Struggling with Depression

By Karen D. Tuesday, July 15, 2008

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After living with Type 1 diabetes for almost 35 years now, I have been really struggling to control episodes of severe hypoglycemia. My body no longer gives me any warning signs when my blood sugar is dropping and it happens so frequently and so rapidly that I feel the waking up on the floor of my home or office to many faces of paramedics, friends, family and co-workers asking me if I'm okay and traveling to the local ER are becoming the norm. Unfortunately, it has also led me to become very depressed. I had to quit driving some time ago now and it has completely changed my life. I am now so dependent on others that I feel like a prisoner sometimes. To make a long story short, I have been struggling lately and I was just wondering if anyone else out there has anything to share that may help me out. Thanks!

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smereau

7/17/08 9:40am

My husband who has been a diabetic for 40 years experienced this last summer. Since then he has gone on the Omnipod he has done so much better. We just about begged for a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) at Joslin. After many times that I found him with BG's in the 20's, and reviving him with glucagon, me getting little sleep because the drops were always at night until one happened during the day when he was driving and got in an accident, totaling the car. He is so much better after being on the pump, his levels are all coming into range, education has helped, testing more frequently, counting carbs and being aware of the glycemic index. work with you CDE and Endo, I do know how frustrating it all is, not to mention how frightening it is, but there is help.

Karen D.

7/18/08 10:40pm

Thank you for your comments. I have been on a pump by Medtronics for about a year and a half now and it did really make a difference at first. It has helped a lot, but, it's that nighttime lows where I go straight from sleep into unconsciousness and don't give any signs anymore. Occassionally I will still get the whole body sweating I used to get which will awaken my hubby and he can help me, but, a lot of times I don't even get those anymore. My parents ordered me the CGM to go with my pump and I should get it soon. My doctor raves about it, but, I'm still not really sure I'll be able to afford the sensors for it. Currently it runs about $375 a month, in addition to all the other diabetic and pump stuff and little insurance. But, hopefully, in the near future it will help save my life! Thanks again, Karen

Karen212

7/17/08 3:14pm

I just started taking cymbalta about a month ago and am curious how others are doing with it. I'm taking it for depression, but requested it from my doctor because it's also prescribed for diabetic neuropathy and I had been having pain in my feet (painful to touch the top of my feet, and funny sensations in my lower legs like drops of cold water splashing on me). I'm happy to report that it works very well for the neuropathy symptoms, I just no longer have them. Still not sure if it does much for the depression. My boyfriend thinks I am better - more cheerful and less muddled. Not sure I'm feeling it, he may be just being kind. But I am hopeful and will give it more time. It's been a lot to manage, learning that I have diabetes (type II) this year, and figuring out which medications work best for me. I had a less serious problem than you did with hypoglycemia taking glipizide - which my doctor prescribed when I didn't respond well to metformin. I didn't like glipizide because every afternoon I felt hypo and terribly hungry and ate too much in response and gained weight. Seemed counter productive even though my BG numbers were better. It was, in a word, depressing. So I got on Byetta and Cymbalta (and still taking metformin) and am now doing much better - no hypo experiences at all, eating much less (and more healthy) with much less pronounced appetitie, and BG numbers very good.

Karen D.

7/18/08 10:50pm

Hi and thanks for your comments. I haven't ever tried Cymbalta, but one doctor told me he recommended it. I just started Wellbutrin XL, but have only been on it 3 days, so, I shall see how that works. I am extremely lucky and don't have any neuropathy as yet so don't know about that. Also, as a Type 1, I am only on insulin via an insulin pump, so, I don't take, nor have I ever taken, any of the oral medications Type 2's take. Regarding the Cymbalta though... if your boyfriend can recognize an improvement in you, it's probably helping! Antidepressants often take at least 2 to 6 weeks to really start working. I have taken Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR in the past and they worked well for me, that's why I'm going with the latest in that line, the XL this time. But, rest assured that it's working if someone close to you can tell even a slight difference. Sometimes we are our own worst critics and/or hardest on ourselves and may not see the improvement in ourselves that others might. But, they do take time, so, even if it's just helping the teeniest bit, stick with it and the longer you are on it, the better it will help and then when you're feeling better, things in your life that may contribute to depression can get better as well. I had a major depression years ago over not being able to have children and having a hard time accepting that and I know that the Wellbutrin then really helped me, so, I am hoping it will work again this time. Thanks for your comments and good luck! Karen

shoofly

9/ 5/08 12:47pm

There are so many dogs out there...the ADA (American Disabilities Act) gives you the right to take them everywhere, well for someone like you and me.

I was dxd 42 years ago, My dog has allowed me more freedom and worry-free moments than any meter.

A good dog will allow you to go through your life with more confidence, you'll still check of course, for meds. But he's always with me, sometimes I get pushy when I get low, they don't quit and hide, they get pushy right back...they have a job, it's you, nothing stops them. I teach mine to tell me when I run above 200 bg, then pop some humalog and I'm good.

Moose and I have been on planes, steam trains, glass tram, buses, horse and wagon, eaten out, movies, State Fair, Yellowstone Park...But he and I have put a lot of time into making us a team. He can tell if I'm Hi or Low, tired or grumpy, depressed, sad or just mad. That's the kicker you can't afford to get real mad (unless your fighting off someone), because they are always there for you. They will protect you, YOU protect them from others.

I have the same lack of warning, Moose has woke me at 100 bg. He seems to understand dropping sugars or peaking insulin? he nudged me so many times to get me awake, I had a sore arm for a week! He'll lay his head on my chest and look me in the eyes when I feel depression coming on. He sticks to me like glue, we've even gone to the hospital together. People are amazed at his talent. So am I really.

It's like having a 2-5 year old, your always have to have them feed and dressed (backpack) and people want to (pet them and) talk, there so cute...sometimes we are in training mode and can't allow interactions. Sorry and his patch reads "PLEASE don't pet In training". Kids are wonderful, educated on Service Dogs, but some parents...=)

Hope I've helped? Best Wishes!

Grins and Giggles,

Shoofly & Moose sd retired @ 9 years old

Karen D.

9/27/08 1:11am

Interesting! I read an article on dogs for diabetics in the magazine that comes in the Sunday SF Chronicle several years ago but had forgotten all about it until I read your post. I had a regular dog (not trained) who died last year and I had her her whole life (16 years) and have just now been able to think about maybe getting another. I loved her very much and still miss her every day. But, your suggestion is a very good idea that I had not considered. So, thanks and I may have to seriously consider that. Thanks again for responding! Karen

Struggling with Depression

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