I saw a diabetes nurse for the first time (as an outpatient) yesterday. The appointment went well. She listened to me, and answered all of my questions, and I felt comfortable with her. Michael accompanied me to the appointment, and she also communicated well with him.
She checked my feet, and made sure I had an appointment with the diabetic retinal screening people. She looked at my blood glucose, and was pleased with the control. I’ve been told to reduce the number of times I am testing – from twice a day, three times a week, to once a day, three times a week, alternating between morning and evening tests.
We also had very frank discussions about long-term management and all of the health issues and complications that a type 2 diabetic can encounter, and how to avoid them, as well as discussions about diet. The diet discussions were particularly useful. She was supportive of the changes I have been making to my diet and I didn’t feel lectured about eating badly.
Most importantly, she met Gregory, and they seemed to get along. Otto, one of Michael’s bears, also came with us.
Although it was a positive experience, it was emotionally draining. After we got home, I just collapsed in front of Netflix. On some level, until yesterday, I didn’t quite believe the diagnosis. But now I believe it, and it has transitioned from being an acute problem to being a chronic, controlled part of my life that will slowly fade into the background. More than twenty years ago, I got my first pair of glasses. At first, they were very frustrating, and I hated them. Now, they are just a background part of my life. I know they are there, but I live with them, and because of them I can live a completely normal life. That is what diabetes is becoming for me.
And this morning, the first day when I am only testing my blood glucose once a day, I finished my first vial of blood glucose testing strips.