November 13, 2003
Behavior
Question from :
I was diagnosed with diabetes about four months ago, and I have been through the education class (10 hours), but I left the class as confused as when I started. They put me on a diet, and I started gaining weight (22 pounds so far). The doctor who diagnosed me was not interested in treating diabetes, so I have been (for lack of a better word) “interviewing” new doctors. To date I have seen four, and the advise I receive is so confusing I am feeling very lost. I took your advice and read a book which was wonderful and helpful.
I am writing to you because I feel so lost and alone right now. Trying to modify my diet, testing, costs of medicines, and testing supplies is causing financial hardship. We lost our insurance and are having to change doctors and insurance carriers again. Some days I just don’t have the strength to carry on. Although I work every day sometimes 12 hours, I stay exhausted. I don’t even sleep at night. I wonder if I am still in the initial depression state. Should that part be over by now?
Stress is another factor for me as well, as I have symptoms every day that sound like hypoglycemia, but my sugar tests fine, so I fear it is anxiety. I have tried to talk with the American Diabetes Association, but they have no suggestions, nor does the CDE, nor any doctor I have seen to this point. Heck, I don’t even know what a good diabetes doctor should be. Can you offer any advice?
Answer:
It sounds like the diagnosis of diabetes has turned your life upside down, and you are feeling lost and frustrated and not in charge of your own destiny. Until you can get your power back emotionally and spiritually, you cannot take control of the diabetes.
I suggest you go to Health Journeys or call 1-800-800-8661 and purchase a tape or cd on guided imagery for people with diabetes and start listening to the imagery side of the tape every night when you go to bed. The imagery is designed to help you create healing images and feel less stress. You can listen to the flip side (affirmations) while you are getting dressed in the morning and while you are driving. The affirmations are positive thoughts to help you counteract negative feelings. I’ll bet your outlook will improve after a few weeks of doing this.
JS
[Editor’s comment: You might also benefit from seeking a referral to a behavioral specialist experienced with people who have diabetes to help you work through this.
SS]
