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Frustrated

Meghig1

Meghig1

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I am 20 years old and I was diagnosed with T1D about 3 years ago, and I feel like I still don't know what I'm doing. I am just so tired of having to prick my finger, count carbs, watch for highs, watch for lows, and just think about it constantly. It is hard to talk to people who aren't living with it, so I thought I would try to find people who are. I just want to live normally and am very frustrated lately that I can't do that without worrying about diabetes. Just want some advice and comfort I guess!
 
Hi Meghig1
welcome to the forum:)
a quick link to read about Diabetes burnout http://www.diabetesexplained.com/diabetic-burnout.html
i would suggest you may be suffering with this.

you are right that we all get the kind of feelings you describe :(

you must know what you are doing as you are here and able to post -- it is an amazing achievement caring for yourself 24/7.
don't under estimate how well you do everyday

I am tagging some lovely people who should be along to offer their support.
@donnellysdogs , @noblehead , @Jaylee , @azure , @Robinredbreast , @Natalie1974 , @mammamia2006
 
Meghig1 said:
I am 20 years old and I was diagnosed with T1D about 3 years ago, and I feel like I still don't know what I'm doing. I am just so tired of having to prick my finger, count carbs, watch for highs, watch for lows, and just think about it constantly. It is hard to talk to people who aren't living with it, so I thought I would try to find people who are. I just want to live normally and am very frustrated lately that I can't do that without worrying about diabetes. Just want some advice and comfort I guess!
Click to expand...

Hello, have you spoken to your diabetes team about how it is really affecting you. How is your BS, do you have good control or many up's and downs with levels ? It could be diabetes burnout. Here is another link that is on the forum :- http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/diabetes-burnout.74048/

It can feel like an up hill struggle sometimes and many know that feeling at some pint in their lives. Try not to let it burden you, consume you or to take over your life. I have to give myself a virtual kick up the backside sometimes because I'm in charge, not the other way around. Can you make an appointment with your GP as you could be suffering from some sort of depression.
Just by asking for some help, advice and support from fellow diabetics can be a huge help, as you are definitely not alone.
Take care RRB
 
Welcome @Meghig1

We all understand what you mean. Diabetes is relentless and there are no days off. I agree that it's the 'having to think about it constantly' that's mentally and physically wearing. Some days I get so fed up with that!

The way I deal with it is by accepting I have to do the tests and take the insulin because that's for my benefit, but not letting the diabetes be too prominent in my mind. It has to be there but I try to have it as something ticking over constantly in the background while I live my life.

I suppose in a way you do get used to it too, and so some actions become automatic, like packing a meter and glucose if you go for a walk.

Another way I encourage myself is by thinking of maintaining good control as just another health thing to do, like thinking about what you eat or getting enough sleep. Yes, non-diabetics don't have to do that, but there are lots of us who do. Take a look around the forum, and you'll see that you're doing as well as anyone else coping with this condition. :)
 
@Meghig1

I am 29 & have been t1 for 25 years, I was the worst controlled diabetic on the planet (paying for it now) but thanks to this forum, in 3 months, got my HbA1C down from 120 to 51.

I still struggle with everything, you think you have it under control then suddenly, something will change and you are back to square 1 but it will get easier.

I would make an appt with your dr to speak about how you are feeling and have a look on the forum for people looking to meet up to speak to other diabetics, it will give you someone who understands what you are going through.

I have been diabetic most of my life and couldnt imagine suddenly finding out at 17yrs but there are LOADS of people on here who will be in similar position to you so will be able to help.

Feel free to message me if you want to talk, rant, moan, etc, I dont mind. :D
 
Hey @Meghig1
I feel for you...I really do...but unfortunately all that faffing is a necessary evil if you want to maintain good control.

I had a spell a few years ago where I went through a bit of a burnout and let things get out of control for exactly the same reasons you stated...and I felt quite unwell for quite a lot of the time, it's not something I'd recommend and it's a place I don't want to go back to. It is a faff...in fact it's an absolute pain in back side at times but if you don't control 'it'...'it' will control you and that is much worse.

As @Robinredbreast says sometimes you have to give yourself a virtual kick up the backside and just do what you need to do. I can't tell you that it'll get easier because it's something you'll always have to do...but at some point it will just become second nature and you won't even think to complain about it anymore.

Not sure if you're anywhere near London but there is a meet happening in September if you can make it...it's a great chance to have a good moan up and compare stories etc.
 
Yes, its a complete pain. I did brilliantly for a while and then I started forgetting to take my insulin. I realised that I'd been thinking, Now I've got this licked, I'll be able to stop. But no. No stopping, it just goes on.

I try to make it a set of habits and do it quickly without thinking about it. Like cleaning your teeth.
 
I've been T1 for 15 years, just pulling myself out of a burnout/neglect period. Explain how you feel to your DSN, most are very good and will be really supportive in getting you back on track,
 
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