Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by kestrel on February 7, 2011 at 1:03pm

Why can't you bring yourself to test or use insulin? Have you thought about seeing a therapist?

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Permalink Reply by Hope on February 7, 2011 at 1:07pm

Sounds like depression to me. Maybe in addition to the meds you should see a counselor or therapist? Meds can help a lot but they need to be taken exactly as directed and tweaked if they are not working. If things get worse or don't improve you might want to ask to see a psychiatrist who is an expert in medical approaches to treating depression. There are other things besides medication that psychiatrists can do too. . You won't always feel this way, things do get better Hang in there. Maybe ask for help from family or friends to help get you to check your BS.

Don't be ashamed, you are just human. Shame is just part of the illness...depression that is. Also diabetes too now that I come to think of it:)

Also, maybe get your thyroid checked. Low thyroid can cause symptoms of depression. And diabetes and thyroid issues go together.

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca on February 8, 2011 at 10:00am

stay away from EFFEXOR!! I took it for 5 months and it almost killed me, my central nervous system had some kind of weird reaction to the drug, and I had to be rush to emergency over six times because my legs stopped working and I was in incredible pain. There are multiple lawsuits against Effexor right now and the drug is actaully in the process of being pulled off the shelves in canada.

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Permalink Reply by Marie B on February 7, 2011 at 1:18pm

hey Sara, I'm sure you feel like **** a lot of the time, not just from being depressed, but the high blood sugars. I was just thinking back to another member who posted similar feelings in this discussion, and all the helpful members who came forward to post.

http://www.tudiabetes.org/forum/topics/worst-diabetic-ever-needs-help

feel free to add to this discussion if you find it helpful. I think it would be helpful to many if we brought it back into circulation.

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Permalink Reply by sarasugar on February 7, 2011 at 6:01pm

That post sounds just like how I've been for the past 6 months.

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Permalink Reply by Emma on February 7, 2011 at 1:35pm

Hiya Sara,
I was diagnosed just under six months ago now, and I can completely relate to the anxiety and emotions that you have mentioned. My doctor suggested that I go on antidepressants and anti anxiety meds, as my levels were uncontrollable, due to having such a highly demanding and stressful course (Teacher training) Lack of sleep, bad eating habits and patterns, lack of exercise also all played a part. But I only see that now, since taking some time away from my studies. So after much thought I declined the meds and realised that I just needed some time to prioritise my health and see if I could get through without it. Please dont think that I'm suggesting you dont take the meds if you think they will help. Everyone is different. I just know that for me, I am doing so much better now that I decided to take some time away from my course, and start over again in september. Of course I still feel anxiety and have bad days, but give yourself some time. As my doctor says, give yourself a break! In regards to your A1C, it'll come down. It's been 6 before, so why should it not be again?! I'm currently 7.4 and I'm pleased with that for now. So sorry if this doesn't directly answer your q, but I found that seeing what the real issue was- for me, stress/anxiety of the course, being away from my support network (family) etc. helped dramatically. I really hope you feel better soon. We're all here to support you, I know I've felt much better about myself and diabetes in general since finding this community : )

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Permalink Reply by sarasugar on February 7, 2011 at 6:09pm

you're right. why should it not be 6 again? but for every moment i think that there's one where i want to scream and punch diabetes in the face.

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Permalink Reply by Gerri on February 7, 2011 at 1:42pm

Having BG all over the map doesn't help mood. It's a chicken & egg situation. When I'm low, instant depression. When I'm high, instant crankiness & impatience. Though I've had bouts of deep doom & gloom, antidepressants come with their own bag of tricks. A good therapist can help & sometimes it takes shopping around to find one you feel comfortable with.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on February 7, 2011 at 1:45pm

To echo kestrel's question, can you pinpoint a reason for not testing? Do you get anxious about it being high? Do you get angry/upset if it is? Is your anxiety around your doc because you feel you aren't doing well enough? If so, then I think it's important to establish in your mind that being high is OK but that treating it is important. And you can't treat it if you don't know what it is. I know that this sounds ridiculously simple and corny, but I think what you're feeling is a very common issue among diabetics as their control begins to slip. I know that I went through similar emotions as I grew into it, but maybe not as acute as what you're experiencing. Once you have enough testing, you and your doc can make a small change or two, and the build on that. Once you see some positive results (instead of the negative ones), hopefully it will give you renewed motivation. It's not easy, that's for sure.

I can't say whether anti-depressants or therapy are the best solution. Do you have any D friends? Any support groups in your area? Talking to other D's is hugely therapeutic. Like so many other conditions, it's really hard for anybody to understand what we deal with 24/7, even the pros.

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Permalink Reply by sarasugar on February 7, 2011 at 6:07pm

I want to pretend it isn't there. I know that I shouldn't do that, but I think "well I'm still young, complications won't happen for a long time, so I can eat this bag of doritos". And before you know it I just eat whatever I want. And then I don't want to test because I know it's going to be terrible. When my A1C first started going up me endo truly did not make it seem like a big deal, he said "these things happen, you will go through phases where your control slips". I feel like complications are going to happen regardless of what you do, and tight control only prolongs the inevitable. It's a hopeless thing. When I calm down I realize these are all bad thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy on February 7, 2011 at 6:38pm

Chips.....yummy. I was 21 when I was diagnosed and I ended up in therapy after my boyfriend at the time dumped me (yes, because of the diabetes) and one of my best friends started avoiding me (thanks for the support!). It's was HUGE adjustment being diagnosed with diabetes and for a girl who had a chocolate bar a day habit and could eat anything and everything I wanted without gaining an ounce, it was traumatic.

Therapy, along with an awesome endo and an incredible diabetic day clinic helped me come to terms with my diagnosis and take charge of my diabetes instead of it controlling me. Talking to a professional (some Diabetic Educators are also psychologist) about everything you are feeling is far more effective that just taking pills. I apologize but I personally hate how antidepressants are thrown around like the cure all and therapy isn't included with the script. This was 17 years ago and I think I've done pretty well in making diabetes a part of my life. There will always be ups and downs as with any chronic condition but having the tools to pick yourself up makes the downs fewer and far between.

Oh, and I'm a Ketchup chip fiend so I just learned how to inject more frequently when I want to be naughty and just stuff my face..lol. Good luck and it will get easier.

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Permalink Reply by sarasugar on February 7, 2011 at 6:45pm

I couldn't believe when he was like "i will prescribe antidepressants for you" o.O i was like "w-wait, you can do that? you're just a diabetes doctor". Blew my mind.

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