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Diagnosis feelings?

dabbit

dabbit

Active Member
Messages
43
Location
Suffolk
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Bullying, vegetables
I remember my diagnosis like it was yesterday. I hadn't long been out of hospital following a serious RTA, and the district nurse came to see me. I mentioned I was extremely thirsty and she got a doctor to come a take some bloods (I am difficult to get bloods from). To cut a long story short, it proved I was type two diabetic. My initial reaction was of denial, and indeed I asked the doctor and nurse whether I could be retested as I was convinced the labs had got my results muddled up. They said I could be retested but it would only show the same, so I had little choice but to come to terms.

It took me ages to get to grips with my diabetes and constant trips to medics (hospitals, GP's) were gradually educating this head which had no knowledge of diabetes; with the exception that, diabetic injected AND died earlier than non diabetics.

So alongside the denial, I felt lonely, low, and like death could call any time. But of course now through education I realise things couldn't be further from the truth. providing you stick to a reasonable diet and stick to your check up, things will be fine.... :D
 
In other words you had a very normal reaction, dabbit, it is a horrible shock. :shock:

It is good to keep that memory alive in your mind as it helps when talking to others. It is also helpful for us all to know that the shock we suffered is similar and that we can empathise with each other when we find things confusing. :?

What a blessing a forum like this is to so many people. :D
 
Hi Dabbit,
It's strange how so many of us get the early impression that our demise is just around the corner. Within 2 weeks of diagnosis, I was making funeral arrangements and reviewing my insurance provision!! To an extent I blame the HCP who delivers the initial message. I am convinced that my GP deliberately scared me half to death. When I complained about her to my DN, she admitted that psychologically they do try to frighten us witless to spur us into taking our diabetes seriously. I was told that 80% of diagnosed patients fail to control their diabetes and that is why they read the riot act on day one. This is also the reason why our "general" prognosis is not brilliant, but take the 80% of non compliants out of the equation and "OUR" prognosis is EXCELLENT :D
One of our goals should be to educate the 80% and let's ALL have a healthy and bright tomorrow!

All the best Steve.
 
I would have thought that 'frightening' patients might have the opposite effect, making them think "Oh well I ain't got long so what's the point, might as well do what I want"?????
 
If the NHS is not prepared to empower people to control their health by prescribing testing strips and educating them on how to use them then they only have one thing left – FEAR! :shock:

It is all about money! :roll:
 
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