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Permalink Reply by Marie B on December 15, 2011 at 8:34am

wow, I encourage you to join our Parents Group here

http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/parentsofkidswithtype1

we have many parents here with kids who were diagnosed at a young age. let me know if there's any questions you might have about us.

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Permalink Reply by Zoe on December 15, 2011 at 10:07am

Please don't take offense, but I couldn't imagine being married to someone who kept the details of such a major part of his life away from me! But, my guess is you have tried and there isn't much you can do about that. What it sounds like you want to and can do is educate yourself. I recommend the book Using Insulin by John Walsh, that will give you some of the basics. I think Marie's suggestion of the Parents Group is great and I wonder if there is also a spouse's group - or just a general friends and family group? You've come to a great place for information and support.

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Permalink Reply by kmoore on December 15, 2011 at 11:12am

I never had to worry about him before. He always knew, within 5 points, what his BS was at any given time. Doctors are amazed at his ability to do this. He was chosen to be a guinea pig at IU Med Ctr through Lilly's for Humulin insulin, etc. He never had any problems so there wasn't much for me to know. I know the basics, have mixed and given his shots, etc. He is a big person (6' 7") and very active so he pretty much has eaten what/when he wants. He has been very lucky that way. Unless you are a close friend of his, you wouldn't know he has diabetes. About 5 years ago, his age caught up with him and he has had to make adjustments, just like most. That is why I'm not as educated as I should be. That is why I am here. To learn more about what is typical, what I can help control, and what I can't.

Mike S and my husband are correct, I need to learn to relax. I need to learn that I can't "fix" them.

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Permalink Reply by Mike S. on December 15, 2011 at 10:40am

First thing.........relax. Although you are concerned about your family's wellbeing, it can be emotionally draining at times. I don't offer advice, since you have dealt with this issue for a long time already. Talk to your hubby and watch what he does. He has accepted to be proactive in his healthcare and not have anxiety in your relationship. Diabetes is a lifestyle that nobody wants, but it is an adjustment that you have to accept to live a long full life.Your grandson will be just fine, and will have a lifestyle different right from the start. For him it will be just like brushing your teeth every day. I am not trivial of this problem. The technology changes all the time and perhaps will be solved just like many other maladies that has plagued past generations .Read as much as you can. The more knowledge you have will releave you of the anxiety. Have a great holiday season.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on December 15, 2011 at 11:48am

Oh my. Blessings on you and yours, my dear. Knowledge is my antidote to worry, too. But on a very pragmatic level, search for ways to cope on a broader plain----meditation, acupuncture, exercise, whatever works for you. I know it's not for everyone, but I have also found physically comfortable easing of anxiety from Motherwort and/or Valerian.

In the meantime----gather all the knowledge you can and try to take care of yourself. You won't be able to help them if you are burned out yourself! Think of all the support and knowledge you can offer your little grandson---you will be his mentor in ways many garndparents can only imagine!......

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