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Son in law just diagnosed - I think it's Type 1

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Posted 4/30/2006 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
My son-in-law who is 25 was rushed to the hospital Friday night with very bad pain, and was told it was due to his blood sugar being too high (over 600)! The doctor explained to my daughter that he has the type of diabetes where his pancreas does not produce any insulin at all and that he will have to go on insulin shots. He is supposed to go to the doctor on Monday, and they gave him some pills in the meantime. He is still in really bad pain. From what I've read, it sounds to me like they are talking about Type 1....... Has anyone else had this type of diabetes start at this age? Is this the same thing as juvenile diabetes? Also, he is really afraid of the shots. He is already asking my daughter if she will give him the shots. I know that when my late father was put on insulin, they were very insistent that he give himself the shots..... Any input would be appreciated.

Bear

Posted 4/30/2006 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I cannot speak from experience about the shots - but i do know that he will learn to do it himself and it will not be the problem he thinks it is right now. Just for the practical part of it there will not be someone around all the time when he will have to do it. What he is saying now is usually said out of fear and lack of knowledge. That will change, unless he is the type person that can hang onto those fears and refuse to learn anything that bothers them.

I find it hard to believe that they sent him home so soon. Having a high like 500 is bad enough - just being diagnosed type 1 is more complicated than a short stay can accomplish. When he went in his system was 'running wild' for a while. Well, that is really water under the bridge now, he is already home and has to live with that as it is.

Get him to come here and ask questions also. He should not be the only one to get educated on this - his entire family that will be with him should know everything they can, the sooner the better.....
Posted 4/30/2006 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks for replying so soon. I thought the same thing....... I couldn't believe they let him go home. I am guessing that the fact that they have no insurance is probably the reason (such a shame that a hospital would do that). I am also worrying that he can't get the kind of education about the disease that he will need from one visit to a doctor's office. Years ago when my late father was started on insulin, they had him as an inpatient for about a week or so and they taught him to give shots, etc. The health care industry has evidently changed a lot since then.....
Posted 4/30/2006 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I just happen to be on right now.

As far as learning from one visit - no he won't. Even if they told him everything they know about his particular situation the learning curve is too long to get it quickly.

I suggest that you get as much information as you can - learn it. They review it at least monthly or when a problem or situation comes up. You just cannot get it all until it sinks in. you will find a year from now that re-reading the information will help more than it did the first time.

Having no insurance will be a major hurdle. Read back here on this site and you will see many posts that address how to get supplies when you do not have insurance while others talk about the use of the supplies and how to make them last longer. Post here again after he goes to the doctor with what happened.

Support is the best anyone can give right now - execpt for insurance coverage!
Posted 5/1/2006 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Please have your son-in-law visit this forum and read all he can. He doesn't have to join, but if he does we will be here for him every step of the way. Many of us are on insulin and a few are type 1 and very educated about their condition. Our forum members for the most part are very caring individuals who have 'been there-done that and got the T-shirt' so they are quick to share.

If he is indeed Type 1 he will need to learn how his meals affect his sugar readings and how to use the correct type of insulin at the right time. If he can change the oil in his car, change a tire or spark plugs, he can do this. It's step by step, following instructions. Hey it's waaaaay easier than doing your income tax or applying for a bank loan!

I have no insurance and I get my insulin at Sams Club. I understand that Costco has great drug prices as well. For testing supplies I went with a bigger, bulkier meter called a Prestige IQ because it came free with 300 test strips for about $104. In the long run the companies all make their money on the test strips so try to find one with inexpensive strips. (They all offer free meters but the test strips will cost you a bundle!)

Your daughter and son-in-law will need to learn nutrition and medication stuff together so be supportive and babysit or whatever they need to get the job done. Hang in there! We will be here for him.
Posted 5/3/2006 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

He was rushed back to the hospital on Saturday night and his blood sugar was at 635. They admitted him this time. I went by to visit on Monday and they have him on an insulin drip (or did then), and it has come down. Yesterday they taught him to give himself shots. They may be putting him on Medicaid or something or so I was told. While I was there they gave him a shot of Morphine for pain......... is that normal procedure? I know he has had a lot of pain but that seems extreme to me. When he gets out I will encourage them to come here to read. My daughter had told me that his muscles in his arms and legs have "shrunk"........ He has been really weak and she has to help him get up and down. Does anyone know if that will go away or if it will be permanent?

Thanks for listening...

Bear
Posted 5/3/2006 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
His muscles have shrunk because they were starving. Without the insulin in his blood stream to move the sugar into his muscles and brain it didn't matter what he ate, his body was starving. Now that he will have the insulin he needs he's going to be much better. He will gain some weight and can start an exercise program at his doctor's advice. Be sure that you go to his food and medicine classes so you will know how to help him stay on program.
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