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Type 1 Advice on tiredness, work and children

SJ

SJ

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hello...
I can't believe I'm writing this and thank you if you're reading! I've spent the last 26 years doing this alone, with the support of my clinic and of my Mum which is lovely but I've never been this bold as to speak out in a forum!
I'm 29 a Type 1 Diabetic since I was 3 and honestly I'm so tired of it all! I've burnt out in the past and feel like it's happening again! I'm fit and healthy but just feel exhausted from effort! My bloods just don't do what they should or act consistently and I just feel I'm working at a loss! I would like to have kids one day but the way I'm going I wouldn't feel confident carrying a child as feel my condition could hurt it! I'm considering going part time at work but that makes me feel like a weak person and I just wondered if anyone had any advice on how they manage full time work alongside type one? And indeed how you have managed having children? And if anyone who has had type one diabetes for a long time...how do you cope? Many many thanks and lots of love, Saz xx
 
Thanks Vic! I've got a pump appointment coming up! Diabetes has just got the better of me recently and feeling tired from it but I will certainly cheer up! Thanks again. S
 
@SJ It's not weak to go part-time if that's what you want to do :) If you think that'd help you and you've thought about the finances and practicalities, then why not?

As for children, I have three :) It's important to have tight control during pregnancy, so that takes work, but I've enjoyed all my pregnancies :) I'd never have let diabetes stop me having a family.

If you go on a pump, you may find your control improves. I've been on a pump 12 years and find it gives me much better control compared to basal insulin (which I hated and which was always unpredictable). That would be good preparation for pregnancy.

Why not make a plan? Think about your hopes in life and plan how to arrange your life to give you the best chance of achieving them.

Welcome to the forum :)
 
Hi @SJ I'm also 29 and was diagnosed aged 3! :) have also had burn out through my time, not testing or paying much attention to injecting, but about 5 years ago got myself back on track, I feel so so much better for it as I found it exhausting which I think now was down to bloods constantly being high.
What kind of insulin management are you on?
Personally I think a pump would help you, I got one 2 years ago as even though I'd started to manage bg's better my waking bg was always high - not sure if you've heard of dawn phenomenon - might be worth looking at see if it sounds familiar, my hba1c has improved every time I've had bloods done since getting a pump. - it does take work but it's so worth it and I think you would feel much better for it!
I imagine the way you are feeling will be taking it out of you, as azure said if you feel working part time will help you feel better and you've thought about finances etc then do it, I get what you mean though about then feeling like diabetes is beating you if you 'give in' and do that.
I haven't got any children yet myself but am 23w pregnant at the moment, you have to be 100% on your game with diabetes while pregnant but I'm finding it ok so far :)

Abbie X
 
Abbie and Azure! Thank you so much for replying you're comments have really helped! Abbie I wish you all the best with your pregnancy that's so exciting!! And Azure I think a plan is a really great idea! Thank you!
I'm currently taking NovoRapid and Lantus but it's really good to hear the pump has helped you as I'm quite nervous about it but feel it could be for the best! Ten days til my appointment and counting!! I think I'll discuss the dawn phenomenon then too as I'm sure I get it but just rather inconsistently! Thanks again S xx
 
@SJ what is it about the pump that makes you nervous? Just the change of something new & different or something in particular? X
 
Hi I'm type one got it jst after getting out of jail lol and 2 days before my 19 birthdayI think u should have butchers at dr Bernstein he's got a good book which I think puts you closer to normal people as you can get even if you only do what he says a little bit brought me back to myself when I thought I was beaten extra I have kids an had a mad life with diabetes research your griefs and make get rid of them you can be a normal as well or even Betta
 
Thanks Colsey I'll totally check it out! Thanks so much for the advice!! @Mrsass Abbie, I think it's having it on me all the time! Also the fear of malfunction!! I'm also going travelling again so not sure how it will fair instead of my pens! I hope the dr is ready for my million word questionnaire!!!! Hehe
How do you find it having the pump on you all the time? S xx
 
@SJ it's honestly not noticeable, sometimes I have to actually check myself to make sure I've got it on me cos you don't feel it at all! Through the day I either tuck it into the side of my bra, put it in a trouser pocket or I have a hid-in pump band, mine used to have a clip on it so you could clip it onto your waist band but I took the clip off as I found it a little bulky and much easier to wear one of the 3 ways above ^

I had a slight malfunction with mine last year when it had gotten wet without me realising, I rang Medtronic who supplies my pump & I had one delivered within 24 hours! They are very good with customer service as I believe all pump companies are,
if you know which pumps are available to you through your doctor/DSN do a bit of research on them before your appointment, it helped me prove to mine I was serious about wanting one.

Also my DSN has a 'loan pump' you can try out before you make your decision, I know this isn't available to everyone but it's worth asking about as it may be available to you :) X
 
Oh and with regard to you going travelling, pump users are always advised to keep an emergency supply of their pens incase of any problems etc so when I go on holiday etc I take my pump bits but also pens just so you have a back up :)
 
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