#diaebtes

[t1travel]

What could I possibly be stressed about?

Many people say to my family and me “aren’t you worried?”. The truth is I’m bricking it and getting a bit stressed. However, the things I might be worried about aren’t what you think. So here are the top 10 things that I’m most worried about from 10 to 1.

The Ultimate List of Worries for a British Type 1 Diabetic

10. Having a good night’s sleep (mind you being a Type 1 means that I haven't had a good night’s sleep since my diagnosis)

9. Losing something (other than my head when I step off that train)

8. Looking incompetent when the Scandinavians, Germans and Dutch speak better English than I do or at all giving off the impression that I supported the Vote Leave Campaign in any way shape or form

7. Trying to keep on top of currency exchange (£5 = 5.6 Euros = 41.9 Danish Krone = 53.7 Norwegian Krone = 57.8 Swedish Krona = 144.3 Czech Koruna) and adding that to all the Carbs, Cals and Ratios I have to work out, I have a lot of maths to do

6. Storing insulin properly so that it doesn’t get too warm

5. Mixing up the Dutch words for strawberry and haemorrhoid (“aarbei” and “aambei” - take a guess)

4. Not letting the summer heat affect my blood sugar levels too much

3. Missing one of my trains

2. Being attacked and not being able to get proper help 

and my number 1 spot for the most stressful thing I could possibly encounter goes to..............

1. Not being able to get a proper cup of tea that isn’t mint, camomile, Earl Grey or another fruit/herb subtype (the horror of the leaving the UK)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post was done out of jest. The main thing I am worried about is my medication and the heat. However, I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m good at looking after myself and I will not put myself in any unnecessary danger.

[t1travel]

Check Ups

So, another Eye Screening out the way. It’s nice to know that I have no more appointments left until after August. I won’t lie, I’m really nervous, but that is balanced out by the tons of excitement I’m feeling!!!!!!

I’m still packing my backpack. My clothes are done and I’ll be leaving medication until nearer the time. However, one thing that has stressed me out has been the heat. The heat here has been pushing my blood sugar levels all over the place!! Last night I only drank water and my bloods were at 26.6!! The night before I felt really sick and had to sleep. However, the temperatures in Europe are about the same as here. I am adjusting to the heat and have confidence in my ability to look after myself. I got a short haircut to keep me cooler and am taking really light clothes. 

Today I got called brave. Well, I say brave, if I remember the quote was “you must have massive balls”! This makes me feel very proud of myself, but also makes me feel that I should be worrying more. Whatever happens, I will treat it as a learning experience and if I do a month, two weeks, one week or even come back after a day- I will know that I’ve done it!

[t1travel]

Less than a month!!!!

So .... less than a month now! I’m finding it very easy to get lost in the excitement of travelling, which isn’t great really. My main focus should be getting my prescriptions ready (I have a checklist on my bedroom mirror), getting an up to date doctor’s letter, getting a massive folder to put all my papers and tickets in and finding a massive bag that will hold the weight of the entirety of Boot’s pharmacy.

However, it is important to not let these elements slow you down or to let them curb your appetite for a meaningful and liberating adventure. When I was first diagnosed at 16 I felt the whole world had toppled down. My plans couldn’t be done! I would be restrained by numbers including my blood sugar level, units of insulin, ketone levels and even the amount of medication I would need. But I didn’t want it to stop me, and I won’t let it stop me. My pancreas may have failed but that doesn’t mean I will. A little saying I keep to myself is “I have Type 1 Diabetes but Type 1 Diabetes does not have me!”. 

So, in one month I will be able to take the biggest step I will have taken since my diagnosis and it is a big step. So, wish me luck as the days slowly start to dwindle and I take my first journey into familiar territory, Brussels. 

[killerbeetes]

I've almost doubled my lantus and am still going high over night. Also I just had an Up&Go which I said I wouldn't do anymore because: oops blood sugar of 30.