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Does it shock you when folks are impressed?

rstonepal

rstonepal

Well-Known Member
Messages
57
Location
Mira Mesa, CA
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Diabetic Educators, people who do not listen, people who do not actively try to make their situation better, people who think I am in their textbook, people who think I am a standard T1D.
I turned 51 last August and was told to get my 50 year medal. I have been T1D for 51 years as of last October. I had never heard of this and looked it up. Then started wondering if my husband should get an award for living 54 years. That man was dangerous when he was younger. At almost 52 years and having Diabetes for 52 years, I am only on one prescription, Insulin. I have a retired Endocrinologist friend who was ranting one day about diabetic educators, when he finished with, "By the end of the year, a Diabetic has already made hundreds of thousands of clinical decisions." That was very recently. This is probably the only Endocrinologist I have ever listened to, he is not my doctor and never has been ;) His comment to the de made me realize why I think getting an award for living this long with this condition, bothers me.

This is my life. This is all I know and I do not have to think about what I am doing, I just do it.

I was wondering. do you find this confusing also? Folks being impressed? Do you take care of yourself automatically also?
 
@rstonepal A lot of T1s don't or can't take care of themselves fully. In the past 50 years was unusual, although that has changed. I'd agree. I just get on with it. I understand the reason why people are impressed though.


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Having a rare condition like mine sometimes I'm overwhelmed, why, I'm so special to be so different from everybody.
It does take a serious mental attitude to get your head around, why it is.

I've had this conversation with my specialist endocrinologist.
He was impressed with my use of the knowledge I had gathered to first of all treat and then advise others who are also RH or others with blood glucose problems.

I have also pondered how I became RH.
There is no answer, there is a lot of speculation. But it's better not to dwell too long as it would drive me nuts.
You just have to shrug your shoulders and get on with life. Bills have to be paid and life will always go on.
Maybe a different slant on your post but life is not fair for some reason!
 
51 years. Wow. I have only been in insulin for a little over 2 years and I am 52. The 1st year was awful. All I did was cry. Now it's easier and just part of my day but still have my moments. Seems my life is centered around food, all day every day. What can I eat, what can't I eat. I am a bit OCD in that I like to keep my insulin low. I had too many hypos. This is not an easy disease to live with and I will commend you on your attitude. Perhaps you don't have the pity parties I do because you know life no different. I would still like to give you a medal.
 
rstonepal said:
His comment to the de made me realize why I think getting an award for living this long with this condition, bothers me.
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It shouldn't bother you, the 50 year medal is in recognition of the time that you've lived with diabetes..........nothing more, nothing less.

I'm 15 years away but will make sure I get mine when the time arrives :)
 
I'm into my 55th year of being T1,it was a nice surprise to receive my medal,thanks to my DSN and I carry on just the same and don't think to much about it,it's been part of my life for so long it all just becomes natural.
 
Engineer88 said:
I would be quite pproud to say I had been diabetic 50 years, I know @CarbsRok has one :)
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Yep I own up to having a medal kindly requested by my GP. Life goes on as normal mainly because I have never been treated any differently than a none diabetic, except for a non functioning pancreas I am no different than anyone else :)
 
Personally I think living with and managing a life threatening condition for 50 years is worthy of some sort of recognition, as it is quite and achievement. Much more so than an award for for surviving for 25 years in your workplace - though I don't know if they still do this?

Robbity
 
Kristin251 said:
51 years. Wow. I have only been in insulin for a little over 2 years and I am 52. The 1st year was awful. All I did was cry. Now it's easier and just part of my day but still have my moments. Seems my life is centered around food, all day every day. What can I eat, what can't I eat. I am a bit OCD in that I like to keep my insulin low. I had too many hypos. This is not an easy disease to live with and I will commend you on your attitude. Perhaps you don't have the pity parties I do because you know life no different. I would still like to give you a medal.
Click to expand...
Oh Kristin! As I read your response, I was smiling and tearing up! Do you find great sport in annoying your Diabetes team with the low sugars? I am finding that is is difficult to shed the constant lectures they gave me as a child and become what the latest doctors want, a T1D with higher glucose readings. It was drilled into my head and was probably the first thing ever said to me, keep your sugars low. I do that and in a smashing way. My CGM graph is usually red. Docs want me to bring it up. I do not want to do this, I was informed my life depends on it being low.

I totally understand about perpetual hypo. I use a protein based carb to keep them at least constant at that 50 level. I am constantly weak tho.

Good job my dear! The slight OCD,,,I think it is a benefit with T1D. I have it also.
 
JohnEGreen said:
Well yes if I don't who will. And I would certainly be amazed if any one was impressed I'm not that impressive.
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haha awesome! That sums it up perfectly!
 
CarbsRok said:
Yep I own up to having a medal kindly requested by my GP. Life goes on as normal mainly because I have never been treated any differently than a none diabetic, except for a non functioning pancreas I am no different than anyone else :)
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:joyful:
 
I have read a few forum posts regarding the medal. Do you get yours automatically? When I heard of this I thought it would be hilarious to have. I applied and was given a form to fill out. One requirement for me is to send proof I have been a T1D this long. I called the hospital, the records have since been destroyed, no microfiche, no records of any type. I asked about the doctor, they have no idea who that was. I have no one who was around at that time left alive to ask. They said they would take a letter from my Endo stating I am a neo natal and have been insulin dependent since birth. She is not comfortable writing this and politely declined. I called JDRF in Colorado as they have records, well, they had records when they documented me. They have also since been destroyed.
 
rstonepal said:
Oh Kristin! As I read your response, I was smiling and tearing up! Do you find great sport in annoying your Diabetes team with the low sugars? I am finding that is is difficult to shed the constant lectures they gave me as a child and become what the latest doctors want, a T1D with higher glucose readings. It was drilled into my head and was probably the first thing ever said to me, keep your sugars low. I do that and in a smashing way. My CGM graph is usually red. Docs want me to bring it up. I do not want to do this, I was informed my life depends on it being low.

I totally understand about perpetual hypo. I use a protein based carb to keep them at least constant at that 50 level. I am constantly weak tho.

Good job my dear! The slight OCD,,,I think it is a benefit with T1D. I have it also.
Click to expand...

I have to be OCD or I crawl out of my skin with fluctuation. Yup, you got it, dr says relax and enjoy. I tell him chasing bs is not enjoyable. Fortunately for me I found the macros that work with bs as well as my bad digestion. I with you, the lower the better but without hypos. I occasionally go to the mid 60's and they aren't pleasant. 85 is my bingo number. I feel great there. Less insulin = less fear for me. Food is food. Who cares. I love my food but would I like cake or pie ? Of course but not worth it.
You're doing great and I think you should pat yourself on the back. As Robbity said , it's a life threatening disease and you have 52 years in. Do t short yourself. Many have not or could not achieve what you have accomplished. Rock on girl!
 
@rstonepal do you have parents still alive who can vouch for you or siblings? It should be on your GP records though. When my medical records were transferred to disc rather than paper diagnoses was noted for diabetes with year date and month.
 
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