Hi everyone I have just registered after reading this wonderful site written by all you thoughtful and helpful people for the last year. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year at the age of 56 years old. I have gone from being a reasonably fit person doing a full time job who had always enjoyed very good health to someone always worrying if I am going to die soon or develop complications. At the end of May last year I suddenly developed the classic symptoms which I now know heralded the most life changing experience since having my son 30 years ago, but with none of the pleasure. I was at work one day and found I was drinking for England without my thirst being satisfied and living in the loo. I lost weight and felt dreadful. Doctor did a test and said I had a mild water infection. Feeling a little better I went on a weekend break to Brighton with my husband. I live about 130 miles from Brighton so it was quite a long journey. On arrival I began to feel really dehydrated and anxious. My mouth was so dry I could not speak. I then received a call from my doctor saying could I come into the surgery as someone had seen the result of a blood test taken at the time of my urine test and were very worried. I said that I was 130 miles away. The doctor told me to get to A&E or a walk in centre. Cutting a long and very frightening story short the walk in centre failed to test for ketones and explain that a blood glucose reading of 42 was extremely dangerous. After vomiting twice and my gums bleeding profusely the hotel staff called an ambulance I was taken to A&E. It transpired I had developed DKA and was on my way into a coma. Spent 3 days in intensive care then 2 days in the high dependancy unit and then at the weekend when the NHS "shuts down" I was put into a geriatric ward. They had no idea how to deal with a diabetic because at 56 years old they thought because I was a Type 1 I must have had it all my life and knew what to do. With the help of my husband and son the sliding scale drip of insulin was detached and I discharged myself as I was in more danger staying rather than leaving. My son drove me to my local hospiltal. During the journey I tested and treated a hypo only because my husband had been reading a book on diabetes.
Anyway a year plus down the line I have survived I am still very scared, but my doctor and my diabetes nurse think I am doing wonderfully well my HBA1C tests are pretty good for my age and my health is good. I would love to attend a DAFNE course to reinforce what I have read and taught myself re carb counting and reading this site because I am sure there are finer details and tips that would help me. Unfortunately neither my health authority or any close neighbouring ones offer the course. Does anyone know how I could access one please? Thanks, so glad joined I've joined the forum.
Anyway a year plus down the line I have survived I am still very scared, but my doctor and my diabetes nurse think I am doing wonderfully well my HBA1C tests are pretty good for my age and my health is good. I would love to attend a DAFNE course to reinforce what I have read and taught myself re carb counting and reading this site because I am sure there are finer details and tips that would help me. Unfortunately neither my health authority or any close neighbouring ones offer the course. Does anyone know how I could access one please? Thanks, so glad joined I've joined the forum.