Anniversary...

From all the long term diabetics to a fairly new comer...

Khaleb was diagnosed 15/8/07. I described Khaleb's symptoms to the A&E nurse who did a bsl which came up 'HI' and I said "S**t he has diabetes". I hate the anniversary as I remember being flown with with Royal Flying Doctor Service to a large childrens hospital and Khaleb spending 4 days in intensive care. I slept occassionally in a noisy 'lounge' room and forgot to pack my purse in the rush to leave. My sister drove a couple of hours after she finished work to bring me money as no food or anything was provided at the hospital. We got flown back to our local hospital after a week on the scariest flight I have ever experienced. We then spent another 3 weeks in hospital after Khaleb also got quite ill. The arguements that came after with Khaleb's father (who left when Khaleb was 10 weeks old) was also another very unpleasant experience.

I am thankful for the modern equipment but it actually puts more pressure on parents to perform well with such accuracy being available. 25 years ago I am extremely doubtful that Khaleb would have survived the initial diagnoses (bsl 86) or that he would have had any chance of an extended life. Even with all Khaleb's problems he has a very good chance of making the 25 year mark.

Congratulations on your committment to your diabetes.

Hello Jen,

That most have been an awful time for you both, I don't think I have ever seen or heard of anyone having such a high reading on diagnosis as Khaleb had. Certainly the insulins, meds and testing equipment are far advanced than they were 30-40 years ago, but the basic principles are much the same, that being the tighter the control, the better for long-term health and longevity.

Equipment aside, I think the greatest developments in diabetes is the knowledge and understanding of the condition. The diabetes consultants/nurses are more specialised and pro-active than ever before, there are better courses available for both type 1 and 2's, and the wealth of information available to hand from sources such as the Internet, all help patients adapt and come to terms with this life-long condition. I know much can still be improved, money as ever is the stumbling block in future research and developments, but in time things will progress and I sure one day we will eventually be rid of this condition altogether.

Hope you are both keeping well!

Nigel