hypos are no big deal

[Mep]

This morning I get to work and I have a couple of ladies are busy telling me how they're feeling and how hard it was for them to wake up and come to work. Then they look at me and ask "how are you?". I answer well I'm surprised I'm here because I had a hypo this morning which means my sugar went way too low and I didn't get to treat it. They both just look at me and respond "oh well you're here that's the main thing". I don't think they had any idea what a hypo is even though one of them is diabetic and commented after they said that "oh I wouldn't know what that is, never had one." I said well it drains your brain big time basically amongst other things. She says oh well you don't have to talk to anyone anyway so it's ok. I was thinking yeh right well I don't talk much because I physically can't do that bright spark. Sorry... I get the impression people think I'm super woman and nothing that happens to me is a problem really.... it's all pretty ordinary. I felt like saying "well let's face it if my liver didn't dump this morning I probably wouldn't be here.... but it's ok... carry on like it's nothing people." lol. Care factor of zero... why ask me how I am? Obviously people have no idea what is what when you talk about your health.... but they know what 'tired' means.

 

[Oldvatr]

This morning I get to work and I have a couple of ladies are busy telling me how they're feeling and how hard it was for them to wake up and come to work. Then they look at me and ask "how are you?". I answer well I'm surprised I'm here because I had a hypo this morning which means my sugar went way too low and I didn't get to treat it. They both just look at me and respond "oh well you're here that's the main thing". I don't think they had any idea what a hypo is even though one of them is diabetic and commented after they said that "oh I wouldn't know what that is, never had one." I said well it drains your brain big time basically amongst other things. She says oh well you don't have to talk to anyone anyway so it's ok. I was thinking yeh right well I don't talk much because I physically can't do that bright spark. Sorry... I get the impression people think I'm super woman and nothing that happens to me is a problem really.... it's all pretty ordinary. I felt like saying "well let's face it if my liver didn't dump this morning I probably wouldn't be here.... but it's ok... carry on like it's nothing people." lol. Care factor of zero... why ask me how I am? Obviously people have no idea what is what when you talk about your health.... but they know what 'tired' means.

When i saw the thread title, I thought OOPS time to man the barricades, But now I have read the text, I can see where it comes from.
I realise i am extremely lucky as a T2D on orals only that I can say that for me the title is applicable (so far anyway), I am not on exogenic insulin, but I am on a hypoglycaemic med (Gliclazide) that can and does induce hypo's in me. However, my lows are gentle, well announced, and I still get liver dumps to compensate. So last night I had a bgl of 3.2 mmol/L, but because of my diet protecting me through ketosis, my brain was able to deal with it without any problem.

I have a friend who is T1D, and his hypo's are quite sudden, and all consuming. The lights are on, but no one is at home. He does get nightime hypo's, and these are worrying, but he is lucky that either liver dump or gluconeogenesis occurs to protect him, and he manages to work through it.

So, I understand that I am in a priviledged position, and am thankful that I get warning signs. Many do not.

Unfortunately, the average Joe Public, and some T2D's, will not have been given the training to deal with situations coz they have no need to (for themselves). I remember being at a loss when I first had to assist my T1 friend when his brain switched off, and I found that communications channels had closed down. Even though I had done the online training here on DCUK. That had been as an academic exercise in case I managed to drop my own bgl low enough (my own average reading was around 10mmol/L at the time) so I had to summon the A&E crew because I could not find where he kept his emergency hypo kit. I am better prepared now since I take my own kit, especially when we are doing a gig. And i make a point now of asking what his goody bag contains in case I needed to assist.

Unless you experience a hypo at close range , then most will not realise the brain fog that can prevent a person dealing with it by themselves, and the lack of communication that can go with it. There is also a reluctance to interfere in case it is interpreted as assault. Even ambulance crews cannot force treatment, and will spend s long time trying to communucate with the patient if the patient is 'concious'. I was surprised by this when I saw it, but even placing a glucotab under the tongue is legally an assault if you do not have the patients permission, unless the person is totally incapacitated.

 

[Mep]

When i saw the thread title, I thought OOPS time to man the barricades, But now I have read the text, I can see where it comes from.
I realise i am extremely lucky as a T2D on orals only that I can say that for me the title is applicable (so far anyway), I am not on exogenic insulin, but I am on a hypoglycaemic med (Gliclazide) that can and does induce hypo's in me. However, my lows are gentle, well announced, and I still get liver dumps to compensate. So last night I had a bgl of 3.2 mmol/L, but because of my diet protecting me through ketosis, my brain was able to deal with it without any problem.

I have a friend who is T1D, and his hypo's are quite sudden, and all consuming. The lights are on, but no one is at home. He does get nightime hypo's, and these are worrying, but he is lucky that either liver dump or gluconeogenesis occurs to protect him, and he manages to work through it.

So, I understand that I am in a priviledged position, and am thankful that I get warning signs. Many do not.

Unfortunately, the average Joe Public, and some T2D's, will not have been given the training to deal with situations coz they have no need to (for themselves). I remember being at a loss when I first had to assist my T1 friend when his brain switched off, and I found that communications channels had closed down. Even though I had done the online training here on DCUK. That had been as an academic exercise in case I managed to drop my own bgl low enough (my own average reading was around 10mmol/L at the time) so I had to summon the A&E crew because I could not find where he kept his emergency hypo kit. I am better prepared now since I take my own kit, especially when we are doing a gig. And i make a point now of asking what his goody bag contains in case I needed to assist.

Unless you experience a hypo at close range , then most will not realise the brain fog that can prevent a person dealing with it by themselves, and the lack of communication that can go with it. There is also a reluctance to interfere in case it is interpreted as assault. Even ambulance crews cannot force treatment, and will spend s long time trying to communucate with the patient if the patient is 'concious'. I was surprised by this when I saw it, but even placing a glucotab under the tongue is legally an assault if you do not have the patients permission, unless the person is totally incapacitated.

Yeh I dare say a lot of people wouldn't know what to do to treat a hypo.

Although what happens with me if I miss treating a night hypo is that I take a lot longer to recover. My cognitive function is not as good for hours. I don't think the ladies I spoke to this morning understood what exactly I meant. They'd been busy telling me how tired they are and I'm trying to tell them I'm not myself at all right now. I didn't come right until almost lunch time today. I can still function, but I can tell I'm not the norm. My responses were slower I suppose. I do remember when I woke after 4 am I was totally spinning out and I knew I'd missed it when my meter said 6.8. Then I get up and it's 7.8 and I've had trouble getting my sugar down today. I'm not sure what's going on with me. Yesterday I had a high pain level day and I'm thinking that could be what did it as I seem to swing high or low with more than my usual pain. So frustrating. I dropped my basal insulin by 2 units tonight and will see if that helps... will give it a few days of course to see if it works or not.

 

[Oldvatr]

Yeh I dare say a lot of people wouldn't know what to do to treat a hypo.

Although what happens with me if I miss treating a night hypo is that I take a lot longer to recover. My cognitive function is not as good for hours. I don't think the ladies I spoke to this morning understood what exactly I meant. They'd been busy telling me how tired they are and I'm trying to tell them I'm not myself at all right now. I didn't come right until almost lunch time today. I can still function, but I can tell I'm not the norm. My responses were slower I suppose. I do remember when I woke after 4 am I was totally spinning out and I knew I'd missed it when my meter said 6.8. Then I get up and it's 7.8 and I've had trouble getting my sugar down today. I'm not sure what's going on with me. Yesterday I had a high pain level day and I'm thinking that could be what did it as I seem to swing high or low with more than my usual pain. So frustrating. I dropped my basal insulin by 2 units tonight and will see if that helps... will give it a few days of course to see if it works or not.

Good Luck with this. As you say, the brain fog can take a while to clear. Bit like a hangover in that respect.

 

[JohnEGreen]

Thing is when a lot of people say how are you they don't really want to know all they want to hear is the usual oh all right or not so bad or what ever, the question is often not asked out of any genuine interest in your well being.

 

[Salvia]

Thing is when a lot of people say how are you they don't really want to know all they want to hear is the usual oh all right or not so bad or what ever, the question is often not asked out of any genuine interest in your well being.

I think that's right. For some people, it seems to be used as an alternative, or an addition, to "good morning" - without any real thought behind it. Perhaps that's just a UK attitude; the perception or social graces may be different in other cultures ........

 

[Mep]

I think that's right. For some people, it seems to be used as an alternative, or an addition, to "good morning" - without any real thought behind it. Perhaps that's just a UK attitude; the perception or social graces may be different in other cultures ........

Yes, it is like that here in Australia too. But they asked me after telling me how they were first. Of course then again they could be just self focused and don't really care too. I get the dumbest comments from people lately. Some guy asked me the other day what do I do all day at work. Geez I wonder? I work like you do silly. Just because I live with physical limitations doesn't mean I do nothing. People are full of wise cracks.

 

[Brunneria]

People don't usually ask how you are because they care, or want to hear, or are interested.
- and you certainly aren't supposed to actually tell them!

It is just a convention, like a handshake. Quick, casual, and a way of oiling social interaction.

If anyone REALLY wants to know how you are, they look you in the eyes, focus on you, and ask a specific question, not a general one - like 'are you feeling better since that migraine last week?' or 'did you ever find out what caused that rash?'

If they just say 'how are you?' then the LAST thing they want is to get a run down of your ailments, and current health status.

I've learned this lesson the hard way. There are people I know (not good friends) who like nothing more than to regale me with their endless health woes. It is like standing in a wind tunnel. Yet even knowing this, I still find it difficult to resist a casual 'how are you...?' and then I realise my mistake immediately when they launch into The List.

The correct answer, when someone asks 'how are you?' is to say 'fine thanks, you?'
If they were real friends, or really cared, they would have asked the question differently.

 

[Mep]

yes although as I said originally... they'd already told me how they were so conversation had already been started and I was listening to them before they even asked me. It wasn't a "hello how are you" and not engage type of greeting. This is work colleagues greeting each other in the mornings I'm talking about.... not actual friends I know. If I got that from my friends I'd tell them what I think about their reaction.... eg. thanks for caring. It's not like i went on a rant with these people. I simply stated I'd had a hypo and was surprised I was at work. Remember I can barely talk.... so my words I say matter to me. If people ask me a question, they often have to struggle to listen to me anyhow because all my words are forced. But I do get rather peeved that people think what happens to me is no big deal after both of them had been carrying on to me about how tired they were because they couldn't be bothered getting out of bed. I've been brought up to listen to people and respect them I guess. If I ask how are you to someone I want to know the answer and not just have a one sided conversation.

 

[Salvia]

Just goes to show, @Mep, that all they were really interested in was themselves; in my opinion, not people you need to spend too much time bothering about. Though, in the circs you mention, I can well understand you being peeved at them. I hadn't realised previously that you have difficulty speaking, so I can understand that each word is precious to you; tis a pity that they have not grasped that point, after working with you for - however long. Sorry, but that so often is just how people are these days - and progressively that way since, I would guess, about the early 80s.

That's where a forum like this is so valuable. There are people here who will and do listen, and whether or not they fully understand eachother's issues, they can share the highs and the lows, and be virtual pals to call on in times of need.

 

[Mep]

Just goes to show, @Mep, that all they were really interested in was themselves; in my opinion, not people you need to spend too much time bothering about. Though, in the circs you mention, I can well understand you being peeved at them. I hadn't realised previously that you have difficulty speaking, so I can understand that each word is precious to you; tis a pity that they have not grasped that point, after working with you for - however long. Sorry, but that so often is just how people are these days - and progressively that way since, I would guess, about the early 80s.

That's where a forum like this is so valuable. There are people here who will and do listen, and whether or not they fully understand eachother's issues, they can share the highs and the lows, and be virtual pals to call on in times of need.

Yes, you're right... people are a lot more self focused these days.

I often get told I'm lucky though.... not sure what's so lucky about not being able to do the full job I'm paid to do and having to work less hours because of my illnesses... but I guess some have a strange view of what lucky is. lol. But I count my blessings though, it could always be worse.

 

[4ratbags]

It is sad to think this is what society is like nowadays, most people are too wrapped up in their own miseries to care about others, all I can say is thank goodness for the forum and its members who actually listen.

 

[Robbity]

I've just been reading through the thread and was
reminded that people used to shake hands and say "How'd you do", usually when being introduced, (and maybe some still do?), so it's been a (fairly formal) style of greeting at times.

Robbity

 

[Mep]

I've just been reading through the thread and was
reminded that people used to shake hands and say "How'd you do", usually when being introduced, (and maybe some still do?), so it's been a (fairly formal) style of greeting at times.

Robbity

Yes, that's true.

These days that is more like a formal greeting when meeting someone new. I don't know of anyone here greeting people they know like that. But if I was to go to a meeting of some sort I can guarantee that's the first thing that happens... a handshake along with a how are you or nice to meet you greeting.

 

[chalup]

I think that's right. For some people, it seems to be used as an alternative, or an addition, to "good morning" - without any real thought behind it. Perhaps that's just a UK attitude; the perception or social graces may be different in other cultures ........

Hi all

Not a UK thing in specific. It is exactly the same thing here in Canada. Just polite chit-chat, not a real desire to know. "How are you?..... Oh just fine"