Sunday, March 22, 2009

Me & My Story

I sit tonight, pricking myself. No, I am not into self harm - I am just checking my blood sugar. I am remarkably low tonight. So, I eat just enough sugar to raise it. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 26. Then - it was like my world crashed - really. I felt like I would my life had literally ended. Maybe that was a bit dramatic - but really - I mean, I was never going to be normal again.

It really all started my first year of college. I skipped my period for an entire year. Really - not pregnant or anything - it just stopped. I was kind of afraid to tell my doctor - i mean everyone knows why a girl misses her period! Turns out my doctor told me I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos), and not to worry about it until I want to have children. Okay - I can handle that....

For years though, I asked - my doctor, nurse practitioner, etc, if there is anything more I should be concerned about with pcos. Always - the answer was that I may have a hard time getting pregnant. Until one weekend - I went kayaking and my legs went numb - and stayed that way for the rest of the day. Warning bells went off - and I went to the doctor on Monday. A simple blood test told me that I was diabetic. This was a surprise to me - I had no history of diabetes in my family - and I was in my twenties. Now, I know, I have been overweight my entire life - but I was also active. Even now the stereotype of type 2 diabetics come to mind - lazy couch potatos with little knowledge of basic healthcare. I exercised nearly everyday.

It turns out that pcos is a common precursor to diabetes. My sister was diagnosed with PCOS around the same time as my diagnosis of diabetes. Her doctor put her on diabetic medication ( the same one I was prescribed) immediatly. Immediatly? I waited 10 years!

So, yes I am frustated that I was not on medication for those years. Frustrated that I have to check my blood sugars and that I will never be normal again......

3 comments:

Marrian said...

ACtually, type 2 diabetes is reversable. My Dad has it and he didn't know it until he went into the hospital from a diabetic shock and was blind for about 3 weeks. He was on meds and doing the blood sugar check all the time. But he no longer needs it. I can't believe no one has told you about this. Age and activity level have nothing to do with getting it. It's almost always brought on by weight. But if you lose weight and get active (I mean seriously active, aerobic exercising for 30 minutes everyday-active) you too can reverse it!
I wish you the best with it. It's not a fun disease to have. I have known MANY people who have both Type I and Type II. But you can get through it!

Dave and Sherri said...

OH man! I'm sorry! If it makes you feel better - I don't know that anyone is "normal" :) I think you're a doll!

Lucinda said...

oh Peggy, you're such a strong person that I know this can't keep you down. Marrian's comment is hopeful, knowing that this can be reversable. I am all for getting second opinions, and in your case, I think you should, so that you can be as educated as possible on the issue. Love ya!