Just diagnosed type 1 diabetic...

[jeffnd]

I've been getting really bad headaches lately. I went to see a doctor, he said it's high blood pressure. He didn't put me on anything, he just told me to get more active and eat better. I was supposed to follow up in a month. But on Thursday night my headache got so bad I went to the ER. They did the whole battery of tests on me. My blood sugar was spiked to a dangerous level and they admitted me. They started me on insulin and just sort of monitored me for a couple days. My blood pressure dropped down to normal levels on the insulin, which is good.

I'm meeting with a dietitian and specialist sometime later this week. I start my medication tomorrow. They are trying me out on two types of pills first. I'm praying hard that the pills will work and I won't have to go to injections. I can't stand needles. That's putting it mildly. I hate needles. I honestly don't know if I could do the injections. I also don't know what this will mean to my Camino. I had planned to go next year, but with this added cost, I don't know if I'll still be able to save up enough to go.

 

[Lydia Gillen]

Hi Jeff,

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis of diabetes. It must be quite a shock for you. There is an absolute epidemic of it in the western world at present due to our eating habits. It is good that you have been diagnosed because that is the first step on the road to recovery. Many people are diagnosed only when bad symptoms show up and often too late. You have been lucky.

Change of diet and exercise are two of the key elements in learning to live with it, and I encourage you to do all that the medical people tell you.

I live with a fear that I might get it as it is already in some family members.

You do not indicate where you are from so I have no idea of how it will affect your budget.

Do keep your dream of doing the Camino ahead of you. In fact the Camino will contribute to your health in so many ways.

Buen Camino,

Lydia

 

[dmartin53]

Jeff,
I agree with Lydia. As a nurse who has worked with many diabetics, I have seen that those who are most successful are those that are vigilant re: their diet and weight control. If you are overweight I encourage you to lose weight. Work closely with a dietian and follow her advice. ( I have seen people who once they have lost the weight have significant reduction of their medication, be it for diabetes and/ or blood pressure.)
Do your training walks... the exercise will be good for you. Just make sure you monitor your blood sugar as prescribe. The camino will be in your future.
Debbie

 

[mmm042]

Hi Jeff.

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I agree with the others. Try to maintain a good, healthy diet and exercise regiment, and whether you're on insulin or not, the Camino WILL be in your future!

Melanie

 

[jeffnd]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I really appreciate it.

With my insurance, medication is going to run about $17 dollars a month, which isn't too bad. But now I'm pricing blood sugar monitors and I'm blown away by the price. Sure, the monitors are pretty cheap, but they really rake you over the coals with the test strips, don't they?

 

[MichaelB10398]

Those bloody test strips are a fortune! The more you test the more you pay. The trick is to test often enough to understand how your body is reacting to your medication. This can only occur after you have stabilized your blood sugar. I have one friend that has had a lousy time of maintaining his blood sugar count; as a result he tests often during the day and spends several hundred dollars a month on strips.

I hope you stabilize quickly; learn to eat properly and exercise daily (start walking and don't stop rain or shine), so that your financial demands for diabetes maintenance is not too onerous.

See you on Camino next year.

 

[max44]

I have to test blood glucose levels many times a day in my job.
A tip..dont use the pad of your finger, use the side.
If you have soft skin, use the top of your forearm, you won't feel a thing.
I buy the test strips in packs of a 100. Much cheaper.
Disposable (Use once) lancets are worth using rather than the cheapy re-usable one that comes with the test meter.

On my camino in late March 2013 I am taking medications to treat those in urgent need along the way. I figure if I get it often in Australia via work, I will need it along the Camino where people are pushing themselves. I would rather be able to treat heart, Diabetes and dehydration emergencies rather than be helpless. Will add about 300gm for ampoules and needles etc. But worth it.

EDIT:
Take hydrolyte fluid, as type 1 makes you pee more and drink more in order to keep glucose levels down. This means you would lose more electrolytes and salts. It's easy to make using a W.H.O. .formula and much cheaper to make your own than buy it.
PM me if anyone want the formula for oral dehydration only not for IV use.

 

[Jubilado]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I really appreciate it.

With my insurance, medication is going to run about $17 dollars a month, which isn't too bad. But now I'm pricing blood sugar monitors and I'm blown away by the price. Sure, the monitors are pretty cheap, but they really rake you over the coals with the test strips, don't they?

I'm hopeful that if you follow all advice on medication, diet and exercise you will manage this condition and be free to walk as you wish.

I am sorry that you are being burdened by healthcare costs - it doesnt seem to be a people friendly system. Perhaps (and I only guess) you may find cheaper monitor systems from another country such as India or the like. But do all that is asked of you and you could well enjoy all the activities you wish.

Be positive, outgoing and wise; once this initial learning phase is over you will certainly feel better in yourself.

 

[Peronel]

On my camino in late March 2013 I am taking medications to treat those in urgent need along the way. I figure if I get it often in Australia via work, I will need it along the Camino where people are pushing themselves. I would rather be able to treat heart, Diabetes and dehydration emergencies rather than be helpless. Will add about 300gm for ampoules and needles etc. But worth it.

r IV u

I know this was posted a little while ago, but I'm guessing you haven't left yet, so it's worth saying.

It sounds like you intend on carrying and using prescription only medicines. If so, I would strongly recommend you check out whether your qualifications are recognised in Spain, what the registration requirements are, and whether malpractice insurance is mandatory and if your Australian cover is recognised. I'm a UK qualified and registered dentist, and I can't practice in Spain (or Australia, for that matter) without being registered there, so I suspect the situation is the same for you.

First aid at the roadside is one thing, but you're implying more than that, which could get you into a world of trouble.

 

[max44]

Hi Peronel,
I will only be taking personal med's. my friends have told me to leave my medical shingle at home this time.
It's a hard habit to break after so many years, but it is a good thing.
The Camino is a spiritual trip for me not a holiday, so I deserve the time off.
Thanks for your reply.
My registration is valid in several countries as I work all over the world. Yes, you do have to register for each country. And so it should be