How to cope after the diagnosis

How to cope after the diagnosis

When my child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I returned to
Jakarta -- after she was medivaced to Singapore -- an emotional
and physical wreck.

My previous world was to be replaced with insulin injections,
counting carbohydrate portions, blood tests several times a day,
and ordering products that were foreign to me.

Additionally, there was a concern that there was no local
endocrinologist at my regular medical clinic (SOS) in Jakarta.

The first three days were very intense. The emotional turmoil,
limited sleep and exhaustion, overwhelming. On day five, I found
my inner strength and felt confident enough in my diabetic
knowledge to return home.

It was important for me to understand this disease because I
was now Aspen's daily nurse. I was responsible for giving her
injections and monitoring her food intake. I also had to educate
the staff at her school about diabetic care and management.

I was also forced to let go of the belief that parents can
always protect their children. I cannot "fix" my child's
diabetes; this disease will not go away. Insulin dependency is
for life. A child cannot grow out of Type-1 Diabetes and until a
cure is found, my daughter's life depends on daily insulin
injections.

To help me cope, I found it important to identify exactly what
I was afraid of, what was bothering me, causing me stress and
why. I analyzed my experiences and let them flow through words
into a journal. Writing is a powerful tool that helps lighten the
symptoms and provides release.

Second, if you have feelings of urgency about the complexity
of diabetes, it helps to get correct information from a diabetic
educator.

My mother suggested on day one, "Take your questions and
concerns to your diabetic team. Do not listen to people who do
not know about diabetes." This is so true; factual information
has reduced moments of anxiety and helped to clearly identify my
fears.

Third, a regular counseling session at your local diabetic
center is also very helpful. Talking with a professional, who
knows about the issues a parent encounters and affirms you are
doing a great job, provides the reassurance you need to hear.

Support groups provide a great sense of comfort. If there
isn't one in your local area, why not start one? Even if you meet
for lunch once a month with parents going through similar
experiences, the results will be positive.

Fifth, have a regular half or whole day just for you to relax
and help recharge the batteries. A walk in the park (Rangunan Zoo
is a suitable mid-week alternative), reading a book in a quiet
place, or going to a movie can be therapeutic.

Additionally, take up meditation or join a yoga class and
learn how to calm yourself, any time you feel the need. By
practicing relaxation techniques regularly you find the process
becomes automatic and it becomes easier to attain peace of mind
when times get really tough.

Sixth, laughter is a good healer. Watching a funny movie or TV
program can make you smile and feel much better.

On a final note, I am now aware of the fragility of life and
how precious it is. One important affirmation I discovered was in
M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled: "Life is difficult, and
when we accept that it is, it (the difficulty) no longer
matters".

I continue to meet the challenges and I am enjoying watching
my child evolve from the responsibility, self-discipline and
maturity required to take care of her own diabetes. As I hug my
daughter, I believe with all my heart in the gift that diabetes
has brought into my life.

-- Stephanie Brookes