later I got my medal through the post. Don't know if I'll get anything for the 60 years mark though, I'll keep you updated with that one
I stopped going to diabetic clinic soon after I was diagnosed at 18. Everyone else was old, nurses spoke to me like I was an idiot, then to crown it all, an idiotic podiatrist told me I had nerve damage in my foot and it would travel up to my knee. 'I've only had diabetes a year' I kept telling her. Cue my first panic attack and running freaking out into the clinic weeks later. Luckily I saw an amazing consultant who told me that my new doc marten boots were to blame. I still have anger towards that stupid podiatrist and I'm now 53. 35 years with no complications despite not going to that horrendous clinic. I occasionally see a diabetic nurse in my gp surgery who I have a good relationship with. Not due a 'medal' for another 15 years but they can stuff it for all the help they've been to me. I've done this on my own.
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