[Diabetes-talk] Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 16, Issue 3
The Jacobs' Family
bandbjacobs at verizon.net
Thu Nov 6 02:51:57 UTC 2008
Hi Kijuana: Please, if I may, let me be a part of this welcome party as
well. Ya know, you asked if this was the right place to come for help? I
can assure you Honey. It truly is. I'd like to share with you a story
about a relationship with someone here whom I'll never forget and I'll
cherish that relationship long after we're all gone.
Our Diabetes Action Network, (DAN) began its inception in the summer of
1985. I actually attended and joined at the first meeting. I was
introduced to a young gentlemen, (Ed Bryant). The two of us had a most
interesting conversation I'll never forget. I told Ed about how I lost my
mother at the ripe old age of 13. She was just 47 and died due to
complications of the disease--diabetes. I told Ed that because of this, I
had a tremendous interest in everything there was to know about diabetes.
Of course, on a hunch, Ed stops me dead in my tracks, gently touches my
shoulder and says, "And you are a diabetic too. Aren't you?" My mouth fell
open and I nearly lost all my teeth. But guess what Honey? That was the
kick in the seat of the pants I needed. I couldn't even be mad at him. He
was so kind and I sensed he only wanted to befriend and help me. I sensed
that just as diabetics have become my mission, it was his mission and he
wanted to simply mentor me. And, guess what? I consider Ed Bryant to be
one of my closest friends, (almost right up there with my husband) at least
at the level of my father. I've now spent 23 years under his wing and I
wouldn't have it any other way. My husband loves him as much as I do
because I told him the same story and he realized what an important part DAN
has played in my life. Kijuana Honey, I, personally would like to welcome
you to the family. I, for one, have been in the adoption business for
years. What's one more, and one more, and one more? I've learned so much
from everyone here and, as a "mother hen," just know that you can call me
any time. I do have unlimited long distance so if you call me and need, I'd
be most delighted to call you back. Yah Honey. I went through all that
garb: anger, denial, "just tired of it," and all of that. But I have made
diabetics my mission in life. That's exactly what my mother would have
wanted and I fully intend to carry this out. You truly have come to just
the right place. We're so happy to have you!! Take care and have a Blessed
day Kijuana!!!
Bern
410-455-5311. I'll be praying for you.
----- Original Message -----
From: <diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org>
To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:00 PM
Subject: Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 16, Issue 3
> Send Diabetes-talk mailing list submissions to
> diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> diabetes-talk-request at nfbnet.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> diabetes-talk-owner at nfbnet.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Diabetes-talk digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: I'm a silent Diabetic (K C)
> 2. Re: I'm a silent Diabetic (Ed Bryant)
> 3. Emotions (Ed Bryant)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 13:51:53 -0500
> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <COL0-DAV30F164BA5EAE1991755F33AA1C0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
>
> Type 2. I've been in Indiana for a little over a year.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "catdancing" <catdancing at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 12:08 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>
>
>>r u type 1 or 2?
>> Cebbie
>> iam type 1 for 41 yrs live in Illinois
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:23 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>
>>
>>> Thank you for the welcome. Actually I have only just gotten information
>>> about even ordering a meter yesterday. My state rehab is recommending
>>> the Prodigy auto code meter? What is the difference between that one,
>>> and the voice? I receive Medicate, and Medicare, all parts. In
>>> general,
>>> can you get new testing strips for these special meters at your local
>>> pharmacy, or do you have to order them always from Prodigy. And lastly
>>> does your list offer emotional support? I'm still in shock, and am
>>> scared to death... Before last Thursday I didn't even know I had this.
>>> Thank you all.
>>> Kijuana
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
>>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 3:42 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi Kijuana,
>>>> I am glad you have joined our Diabetes talk list. There are
>>>> probably
>>>> several ways we can assist you, but first it sounds like your blood
>>>> sugars are too high, so that should be an immediate goal to get the
>>>> sugars down.
>>>> Your doctor may have already had you do a lab called hemoglobin
>>>> A1C,
>>>> which gives you your average blood sugar for a two or three month
>>>> period.
>>>> It sounds like you are testing your blood glucose levels, but there
>>>> is a fairly new blood glucose monitor out, which is pretty easy to use
>>>> for someone who is blind or has low vision. It is called the Prodigy
>>>> Voice and can be ordered from:
>>>> Homecare Supply of America
>>>>
>>>> Big Sandy, TX
>>>>
>>>> 800-333-1412
>>>>
>>>> Meter: $89.95
>>>>
>>>> Container of 50 strips: $21.95
>>>>
>>>> If you have Medicare they will pay for the meter and a few strips,
>>>> but they will only purchase you a new meter, I believe, every three
>>>> years.
>>>>
>>>> If you have Medicaid, they will help with a glucose meter, but they
>>>> can be difficult to work with. They are run state by state while
>>>> Medicare is nation wide.
>>>>
>>>> If you need to use Medicaid, please let us know, and I am sure you
>>>> will receive help from this list.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Regards,
>>>>
>>>> Ed Bryant
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
>>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 9:12 AM
>>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Hello, everyone. My name is Kijuana.
>>>>> On Thursday the 30th of October I was diagnosed with Diabetes after
>>>>> Uterine surgery on the 23rd of October. I had no idea I had it.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm so scared! I have never had to stick myself to test my blood
>>>>> sugar
>>>>> or
>>>>> anything else. I know a little about it because I have had personal
>>>>> friends
>>>>> who have
>>>>> suffered major complications from this disease, and some of them have
>>>>> died.
>>>>> Logically I know it is something people live with, and control
>>>>> everyday. I
>>>>> also understand that it is a very common illness. It's just that it
>>>>> has
>>>>> never been a part of my daily life.
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't know how to act, or react now. Because I have no symptoms I
>>>>> don't
>>>>> know how to eat differently or anything else. Over the past few days
>>>>> I
>>>>> have
>>>>> continued to do like I always have, but the numbers on the blood tests
>>>>> say
>>>>> different. Its silence scares me more than if I had some weird
>>>>> symptoms,
>>>>> went to my Doctor, and was diagnosed then.
>>>>>
>>>>> How do you deal
>>>>> with the days, weeks, and months after diagnoses emotionally? They'll
>>>>> be a
>>>>> lot of education I'll get in the coming weeks on diet, life style
>>>>> changes,
>>>>> etc. But what I really need right now is those who're living with
>>>>> this
>>>>> disease to share their experiences with me so I can put my feet on
>>>>> some
>>>>> kind
>>>>> of ground. Thank you for reading all this. I feel totally
>>>>> disoriented. My
>>>>> state services for the blind leave a lot to be desired, so my
>>>>> councilor
>>>>> doesn't even know where to begin as far as purchasing a meter, testing
>>>>> supplies, etc. Any help will really be appreciated.
>>>>> Kijuana
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/ebryant%40socket.net
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotmail.com
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/catdancing%40sbcglobal.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotmail.com
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 10:27:18 -0600
> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <003401c93f63$5f4b1c80$0200a8c0 at Satellite>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
>
> Hi Kijuana,
> I do not recommend the Prodigy Autocode because the Prodigy Voice is
> far
> better. For one thing, the Autocode will only give you one reading, or
> when
> you stick your finger it will only tell you your blood glucose level one
> time.
> The Prodigy Voice will repeat the results as often as you want.
> In my opinion the Prodigy Voice is easier to use because all control
> buttons, when pushed, will tell you what they are. Note: I found the
> Prodigy Autocode easy to use, but not nearly as easy as the Prodigy Voice.
> Some of the messages you have received offer emotional support, but
> didn't go into great depth. I will send to this list some information on
> emotions, which may be helpful. I would also be happy to talk with you as
> the emotional aspects of diabetes can be difficult to deal with. I have
> had
> diabetes for about fifty years and would be happy to talk with you if you
> want. My phone number is 573-875-8911, or if you would like, send me your
> phone number off-list, and I will call you. By for now.
>
> Regards,
> Ed Bryant
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:23 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>
>
>> Thank you for the welcome. Actually I have only just gotten information
>> about even ordering a meter yesterday. My state rehab is recommending
>> the
>> Prodigy auto code meter? What is the difference between that one, and
>> the
>> voice? I receive Medicate, and Medicare, all parts. In general, can you
>> get new testing strips for these special meters at your local pharmacy,
>> or
>> do you have to order them always from Prodigy. And lastly does your list
>> offer emotional support? I'm still in shock, and am scared to death...
>> Before last Thursday I didn't even know I had this. Thank you all.
>> Kijuana
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 3:42 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>
>>
>>> Hi Kijuana,
>>> I am glad you have joined our Diabetes talk list. There are probably
>>> several ways we can assist you, but first it sounds like your blood
>>> sugars are too high, so that should be an immediate goal to get the
>>> sugars down.
>>> Your doctor may have already had you do a lab called hemoglobin A1C,
>>> which gives you your average blood sugar for a two or three month
>>> period.
>>> It sounds like you are testing your blood glucose levels, but there
>>> is
>>> a fairly new blood glucose monitor out, which is pretty easy to use for
>>> someone who is blind or has low vision. It is called the Prodigy Voice
>>> and can be ordered from:
>>> Homecare Supply of America
>>>
>>> Big Sandy, TX
>>>
>>> 800-333-1412
>>>
>>> Meter: $89.95
>>>
>>> Container of 50 strips: $21.95
>>>
>>> If you have Medicare they will pay for the meter and a few strips,
>>> but
>>> they will only purchase you a new meter, I believe, every three years.
>>>
>>> If you have Medicaid, they will help with a glucose meter, but they
>>> can be difficult to work with. They are run state by state while
>>> Medicare is nation wide.
>>>
>>> If you need to use Medicaid, please let us know, and I am sure you
>>> will receive help from this list.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Ed Bryant
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 9:12 AM
>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hello, everyone. My name is Kijuana.
>>>> On Thursday the 30th of October I was diagnosed with Diabetes after
>>>> Uterine surgery on the 23rd of October. I had no idea I had it.
>>>>
>>>> I'm so scared! I have never had to stick myself to test my blood sugar
>>>> or
>>>> anything else. I know a little about it because I have had personal
>>>> friends
>>>> who have
>>>> suffered major complications from this disease, and some of them have
>>>> died.
>>>> Logically I know it is something people live with, and control
>>>> everyday.
>>>> I
>>>> also understand that it is a very common illness. It's just that it
>>>> has
>>>> never been a part of my daily life.
>>>>
>>>> I don't know how to act, or react now. Because I have no symptoms I
>>>> don't
>>>> know how to eat differently or anything else. Over the past few days I
>>>> have
>>>> continued to do like I always have, but the numbers on the blood tests
>>>> say
>>>> different. Its silence scares me more than if I had some weird
>>>> symptoms,
>>>> went to my Doctor, and was diagnosed then.
>>>>
>>>> How do you deal
>>>> with the days, weeks, and months after diagnoses emotionally? They'll
>>>> be a
>>>> lot of education I'll get in the coming weeks on diet, life style
>>>> changes,
>>>> etc. But what I really need right now is those who're living with this
>>>> disease to share their experiences with me so I can put my feet on some
>>>> kind
>>>> of ground. Thank you for reading all this. I feel totally
>>>> disoriented.
>>>> My
>>>> state services for the blind leave a lot to be desired, so my councilor
>>>> doesn't even know where to begin as far as purchasing a meter, testing
>>>> supplies, etc. Any help will really be appreciated.
>>>> Kijuana
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/ebryant%40socket.net
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotmail.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/ebryant%40socket.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 10:31:19 -0600
> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Emotions
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <003b01c93f63$ef147fa0$0200a8c0 at Satellite>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
>
> Hi Kijuana,
> As I promised, the following is some information about emotions. In
> fact, this info is part of a story called "Emotions", which appeared in
> Voice of the Diabetic sometime back.
> If you have questions, please feel free to ask.
>
> Regards,
> Ed Bryant
> Understandably, most diabetes education materials focus on the physical
> aspects of the disease. This is appropriate. But the common emotional
> ramifications of diabetes need to be taken into account. An individual's
> emotional state may determine whether he/she prevails, or is felled by
> circumstances.
>
>
>
> Anger
>
> "Why ME?" We don't know what causes diabetes. Although we can manipulate
> statistics and use them to make predictions, we can't tell why a given
> individual gets diabetes, or any of its ramifications. And tight control
> helps, but it is no panacea.
>
> Folks used to believe that disability was the result of defective
> character.
> If you developed a disease, you had brought it on yourself; you were a
> "failure." We know better, but too many of us still judge ourselves
> harshly,
> blaming ourselves for "being weak." Diabetes is not a sign of weakness.
>
> "What did I do to deserve this?" Nobody gets diabetes, or ramifications,
> because they "deserve them." We don't know why one person gets it, and
> another does not. We have to do the best we can. Diabetes can be nasty and
> unpleasant, but it is not "diabolical." It is not a punishment.
>
>
>
> Denial
>
> "It will never happen to ME!" Social workers and psychologists are very
> familiar with the problem of denial, the conviction that in spite of the
> facts, the rules do not apply in this particular case. The ramifications
> of
> diabetes do not manifest immediately, but the more time spent with high
> blood sugars, the greater the likelihood of future eye, kidney, and
> nervous
> system complications. The diabetic who seeks to prove that he or she is
> "exempt," and "gets away with it," short term, is only increasing the
> likelihood of down-the-line problems. The literature is full of stories by
> folks who were "non-compliant" in their youth, but saw the error of their
> ways about the time their vision began to fail. Denial is a common
> problem,
> and one that should be addressed right along with the need for
> conscientious
> self-management.
>
> "NO! I'm not BLIND!" Sight loss brings its own denial. There are people
> who
> won't use their canes, or learn Braille, or even stop driving, because
> they
> cannot admit they are going blind. Some delay learning adaptive skills
> with,
> "It's only temporary; I'm sure my sight will come back!"
>
>
>
> Fear
>
> "What am I going to do? I won't be able to..." While some folks deny
> they'll
> ever be affected, others swing to the opposite extreme. These diabetics
> pay
> close attention, read the reports, and work diligently, but for them,
> there
> are demons under the bed, and every bullet has their name on it. Too many
> folks are convinced that a diagnosis of diabetes, or the need to start
> injecting insulin, or blindness, or kidney failure, or any of the other
> possible complications, means the cessation of life as they know it.
>
> It doesn't. With proper adaptive equipment and training, blind diabetics,
> those losing vision, even those coping with multiple ramifications, such
> as
> blindness, amputation, and kidney failure, can maintain or recover
> independence, and remain (or become!) fully productive participants in
> mainstream society. Fear, or the use of fear to encourage diligent
> compliance, is counter-productive, as we shall see below.
>
>
>
> Burnout
>
> "I'm tired of it!" Diabetes self-management is a discipline, seven days a
> week, from now until doomsday. There are no reprieves, no opportunity to
> take breaks, and short of a pancreas transplant, there is yet no cure.
> There
> is only the routine, day after day after day.
>
> Some folks thrive. Presented with the facts, the need for multiple
> monitoring and insulin injections, one young man said, "Of course I will!
> I
> want to stay healthy as long as possible!" He was, and is, ready. Others
> find the prospects daunting.
>
> A lifetime of dietary restrictions, regular exercise, blood glucose
> testing,
> and multiple injections or oral medications can become wearing, especially
> after a number of years with the condition. Some folks get tired of it;
> others come to hate "doing it because they must." Still others stop
> believing their own welfare is "worth the fuss." This is "burnout,"
> psychological rebellion against one's duties.
>
> When burnout leads to non-compliance, it is a recipe for trouble. Why do
> some folks "burnout" and not others?
>
> The answer is attitude. The folks who thrive, who make the best of a less
> than perfect situation, are like savvy poker players who, dealt a doubtful
> hand, play it for all it's worth. Often these folks outperform the ones
> holding the aces! It's not the cards you're dealt; it's how you play the
> game.
>
> "Positive attitude" can mean so many different things, but here it means a
> wholehearted belief in one's own capacities, and determination to overcome
> all obstacles, regardless of how long it takes. If you don't believe in
> yourself, even the small hills can look impassable.
>
>
>
> Loss of independence
>
> "How can I face my friends? How can I get anything done? I can't DO
> anything!" Too many folks respond to disability, or other trauma, with the
> "wounded animal response"-flight to solitude, to "lick one's wounds." Up
> to
> a point, this is part of the grieving process, the mourning for what must
> be
> let go. When it passes, rehabilitation can begin.
>
> But some folks "get stuck" there. Some independent, self-reliant people,
> high achievers, can be more traumatized by their own "incapacity" than by
> their actual physical loss. The belief: "I have lost something, and am now
> less than I was," discourages action. This can occur with most any
> incapacity, but is not uncommon in cases of sight loss.
>
> An adult type 1 diabetic, for example, may have been self-managing for 15
> years or more, before retinopathy put an end to a sight-based lifestyle.
> Some folks, with positive attitude, good instruction and proper adaptive
> equipment, make a smooth transition. Others wilt.
>
> It's a question of attitude again, so many times. An individual is
> accustomed to being in charge, to caring for self and others, and to being
> "a productive member of society." In his or her mind, loss of sight means
> the end of their capacity to continue doing so. Feeling diminished,
> feeling
> ashamed, the individual withdraws from society, and stays "out of
> circulation." Belief in his/her incapacity has become a self-fulfilling
> prophecy.
>
> These people are not lazy. They are not "slackers," taking a long vacation
> from responsibility. They are in emotional agony, grieving for losses they
> don't know how to replace. These people need to be shown their options.
> They
> need to hear of (or from!) others like themselves, who have looked the
> demon
> of self-doubt in the eye and moved forward anyhow. They need support
> groups
> and rehabilitation professionals who will respect their self-doubts-and
> then
> show them how to overcome them. Some might declare, "You can't teach
> attitude!" but what you can do is show such a person their options, show
> them others who have "done it themselves," and then get out of the way.
>
>
>
> The Cure
>
> Nothing about diabetes, or blindness, or any other disability, diminishes
> a
> person's human-ness. Loss of sight, or of a limb, or of mobility and
> independence, does not make one "incomplete." There are no "part-people"
> out
> there-we're ALL fully complete, real people.
>
> But it hurts to have to give something up. We are not oxen, facing our
> traumas with placid equanimity. Fear and pain are perfectly logical
> responses. Some folks will pass smoothly through the stages of grief, and
> be
> ready to learn the necessary adaptive skills. Most will need the support
> of
> their fellows and the positive examples of their predecessors, and will
> need
> to have their feelings validated. Passing this hurdle, they are ready for,
> and fully capable of, independent self-management and full participation
> in
> the mainstream.
>
> The presence of emotional issues is not a sign of weakness, but of
> humanity.
> Any holistic approach to health takes a person's mental/emotional state
> into
> account, right along with their specific physical ramifications. We are
> individuals, and we heal in our own way.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:23 AM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>
>
>> Thank you for the welcome. Actually I have only just gotten information
>> about even ordering a meter yesterday. My state rehab is recommending
>> the
>> Prodigy auto code meter? What is the difference between that one, and
>> the
>> voice? I receive Medicate, and Medicare, all parts. In general, can you
>> get new testing strips for these special meters at your local pharmacy,
>> or
>> do you have to order them always from Prodigy. And lastly does your list
>> offer emotional support? I'm still in shock, and am scared to death...
>> Before last Thursday I didn't even know I had this. Thank you all.
>> Kijuana
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 3:42 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>
>>
>>> Hi Kijuana,
>>> I am glad you have joined our Diabetes talk list. There are probably
>>> several ways we can assist you, but first it sounds like your blood
>>> sugars are too high, so that should be an immediate goal to get the
>>> sugars down.
>>> Your doctor may have already had you do a lab called hemoglobin A1C,
>>> which gives you your average blood sugar for a two or three month
>>> period.
>>> It sounds like you are testing your blood glucose levels, but there
>>> is
>>> a fairly new blood glucose monitor out, which is pretty easy to use for
>>> someone who is blind or has low vision. It is called the Prodigy Voice
>>> and can be ordered from:
>>> Homecare Supply of America
>>>
>>> Big Sandy, TX
>>>
>>> 800-333-1412
>>>
>>> Meter: $89.95
>>>
>>> Container of 50 strips: $21.95
>>>
>>> If you have Medicare they will pay for the meter and a few strips,
>>> but
>>> they will only purchase you a new meter, I believe, every three years.
>>>
>>> If you have Medicaid, they will help with a glucose meter, but they
>>> can be difficult to work with. They are run state by state while
>>> Medicare is nation wide.
>>>
>>> If you need to use Medicaid, please let us know, and I am sure you
>>> will receive help from this list.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Ed Bryant
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
>>> To: <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 9:12 AM
>>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] I'm a silent Diabetic
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hello, everyone. My name is Kijuana.
>>>> On Thursday the 30th of October I was diagnosed with Diabetes after
>>>> Uterine surgery on the 23rd of October. I had no idea I had it.
>>>>
>>>> I'm so scared! I have never had to stick myself to test my blood sugar
>>>> or
>>>> anything else. I know a little about it because I have had personal
>>>> friends
>>>> who have
>>>> suffered major complications from this disease, and some of them have
>>>> died.
>>>> Logically I know it is something people live with, and control
>>>> everyday.
>>>> I
>>>> also understand that it is a very common illness. It's just that it
>>>> has
>>>> never been a part of my daily life.
>>>>
>>>> I don't know how to act, or react now. Because I have no symptoms I
>>>> don't
>>>> know how to eat differently or anything else. Over the past few days I
>>>> have
>>>> continued to do like I always have, but the numbers on the blood tests
>>>> say
>>>> different. Its silence scares me more than if I had some weird
>>>> symptoms,
>>>> went to my Doctor, and was diagnosed then.
>>>>
>>>> How do you deal
>>>> with the days, weeks, and months after diagnoses emotionally? They'll
>>>> be a
>>>> lot of education I'll get in the coming weeks on diet, life style
>>>> changes,
>>>> etc. But what I really need right now is those who're living with this
>>>> disease to share their experiences with me so I can put my feet on some
>>>> kind
>>>> of ground. Thank you for reading all this. I feel totally
>>>> disoriented.
>>>> My
>>>> state services for the blind leave a lot to be desired, so my councilor
>>>> doesn't even know where to begin as far as purchasing a meter, testing
>>>> supplies, etc. Any help will really be appreciated.
>>>> Kijuana
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/ebryant%40socket.net
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Diabetes-talk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/kcc86%40hotmail.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Diabetes-talk mailing list
>> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Diabetes-talk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org/ebryant%40socket.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Diabetes-talk mailing list
> Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/diabetes-talk_nfbnet.org
>
>
> End of Diabetes-talk Digest, Vol 16, Issue 3
> ********************************************
More information about the Diabetes-Talk
mailing list