I’ve been thinking a lot about my daughter and how my husband and I will need to advocate for her needs during these next few years as she grows. It got me thinking about how us PWD’s also have to do that for ourselves. Prior to my diagnosis, I never really thought of being my own health care advocate. I went to see the doctor and dentist when I had to, but I never really thought about what it’s like to have a chronic illness and how a lot of the management you do depends on your medical team.
After I got diagnosed, I went to see an endo who I just didn’t see eye to eye with. Not knowing a lot about diabetes, I kept seeing him for a few months because I just didn’t know who else to turn to. Finally, I had enough and found another endo. This led to me going to the support groups and finding others who were in the same boat as me, trying to manage their illness to the best of their abilities. Going to the support groups and learning from others really opened my eyes to the possibilities of having a great medical team on your side. I’ve been guilty of being complacent sometimes with my own health, but being pregnant really pushed me to look into using a pump and going to a nutritionist. I think as a PWD, it benefits you to constantly ask your doctors about new treatments, do personal research on your illness, and take advantage of any resources that are available to you.
I am a huge advocate to being proactive with the management of diabetes. But I wasn’t always like that. There were years & years where I didn’t always test my bg and didn’t take insulin as “accurately” as I should have. A lot of that changed for me when I finally found other PWD to relate to and connect with. So I definitely agree with you there that utilizing resources is a huge benefit to us all!
I totally agree PWD’s need to learn about diabetes and try to be proactive in their care. There’s a statement I always say, “If we don’t take the extra step, who will?”
knowledge is power when it comes to diabetes.
Gen, you have come so far since I first met you a year ago. I guess that little angel is responsible for a lot of joy in your life to come as well as you being around to appreciate it and her.