[Diabetes-talk] Diabetes and the long term issues

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

OMG, I feel like I was reading an email I wrote. We share a lot of
similarities.

I was four when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At 22, I started
losing my sight due to a viral infection, pneumonia and uraceptis all at
the same time. It did a number on my body including accelerating issues
with my diabetes. I'm now 31. I've dealt with it all and am living a
very blessed life, but as you say, there are complications that happen
no matter what we do.

I noticed the loss of flexibility after my prolonged illness. I've never
been able to get it back. Recently, I'm working on attempting to
retrieve it through Pilates , yoga and other stretching methods. So far,
not a lot of improvement.

I had danced as long as I remember. My mom was a dancer and owned her
own studio. I have performed in shows like the Nutcracker, Sleeping
Beauty and danced for the opera Aida along with studio recitals. I loved
it so much, and though I dance with my kids now, I miss the performing
aspect. This is one thing I have not been able to enjoy so much without
sight since attending most dance shows is just like attending the
symphony for me.

I'm with you on the accessibility matters. From your lips to God's ears.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Bonna Williamson
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 12:41 PM
To: 'Diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org'
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] Diabetes and the long term issues



Hello to All:

These recent experiences are very interesting. I have been a diabetic
for 43 years. I became a diabetic at the age of 5 and now am 53. So, a
long time. I can remember yes, glass syringes, and lente insulin, urine
testing and such. So, today's technology has been terrific so far. I too
like many of you have lost my sight from diabetes. I was 25. I am
currently working as a School Counselor in a Lutheran School. I love
what I do but do miss my dance studio from the past when I had sight. I
am currently working with a 3 and ½ year old that became a diabetic last
year. She lives 2 houses down from me. She is a real trooper. She just
got her pump, bright blue I tell you how she is a mess. She comments
each day that I take care of her for a few hours, giving mom a break,
that I am a part of her diabetic team, really cute. She is really
learning and it just appears so simple from her world but knowing all of
the consequences of high blood sugar and such I fear for her future. I
never knew or was told about the teeth issues. I have been blessed with
good teeth but my husband is a diabetic. He has had many teeth issues
but appears to have done better of late. I too like many of you do not
have the flexiability that I once had. Insulin can cause so many calcium
issues you cannot imagine. Frozen shoulders, trigger fingers and such
are just to name a few. I have had all and more. I do miss the
flexibility. In my past life being a dancer and all I really get ticked
when I just do not have the flexibility to do what I use to be able to.
Gastro Paresis is and has been for 23 years my largest problem. Yes, I
agree it can and does sneak up on you when you least expect it. By using
medications, diet and good blood sugars it appears to stay in its cage
for the time being. I too, like many of you would like to see a cure.
Not only for the future children and adults but maybe for us as well to
slow down the progression of break downs of the body functions.  I have
been able to handle the blindness, wish there was more I could do, but
for now it is holding its own. The largest area for diabetics that are
blind is having medical technology talk. I am not able to read Braille
do to all of the finger sticks and such but talking pumps would be nice.
Maybe Santa Claus will bring one this year, probably not..sigh.  So, I
appreciate all of you and your thoughts. I have enjoyed all the
questions and answers. Besides I have learned a lot.  Take care to all
of you and I look forward to seeing a cure soon for diabetes and maybe
Santa claus will come through this year.. Bonna Williamson School
Counselor Redeemer Lutheran School Austin, Texas

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