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Today was a Monday 71 years ago

(26 Posts)
Justwidowed Sat 08-Feb-25 19:38:21

And I was 10 years old.Today it is 71 years since I was taken to hospital and told I was diabetic. Later I was told I would have to
inject myself for my whole life.
I stayed in hospital for six weeks and when I returned home the house seemed very small especially my bedroom.

It's unusual for diabetics to live as long as I have,one of the locums at my surgery wouldn't stop saying Seventy,Seventy.

Sadly the diabetes has affected my heart and I am now waiting to go in Blackpool Victoria hospital for a new pacemaker which hopefully will enable my heart ventricles to beat in conjunction.
I never forget today's date as it made such a big impact on my life. But it made me who I am and I've led a full and varied life.I was widowed five years ago and live on my own quite happily.

I hope any parents or grandparents with diabetic children will tell them that a long and healthy life is still usual for diabetics.

Skydancer Sat 08-Feb-25 19:42:07

That is a very positive post. I wish you many more healthy and happy years ahead.

Chocolatelovinggran Sat 08-Feb-25 20:02:53

Thank you, justwidowed, for such an uplifting post. I am the mother of a diabetic and give thanks for the work of the Canadian doctor who first used insulin on patients just a hundred years ago, and the NHS for the ongoing care DD has received .
My daughter has a healthy toddler and is newly pregnant with her second child : so much to be thankful for.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Sat 08-Feb-25 20:05:34

An inspiring post.

Isn’t Theresa May T1 diabetic too? She’s nearly 69y.

Shelflife Sun 09-Feb-25 00:09:26

Our GC was diognosed aged three. Came out of the blue! Manages well and now has a glucose monitor and an insulin pump. Doing well and now well into teens. There is no let up , it is 24/ 7 monitoring. However leads a very full life , is sporty and done well in school. So yes , I agree lots to be that for especially the discovery of insulin!
.

Aveline Sun 09-Feb-25 10:00:30

Thanks for your positive and uplifting post. Here's to the next 70 years !!

Calendargirl Sun 09-Feb-25 10:04:18

So good to hear.

I was a rhesus baby, had 3 transfusions in the first week of life.

This was 72 years ago.

Nowadays, of course, affected babies have transfusions whilst still in the womb.

But it was a big thing back then, no one in our area had heard of babies needing transfusions.

How times change.

Cossy Sun 09-Feb-25 10:07:02

Thank you for sharing a positive and upbeat post.

I’m sure you have many more years in you. smile flowers

Justwidowed Sun 09-Feb-25 10:30:56

Yes ,you're right,Teresa May is a type one diabetic. She was the first person I saw with a white circular patch on her arm.Ive had mine for the last eighteen months,changed every two weeks,and it makes life so much easier.No danger of hypos while asleep,the persistent buzzing of the reader will wake the deepest sleeper.

I think I've mentioned before that I have the 50,60 and 70 year medals awarded by Diabetes UK.An 80 year medal is now available but with the state of my heart at the moment I don't think I'll reach that.

Thankyou for your good wishes.

Whiff Sun 09-Feb-25 11:19:35

Justwidowed lovely positive post that shows diabetes doesn't have to stop you living your life to the full. You must have seen how far the treatment of diabetes has come since you where diagnosed.

Plus cardiology care had come such a long way I am sure you will get your 80 medal .

I know how hard it must be for you since your husband died but he would be proud of you that you still keep going everyday . The pacemaker will help you . Just a tip make sure they don't put it where your bra strap will go otherwise it will be to painful to wear a bra .

Please let us know how you get on. 🌹

maddyone Sun 09-Feb-25 11:28:01

Calendargirl

So good to hear.

I was a rhesus baby, had 3 transfusions in the first week of life.

This was 72 years ago.

Nowadays, of course, affected babies have transfusions whilst still in the womb.

But it was a big thing back then, no one in our area had heard of babies needing transfusions.

How times change.

Two of my babies were rhesus babies like you Calendargirl. My son needed two exchange transfusions and later a top up transfusion, and my daughter needed three exchange transfusions.
They don’t remember anything about it of course, but I do. I remember how traumatising it felt when a new mother’s instinct is to care for her baby, and being unable to do that.

AuntieE Mon 10-Feb-25 14:00:57

So kind of you to post this.

Cambsnan Mon 10-Feb-25 18:10:12

My sister was sent a medal by our local hospital for living 60 year with diabetes. She sent it back saying she did not want a medal for not dying! Sadly she has since passed away.

Justwidowed Mon 10-Feb-25 20:10:15

What a shame Cambsnan,.I didn't feel like that,I was proud that I'd lived so long.
I must admit that it's more by good luck than good management !
I once read that too many hypos affected the brain and commented that considering the amount I'd had over the years I could have been another Alan Turing if I hadn't been diabetic !! The family didn't agree.!!
In answer to Whiffs comment about the bra strap,I already have a pacemaker in but it's pacing at 95% so I need a more advanced one which should make the ventricles work in conjunction. My appointment with the consultant is next week.

Babs03 Mon 10-Feb-25 20:19:53

Such a helpful and positive post, thank you Justwidowed.
An inspiration to those who know someone recently diagnosed who is feeling anxious.
Take care and here's to many more years on the clock.
xxxxx

silverlining48 Tue 08-Apr-25 16:48:10

Hope all went well in the hospital Justwidowed and you are doing ok. flowers

Justwidowed Wed 09-Apr-25 10:34:37

Yes,my appointment went well and they have agreed to do it.I now have a pre op on the 21st of this month and the op a few days after.My cardiologist ordered me an echo before Xmas and that has come through for Easter Monday.
After the op I shan't be able to raise my left arm above my shoulder for six weeks which will be restricting but I've managed it before.Hopefully it will improve my quality of life and lengthen it.
Thankyou for your good wishes.

Allira Wed 09-Apr-25 10:42:19

Lovely positive post, Justwidowed and I hope all goes well with the pacemaker, it seems quite the norm to have one nowadays!

Treatments have progressed so much over those 70+ years.

Norah Wed 09-Apr-25 20:44:01

Lovely post.

I pray a pacemaker will enable your heart to beat well!

Justwidowed Wed 07-May-25 10:08:03

Well I had the new bi- ventricular pacemaker in yesterday.Everything went smoothly.Appointment was for 11am and by 11.30 the cannula had been inserted,was gowned ,socked and then waited until 2.15 for procedure. I was in recovery ward by 4pm . Day ward closed at 6.45 so as I live alone and diabetic I was moved to a private suite with my own toilet shower and TV.

I shall rest for 7 to 10 days then start gentle exercise. My heart failure won't improve but my quality of life should.Recently I haven't been able to walk more than 10 yards without resting.
Am now waiting for discharge letter !!

GrannyGravy13 Wed 07-May-25 10:09:43

Wishing you well Justwidowed 🌸

V3ra Wed 07-May-25 10:53:19

Pleased you are feeling so upbeat!
Has any help been arranged for you once you get home?
Dad had help with showering and dressing during the time he couldn't raise his arm above shoulder height.
The hospital social worker should help arrange it for you.

Chocolatelovinggran Wed 07-May-25 15:45:32

I wish you a speedy recovery justwidowed.

Margiknot Wed 07-May-25 16:27:45

I hope you recover well, JustWidowed.
So much treatmentwise has changed in70 years- and continues at pace.

LadyGaGa Wed 07-May-25 16:52:54

A lovely positive post OP. My granddaughter was diagnosed as type 1 nearly two years ago aged 10. She’s gone from injecting and counting every carb etc and seeing it as a huge life change to having the amazing equipment that’s available now. She has a pod and PDM and an app on her phone and she manages it brilliantly. No one would know she is even diabetic. She just discreetly deals with it via her app. She has a huge sweet tooth and can eat anything she wants. She does have blips of course but I’m so proud of her, and in awe of the NHS for providing her with the means to do so. You should be so proud of living through the years when that wasn’t available. Wishing you well with your new challenges in life x