You’ve Come Along Way Baby!

Day Four of the 4th Annual Diabetes Blog Week - We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn't matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you've done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you've mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.). (Thanks to Hilary of Rainie and Me for this topic suggestion.)

I've had diabetes since the early 60’s.  For some people I met, when they hear that date, they say … “Oh my God you poor thing!”.  It’s like, what do they mean?  I’m alive and kicking with all the advancements that are available to those of us who can afford it – otherwise I probably would have kicked the bucket many years ago – as my endo back in the 70’s had forewarned me … “You won’t live past 40”.  Of course, that was after I’d been in a coma for a few days, due to my stupidity as a teenager of not taking my diabetes seriously – going into DKA.  Live and learn, and luckily, I lived thru’ it and never had issues with DKA since - ever (I detest hospitals with a passion).

The one thing I have found.   Having diabetes  has made me better able to understand/more compassionate of other people who are going thru’ health problems of their own.  In my opinion what they are suffering from is sometimes far worse than my diabetes.  Mine looks simple compared to what they are going thru’ – but then maybe it’s due to having had diabetes so long, accepting challenges of the roller coaster ride we’re all on. 

For example, I have a friend who has been battling MS for the past 10 years.  Like myself, their disease has no cure.  Sadly Canada ranks as one of the top places for this disease, which I only discovered when doing my usual research that I do for all my blogs I compose.  They  had to quit work last year – are now on disability which helps abit since they’re still putting kids thru’ university.  it's tough but they are trying to cope with life as best as they can.  Sound like a familiar tune that we diabetics go thru'? 

So, when they feel down, I get what they are going thru’ – and we actually try to laugh over how annoying our health issues are – and get cracking on with things as best as we can (e.g. like taking my Porsche out for a spin on the back roads .... FAST – while they can still are able to drive).  Like myself, they are determined to not let their disease get the better of them, and are hanging on with the hope that like many of us diabetics – a cure will be found.

NB: To read other blogs on today's topic - Click on -  Accomplishments Big and Small -Thursday 5/16  - you'll be amazed at what is being churned out today!