Brittle Diabetics: How many of us are here in tudiabetes.com? Let me know to support each other. Thanks and looking forward to know about you!!!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ErinArg on September 11, 2009 at 1:44pm

Rick -
I do believe I said "GOOD" control with an A1c of 6.1
Highs and lows happen. that is part of being a diabetic.
Running 400+ for days on end or having swings from 22 to 500 on a daily basis is NOT good control, but that is not what Ann is describing. She is describing life as a person with diabetes. I see the brittle adjective as a cop out or a sign of weakness.

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Permalink Reply by Ann M Meyers on September 11, 2009 at 8:04pm

Erin,
As I said here I am new to this web page which allows a community of people like us to reach out to one another which I think is fantastic and through this discussion I have got one or two good advices or ideas that I definitely will try and see if it helps me

Having said that and with respect because I respect others; AFTER ALL THIS YOU AMAZED ME PEOPLE; WHAT WAS MY CRIME? CAN ANYBODY TELL ME? I just used a forbidden term in this blog. I DO NOT CONDEMN you; I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM. You are trying to share your thoughts and opinions with me and others and that is fine but coming after me, i do not understand.THE MOST BIZARRE FACT IS; THAT IT FEELS AS YOU WERE THE CRUSADERS AND I'M THE PERSECUTED ONE! GOSH, I did not even know it was a sensitive term and much less that it was going to rubbed the wrong way some people here for x or why reasons. I did not started this blog to annoyed you or anybody else who does not seem to see things your way. IT IS SUCH A SHAME BECAUSE YOU ARE ACTING WORSE THAN SOMEBODY WHO DOES NOT KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ANYTHING ABOUT DIABETES.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST; I WILL QUOTE FROM YOUR REPLY;"I SEE THE BRITTLE ADJECTIVE AS A COP OUT OR SIGN OF WEAKNESS" I UNDERSTAND THAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION BUT JUST TO BE CLEAR:
I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU OR ANYBODY TO IMPLY THAT BY USING THE TERM BRITTLE IS A COP OUT OR WEAKNESS! YOU DO NOT KNOW ME, MY CHARACTER, MY PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL ONES TO EVEN DARE TO GO THERE!

AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, I AM VERY RESPECTFUL AND EMPATHETIC PERSON TOWARDS OTHERS BUT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO EVEN INDIRECTLY ATTACK SOMEBODY IN THIS CASE ME WITH YOUR IMPLICATION. IT SHOWS POOR TASTE.

UNTIL THIS POST, I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANYTHING PERSONAL; I JUST BEEN TRYING TO EXPLAIN WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. I LOVE BLOGS, I STILL THINK THEY ARE USEFUL, HELPFUL, INSTRUCTIVE AND FUN BUT AT NO POINT NOBODY SHOULD USE ILL MANNERED REMARKS EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL REALLY STRONGLY ABOUT A TOPIC OR DISCUSSION. WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE BUT BEYOND THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS; WE ARE ALL HERE IN THIS COMMUNITY FOR A REASON AND ONE REASON ONLY: TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER SO LETS KEEP THAT IN MIND!

TO THE OTHERS THAT HAVE SHOWED SUPPORT, UNDERSTANDING,EMPATHY AND HAVE GIVEN ME SO GOOD POINTERS TOWARDS MY CGMP THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!! IT COULD MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN MY TREATMENT.

I DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES SO I HOPE WE CAN KEEP DISCUSSIONS AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER!

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND HEALTHY WEEKEND!

BEST REGARDS,
-ANN =D

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on September 11, 2009 at 8:29pm

Ann,

Please accept everyone's apologies and try to understand that we come from a supportive place. If you prefer a blog-style format, you have that option on your page and can start a blog and moderate comments - meaning you don't have to allow people to post unless you approve of what they write. This topic was started, however, in the discussion threads forum, and our members often take that as a sign for open discussion, which includes healthy debate.

Secondly, please don't type in all caps. It's considered yelling on the internet. Obviously, you're very upset. I understand and I'm positive that no one in this thread (I know most of these people from my time here at TuD) meant to offend in the way we've managed to offend you.

You will find equally vigorous debate on topics such as "is the word juvenile diabetes outdated and inappropriate?" and "are we diabetics or people with diabetes?" - topics I never would have thought would be contentious. No one is suggesting that your experience is other than what it is. We're debating terminology here. Your description of your diabetes sounds typical - normal - not atypical, which is why I think Erin and others here are suggesting that the term brittle is over-applied.

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Permalink Reply by Ann M Meyers on September 12, 2009 at 6:46pm

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for extending your apologies on behalf of the community!
Once thing: I understand the discussion and blog settings. ;D

I am not screaming at anybody that is not who I am; my apologies if it was perceived that way. My goal was to emphasize my point without having somebody in a very passive aggressive/ self entitle way smacking me down. I definitely open to discussion(s) to listen and learn as long it is done in a civil way.

A favor to ask:
This site should place were respect and sensitivity should be present at al times; regardless the subject. .Lets go; make an effort and keep it that way, please!

Is understood by discussion, different opinions would be shared/expressed but there are subtle ways to inform/educate people without the distasteful ways demonstrated here.

Be sure; at no point I am diminishing your opinions, disregarding your life experiences and conclusions. Any helpful advice or recommendation stays with me. A courtesy certain members lacked. There is no need to keep up with this specific discussion. Not because the term but because the negativity brought in to it. Definitely has not been a positive experience at all.

** My best regards to those members that agreeing or not with the theme or discussion posted by me; sent me helpful messages, tips and support. For that I am very thankful guys!.

Have a blessed night and a better/healthier day tomorrow!

-Ann

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on September 12, 2009 at 8:17pm

Actually, Ann, we have this outlined for the community already:

The Values of TuDiabetes

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Permalink Reply by Rickst29 on September 11, 2009 at 10:43pm

??? Maybe re-read the grandparent post, 2nd last paragraph (beginning with "I can't take solace in my A1C because that is an average...."). That is what she is describing.

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Permalink Reply by Ann M Meyers on September 12, 2009 at 8:31pm

Thanks Rick for understanding that I am really looking for people who are facing inexplicable episodes day in and day out, their suggestions etc.. Hey, I like your techi side, boom straight to the point. :D
I am married to one; an IT architect for Disney.


Have a blessed night and a healthier tomorrow,
-Ann

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Permalink Reply by lev on September 15, 2009 at 6:04pm

i get it... i am "brittle" and come from a long line of "brittle diabetics" i agree with some of the above though, that the term is often used as a cop out. i can have the same bg two mornings in a row, same time same stress and same breakfast... all equal.. and one will send me to the moon, and the next will leave me drinking juice... i get it, i understand your question as well about trading ideas of how to deal with it, but i am fresh out... i just do the best i can, and it sounds as though you are out ahead of me on that one.

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Permalink Reply by MelissaBL on September 10, 2009 at 7:27pm

I have to agree with Erin, but I want you to know that we all support you regardless of your terminology. Your diabetes sounds better controlled than most of our members here, to be honest.

I put in the same amount of effort that it sounds like you do and currently have a similar A1c and test as often as you do, wear a pump, and a CGM, and I feel like I have the same outcome as you sound like you do. And I'm not any more brittle than the next diabetic. Dave is right in that control is never going to equal that of a non-diabetic's. Our blood sugars do fluctuate for wildly unknown reasons perhaps and sometimes for known ones we don't understand - but that's everyone. Those of us who at some point are saddled with "brittle" often become those who feel like their efforts are in vain (read: me for over a decade). I personally don't believe in brittle or labile diabetes.

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Permalink Reply by Ann M Meyers on September 10, 2009 at 9:03pm

Hi and thanks Melissa for your response and sharing this with me!

As I mentioned before I do not want to be caught up in the philosophy of brittleness or whatever everybody here choose to call it. As you can see, I am new to this site and did not know how wrong of me was to use the word brittle! It was just a post to find people who experience such drastic Bg deviations every day...

Melissa, I can assure you that God has blessed me very much and I at no point think that my efforts are in vain. I work as hard as I do to see end results and those results help me to live a healthier longer life with my family. That is the bottom line.

Again being new at this site I was trying to find people with similar experiences to support each other. Which I am glad to say I already found someone that goes through exactly the same symptoms and experiences as I do and I just asked her about things that I saw on her profile that are working for her but not for me. I asked her how she achieves that, all thanks to my postings on this site. : Thank you Amy for understand where I am coming from!!!

Do not get me wrong thank you for taking the time and sharing your opinions with me, I truly appreciate. . Gosh, honestly if I new the short word to describe all what I experience everyday to make it precise and concise; I would have used it. Terminology just got on the driver seat on what should have been my need to find people who face day to day drastic changes on Bg though they keep a tight control.

My diabetic friends I have to emphasize that in a million years would I have imagined or expected to get bombarded/pounded by my use of the "term brittle"?
I understand where you are coming from; not wanting to be boxed with that term but truly; I am not hooked on stereotyping people and for those who felt offended by my brittle reference I apologize but I will not apologize for trying to use the tools given to us by this website to reach others in my situation whatever the accepted term it might be; the result should be the same: to get to help and support each other.

Those who had known me for years know that I am very straight forward and I think that what does not break us, makes us stronger so I hope to be in other discussions with you guys in the future.

May you have a good night and a better tomorrow!
-Ann

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Permalink Reply by Dave   _ on September 10, 2009 at 9:13pm

Personally, I wouldn't feel offended. My point was that labeling ONESELF "brittle" is doing a disservice to oneself, because it implies there's nothing that can be done to resolve the problem, when in actuality there are solutions. I'm living proof, so look no further! :)

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Permalink Reply by ErinArg on September 10, 2009 at 9:45pm

Ann-
I apologize for jumping on you. After 37 years I have learned to live with my "condition". Diabetes to me is no different than brushing my teeth. I had one person jump on me months ago for having been diagnosed at the age of 2. I did not mean to jump on your "terminology".

I've lived an amazing life. Highs, lows and everything in between. I've educated MASSES in my travels and in my life. Including doctors and nurses along the way. We, as diabetics, have a rare advantage over the average "non-diabetic" human. We are exposed to medical knowledge that most never have the privilege there of.

I'm here. If you need to chat, ask questions, discuss life's daily ups/downs, please feel free to reach out. My page does not do justice to what I am able to offer.


SIDE NOTE:
Amy - Thank you for the comment on my page... pneumonia is a major bummer! So glad to be on the mend from that!

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