Pages

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It's Official

I promised that I would give an update on my Doctors appointment this week in regards to the Glucose Tolerance Test I had done a couple of weeks ago. Well I saw my GP about 45 minutes ago. It's official, I am now a diabetic.

I have no idea what that entails at the moment. My Mum was a diabetic as was my brother Wayne. Considering Mum passed away over 10 years ago I don't remember everything that she needed to do & I never really saw Wayne so I have no clue what he did either.

My doctor suggested told me that I needed to get one of those glucose machine thingys (sorry my mind has drawn a blank at the moment) and suggested that I shop around to get one at a reasonable price. They aren't that expensive as I have checked them out at our local chemist. A glucometer? (still drawing a blank here).
He also recommended that I join the Diabetes Association. Apparently I can get discounts with some equipment like the strips and possibly other services.

I did speak with my Dad on Sunday telling him that I needed to see my GP today to get the results of my GTT. The first thing he said, without even skipping a beat, is why what have YOU been eating? Sheesh, make it hard on me Dad. I was hoping to get some sympathy and reassurance from you. I didn't expect him to be quite so harsh. I don't think it matters what I ate. There were many risk factors stacking up against me anyway it was just a matter of time.
I'll be phoning him shortly to tell him the 'news'. I hope he is a bit more supportive this time.

I have an appointment with the Practise Nurse for next Wednesday afternoon (it was the earliest I could get in to see her plus it gives medicare time to set up whatever it needs to set up), I'm not sure what her job will be in my new health plan. She might be the diabetes educator, who knows. I guess I will find out next week.

I guess for now I do some research and find out what I need to do & shop around for one of those monitors.

10 comments:

-- said...

SO sorry to hear the news :( I know there has been a lot of advancements through the years in monitors, etc. Now you don't have to be subjected to the finger 'blood' prick multiple times per day.

I'm sure you have found the net to be very resourceful on the topic & I hope your father will be more supportive next time you speak to him :)

Please take good care of yourself. I know it's something else added to your 'pile' but with the necessary changes, it is something that can be managed successfully ~

Sending My Best Wishes & Hugs at this difficult time, Fiona :)

Jo-anne Blossy said...

Thank you Fiona. I have been reading up as much as I can on the Diabetes Australia website. Knowledge is power.
I haven't managed to get a hold of my Dad yet. I'm crossing my fingers that he will be a little more supportive than the other day.
You are absolutely right, there have been a lot of advances through the years. I am sure that I will be able to find all the things that I need (with help) to manage my 'new' label.

Shawn said...

So sorry to hear this, it is not the end of the world but will be a definite lifestyle change. :(

My daughter has been diabetic since she turned 9 and she will be 36 this Sunday. There have been so many changes in the management of this disease with the advance in new medications for your Type II.

Hang in there, I am sending prayers your way!

Jo-anne Blossy said...

Thank you Shawn, I appreciate it :) Happy Birthday to your daughter!

PoetessWug said...

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. But don't let it get you down too long...I know it will a little. It would me too!...As I said before, lots of people are living their lives perfectly fine with diabetes. I believe one of the 'Jonas Brothers' actually has it too!...My step-mom was diabetic. She had to check her sugar levels a few times a day, get regular exercise, and change when and what foods she put together at what times. It was a challenge initially, but after a little while it was just her 'routine'. Your doctor will let you know what to do next week. Until then just do some reading up on it and take it slow.

Karen in Texas said...

Hugs Jo-anne. I'm diabetic and have been for about 6 years now. The first three years I was able to keep it under control with a modified south beach/atkins diet and wasn't on any meds for it. You need to get a good blood glucose meter and test before every meal and after also if you can so you can see how food plays on you. If you can exercise and have no neurapathy damage to your feet yet keep moving. My feet are very damaged and I can't hardly walk anymore. Walking was my exercise of choice. I'm now on two types of pills for my diabetes but I'm not on shots yet and hope to keep it that way. Its not just what you ate that got you diabetic. Genes play into it too. When I was diagnosed my Mom lipped off to me about all the sweets I ate. The thing is it wasn't sweets that got me that way because given the choice I'd choose dinner over dessert any day. Oh and if you can keep a food journal it can help too. I hope you'll be okay and good luck Jo-anne!

Jo-anne Blossy said...

Thank you Poetess. I know I will be able to handle this. If my Mum can do it so can I. I think it may take a while for me to get my head around and really accept that I now have this.

From what I have read a Low-GI diet is best which is what I have sort of been following for a while now just not completely. And of course I have to get off my bottom and move more. Not looking to that one too much lol

Over the past week I have also found out that there are a few celebrities who are also diabetics. Mary Tyler Moore being one of them and a couple of Aussies ones too. It looks like I am in good company :D

Jo-anne Blossy said...

Hi Karen, thank you for the tips. I bought a blood glucose meter yesterday & have joined Diabetes Australia they will be a help with obtaining the strips & lances.
I was thinking the same thing about its not what I ate but rather the choices I made for other things & the genetic link.

Unknown said...

Hate to hear this. My father in law was diabetic and I keep waiting for my husband to develop it. My mother in law was diagnosed as pre-diabetic several years ago and she's been able to keep it at bay by changing her diet. She's cut out most carbs and sweets.

Jo-anne Blossy said...

Beverly, perhaps if I had done what your MIL had done I would be better off today :) Hindsight is a wonderful thing.