2nd February Query: How do YOU support your support system?
February's 2nd question for consideration (and blogging, and discussion, and videos...) is:
We talk often about how our loved-ones support us around diabetes, but not about how we support them. Being a "type 3" is hard work! How do you support the members of your personal diabetes support team? Do you ask how your diabetes is affecting them? What things can we do to make their support role easier for them to maintain?
Write your thoughts below, or write a blog and post the link in the discussion feed below!
Tags: husband, loved-ones, support, type-3, wife
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Randy on -
Excellent topic.
I had already been diabetic for some time before I was diagnosed. I already had PN and retinopathy. I was sick as a dog and things got worse for several months as I gained control. I couldn't handle or see well enough to use my meter. I couldn't get the needle on the pen or even set the dose. I could not even tie my shoes, etc. My wife had to do almost everything for me. NOT a position I was used to being in. She is my main support. I support her by doing everything that I "can" do as things improve. I try to take back my own care and activities as soon and as much as I can. ANYTHING I can do to make her day/life easier I do. I am MUCH better than I was a year ago, but still have some limitations. I owe my very existence to her so I try any way I possibly can to show her the same concern and care as she has given me.
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Permalink Reply by smileandnod on -
My husband is my main support and honestly he does lots more for me than I could ever do to repay him. He's rescued me from low blood sugar when I couldn't help myself, he cooks for me and makes awesome low carb muffins, he makes me laugh when I'm stressed over blood sugar swings. He's the half glass full to my half glass empty. He and my daughter are what make dealing with this disease worth the effort.
After 27 years of marriage, I like to think that we support each other but the scale is tipped way more towards him helping me because of diabetes. He's had short term medical issues but nothing that compares with 27 years of living with a spouse with diabetes. I thank him frequently and apologize often but there's just nothing I could do or say that would be close to enough to pay him back for all he does for me.
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Permalink Reply by JohnG on -
My wife puts up with my crap and there is allot of it. My wife also has friends and a life that has nothing to do with my diabetes. I have always encouraged her to spend time away from me. It was only about a year after our marriage that I was diagnosed. I have always tried not to take advantage of her good nature and if I can't keep up with her life style she is not expected to hold back. There is no way I can repay her for all the things she does for me.
She says Diabetes is my evil twin.
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on -
My husband saved my life by dragging me kicking & screaming to the ER with DKA when I thought I had the flu. He got me there just before I passed out comatose. Don't know how to repay that debt, even though I've tried by telling him & showing how much he means to me. Fear that I don't do a good enough job & feel horribly how diabetes has changed our lives & causes him constant worry.
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Permalink Reply by Pastelpainter on -
I don't have a support system.
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Permalink Reply by smileandnod on
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Yes you do, Pastelpainter, we're here. :)
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Permalink Reply by Pastelpainter on
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True, thank you for putting me right.
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Permalink Reply by Pastelpainter on
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She's more like to bite me that love me, Trudy!
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Permalink Reply by Frankie Sloane on -
This community is your support system! Sometimes you have a chosen family, here it is!
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Permalink Reply by WythenshaweBi on -
My sister throws wobblies when she thinks I haven't drunk enough water or don't carry a sweetie with me - but my carer just takes it all in his stride, thank goodness!
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