[dejtemper]

Hello Everyone:
I have had type 1 diabetes for 42 years, since the age of 6. I have some complications, but am doing great.
I read peoples posts and would just like to say that diabetes is livable. I have been doing it for 42 years, have a 15 year old son (having him was pure hell), and have been considered by most to be "very brittle", meaning everything under the sun effects me.
I have a great life and believe that diabetes has made me a much stronger person.
Just wanted to say hi to all, and will answer anyones questions if they have any. If I can.

[lpelham]

Thanks for the post! I have had friends over the years with Type I diabetes (which I imagine is what you have) and it does seem to be rougher on the body. One friend had to take disability when he was in his 30s because of unstable blood pressure, one friend had to have many eye surgeries. My other friend is in her 60s and has had it all. Even a 5th of the stuff she's been through with her body would have killed me, I am sure. She is now having a bout with a third different type of cancer (of the esophogus). The doctors have said this is it (that she will die of starvation), but I keep praying for a miracle.

Libby

[dejtemper]

Libby:
Thanx for the comment. Doctors are great, and I thank God we have some really great ones out there, but they don't know everything.
I got chicken pox when I was 38 years old. It developed into chicken pox pnumonia, and they told me I would not survive. I was in intensive care for 3 weeks and would not let them put me on a ventilator. I'm still here, and they were shocked.
I hope your friend will be ok. I will pray also for her.

[Tina]

Originally Posted by dejtemper

Hello Everyone:
I have had type 1 diabetes for 42 years, since the age of 6. I have some complications, but am doing great.
I read peoples posts and would just like to say that diabetes is livable. I have been doing it for 42 years, have a 15 year old son (having him was pure hell), and have been considered by most to be "very brittle", meaning everything under the sun effects me.
I have a great life and believe that diabetes has made me a much stronger person.
Just wanted to say hi to all, and will answer anyones questions if they have any. If I can.

This is so comforting for me to hear - thank you! I am so glad you are doing well too. My nephew was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes a little over a year ago. He was 8 at the time. All of a sudden he started wetting his bed at night, was constantly thirsty and would cry alot. My sister became concerned and they took him to the doctor. His blood sugar level was 1000+ so he went straight to the emergency room. Thank God he survived and is just such a blessing and so very brave! It wasn't long before he wasn't producing any insulin at all. They are very curious about the pump as they know there are a lot of children that use them now. I so agree with you - I truly think this will make him a stronger person and a more compassionate/caring person. God bless you and I pray that you continue to be well. Thanks so much for sharing your story!

[lpelham]

Thanks for the kind words - I am praying for a miracle also!
You know, I forgot to mention that one of my friends had a pancreas transplant and I think he started producing insulin again. Not sure if it is still working, but it did improve his health tremendously for a while. The doctors actually did a double transplant - kidney and pancreas. What I thought was incredible was they didn't remove the old organs. I guess it was too much trouble, but isn't that weird that he had all those extra (albeit nonworking) organs?

Libby