I don't even know where to begin. I feel as though I am always posting something discussing how things have been difficult. And, I feel guilty for that. But, the truth is, things have been hard. However, I am not in a bad place emotionally -- I have much faith and hope on my side. But, nonetheless, I've not been around much. And, I think that needs to change. But, to do that, I think I need to let you all in so that you know where I've been and what has been going on.
So, it's not news that I have health issues. In fact, I've had a lot of health issues. And, at 28 years old, that can be a tough pill to swallow. But, it is what it is. And, with new information, I am feeling more hopeful than ever.
A while back, you may remember that I was being told that there was a strong possibility that I was dealing with an autoimmune disorder. I've had a lot of illnesses in the last 2+ years. I've needed my appendix out, I had my gallbladder removed, I have had pneumonia, and I have dealt with countless other infections (kidney and UTI's being the most common). I also deal with an eating disorder which presents it's own set of issues. And, that's not mentioning the neurocardiogenic syncope I was diagnosed with last year. It's a lot, by any standards. I also have a whole host of symptoms that haven't made sense and have gone un-diagnosed. I've dealt with doctors who didn't believe me and who thought I was a drug seeker. I've had diagnoses that were completely off. It's been a roller coaster. And, it seemed, no matter what I tried, nothing ever resolved 100%. But, it looks like I've finally gotten some answers.
There is a lot of back history that I'm going to spare you, but I do need to say that this, while sudden, was not completely unbelievable. It's something that has popped up quite a bit in the past, but, with other issues, was masked (along with my not being willing to accept -- I did a lot of things to help me remain in denial).
About 2 weeks ago, I developed an abscess. It was painful and I found myself in the ER having it lanced and drained. And, not 24 hours later, I was back in the hospital; only, I was admitted with a serious infection. While there, the doctor I saw was convinced that I was dealing with elevated blood sugar. The abscess I had, in the place that I had it, really was a complication of diabetes. I was SO against even having a finger prick done. But, I relented and my fasting blood sugar was 243 (yes, I did have an infection at the time). They immediately wanted additional testing done and ran an HbA1c and found that my levels were high. Now, let me just say that almost everyone in my family developed Type 2 diabetes as an adult -- in their mid-to-late 20's. I've had fasting blood glucose tests done, but my eating disorder has really influenced those results. And, that's not to mention that I'm not your typical Type 2 diabetic. But, while I was in the hospital being treated for an infection, I was repeatedly tested with conclusive results. I am a diabetic. These tests have all been redone now that I am not dealing with an infection and the results from the hospital hold up. So, last Friday, after a visit with my primary care physician (and lab work), I was diagnosed, formally, as a Type 2 diabetic.
All that being said, I tend to swing wildly from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia. And, that is a direct result of having an eating disorder. This diagnosis does answer a lot of questions. It makes sense out of symptoms that were frustrating and overwhelming. And, with this diagnosis, the thought that I have an autoimmune disorder is not nearly as strong. Is it a daunting diagnosis to know that I am a diabetic? Absolutely. But, it's manageable. I still need a lot of blood work done, but the diagnosis is firm. We know where I stand. And, I have a plan of action to take. I'll be testing my blood sugar 2-4 times daily and as needed aside from those scheduled times. I have also been prescribed Metformin, though I will not be starting the medication for another week or so. I am also scheduled to meet with a nurse practitioner who deals solely with diabetics and, from there, I will glean additional information and resources. But, for now, it's a learning process and a diagnosis I am still working on fully accepting.
So, that's what has been going on. And, it's a lot of the reason why I haven't been around as much as I'd like. I have felt like isolating some and have had some major family issues going on as well. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. But, on the other hand, with the information I now have, I feel empowered.
Is anyone else here a diabetic? Either Type 1 or Type 2? Do you know of any online forums, like this one, where I can talk to others with this issue? Do you have any tips or suggestions for someone newly diagnosed? I was so afraid to be diagnosed as a diabetic. But, while serious and certainly overwhelming at times, I am okay with everything that has happened. I haven't lost faith. If anything, I just might have gained some...
So, it's not news that I have health issues. In fact, I've had a lot of health issues. And, at 28 years old, that can be a tough pill to swallow. But, it is what it is. And, with new information, I am feeling more hopeful than ever.
A while back, you may remember that I was being told that there was a strong possibility that I was dealing with an autoimmune disorder. I've had a lot of illnesses in the last 2+ years. I've needed my appendix out, I had my gallbladder removed, I have had pneumonia, and I have dealt with countless other infections (kidney and UTI's being the most common). I also deal with an eating disorder which presents it's own set of issues. And, that's not mentioning the neurocardiogenic syncope I was diagnosed with last year. It's a lot, by any standards. I also have a whole host of symptoms that haven't made sense and have gone un-diagnosed. I've dealt with doctors who didn't believe me and who thought I was a drug seeker. I've had diagnoses that were completely off. It's been a roller coaster. And, it seemed, no matter what I tried, nothing ever resolved 100%. But, it looks like I've finally gotten some answers.
There is a lot of back history that I'm going to spare you, but I do need to say that this, while sudden, was not completely unbelievable. It's something that has popped up quite a bit in the past, but, with other issues, was masked (along with my not being willing to accept -- I did a lot of things to help me remain in denial).
About 2 weeks ago, I developed an abscess. It was painful and I found myself in the ER having it lanced and drained. And, not 24 hours later, I was back in the hospital; only, I was admitted with a serious infection. While there, the doctor I saw was convinced that I was dealing with elevated blood sugar. The abscess I had, in the place that I had it, really was a complication of diabetes. I was SO against even having a finger prick done. But, I relented and my fasting blood sugar was 243 (yes, I did have an infection at the time). They immediately wanted additional testing done and ran an HbA1c and found that my levels were high. Now, let me just say that almost everyone in my family developed Type 2 diabetes as an adult -- in their mid-to-late 20's. I've had fasting blood glucose tests done, but my eating disorder has really influenced those results. And, that's not to mention that I'm not your typical Type 2 diabetic. But, while I was in the hospital being treated for an infection, I was repeatedly tested with conclusive results. I am a diabetic. These tests have all been redone now that I am not dealing with an infection and the results from the hospital hold up. So, last Friday, after a visit with my primary care physician (and lab work), I was diagnosed, formally, as a Type 2 diabetic.
All that being said, I tend to swing wildly from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia. And, that is a direct result of having an eating disorder. This diagnosis does answer a lot of questions. It makes sense out of symptoms that were frustrating and overwhelming. And, with this diagnosis, the thought that I have an autoimmune disorder is not nearly as strong. Is it a daunting diagnosis to know that I am a diabetic? Absolutely. But, it's manageable. I still need a lot of blood work done, but the diagnosis is firm. We know where I stand. And, I have a plan of action to take. I'll be testing my blood sugar 2-4 times daily and as needed aside from those scheduled times. I have also been prescribed Metformin, though I will not be starting the medication for another week or so. I am also scheduled to meet with a nurse practitioner who deals solely with diabetics and, from there, I will glean additional information and resources. But, for now, it's a learning process and a diagnosis I am still working on fully accepting.
So, that's what has been going on. And, it's a lot of the reason why I haven't been around as much as I'd like. I have felt like isolating some and have had some major family issues going on as well. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. But, on the other hand, with the information I now have, I feel empowered.
Is anyone else here a diabetic? Either Type 1 or Type 2? Do you know of any online forums, like this one, where I can talk to others with this issue? Do you have any tips or suggestions for someone newly diagnosed? I was so afraid to be diagnosed as a diabetic. But, while serious and certainly overwhelming at times, I am okay with everything that has happened. I haven't lost faith. If anything, I just might have gained some...