[Diabetes-talk] Emotions
K C
kcc86 at hotmail.com
Fri Nov 7 13:20:39 UTC 2008
Thanks, Deb. Yeah, I know it will eventually get better. I just feel like
someone slapped me, knocked me down, and now is saying, "Get up!" :)
Appreciate your encouragement. Now I gotta push that damn button.. lol!
K
----- Original Message -----
From: "catdancing" <catdancing at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Emotions
> K
> can't say i blame u at all for not wanting anything to do with diabetes.
> i'm sure none of us on here have ever choosen diabetes as a desied way of
> life, but we HAVE GOT TO TAKE CAREof those levels of blood sugar because
> no one can do it for us. In time it will become as normal to u as eating
> dinner.i know u can do it.
> Debbie
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "K C" <kcc86 at hotmail.com>
> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 9:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] Emotions
>
>
>> I'm writing this strictly off the cuff, so please forgive me if I'm just
>> complaining here.
>>
>> This week, my first, I just don't want to stick myself. I don't know
>> anything, beyond the huge amount of support I've gotten from this list,
>> about controlling anything. I don't have any symptoms, nothing to base
>> being in, or out of control on. This week, I don't want to hear how
>> because my number is a mere 135, how it isn't any big deal. Then in the
>> next breath, how I have to learn to consciously cause myself pain, put my
>> blood into a meter, and interpret numbers I don't even understand.
>>
>> I was talking with a dear friend earlier this evening, and I tried to
>> explain to him that in most cases you get time to deny, cry, scream, and
>> then accept the situation if you choose to. After all, not choosing to
>> use a Cane because you don't want to admit going blind may cause you
>> personal pain, but you're not likely to get hit by the proverbial car.
>> But in this case, someone says you have Diabetes, so you've then been hit
>> by the car, and you have to get up, and do something about it, manage
>> your injuries right now! This week I'm mixed between wanting to learn
>> how to use the meter, start my medication, and to just cancel the order
>> all together. This disease is an unknown quantity, and this week I want
>> to keep it that way. But I can't.
>> I hope it is all right for me to vent this way. You all can let me know
>> if it isn't..
>> K
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Ed Bryant" <ebryant at socket.net>
>> To: "Diabetes Talk for the Blind" <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 11:31 AM
>> Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Emotions
>>
>>
>>> 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
>>> 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
>
More information about the Diabetes-Talk
mailing list