This morning, I had a conversation with a friend this morning about people refusing to seek medical care because of lack of resources and/or fear of discovering that a hidden illness. After our conversation, I was inspired to share my own previous fears and since this is the start of National Diabetes Awareness Month, I’ve figured that now will be the best time to share!
As long as I can remember, I never had a positive experience going to the doctor. I remember that my mom told me about a time when I’ve kicked the nurse aide while getting my immunizations shots. Then as a college freshman, a nurse that could have been a relative of Satan traumatized me while receiving my required vaccinations. I’ve literally avoiding shots and pricks ever since. When I got pregnant, I would have my husband or mom accompany me to all lab work appointments because I would experience extreme needlephobia and get flashbacks. So when I’ve developed Gestational Diabetes, I was so devastated, thinking that it was the end of the world. I had to check blood sugar levels four times a day. Again, my husband and my mom would have to check my blood sugar levels because I refused to check my own. Once I gave birth to my children, I was relieved because I knew that I would not have to endure that experience ever again.
Yeah. I was soooooo wrong about that.
I tried my best to stay away from all medical offices at all costs. I’ve researched holistic remedies for preventing illnesses, ate what I believe was low carb at the time (everything in moderation as long as I did not go over 150 carbs). Everything that I believed would keep me away from the doctor, I did.
However, in August 2018, I could no longer stay away. I’ve started getting idiopathic urticaria from an unknown source. Instead of seeing my primary care physician (which I had not seen in 5 years), I went to urgent care because I knew that they would not require lab work. The doctor that I saw prescribed prednisone. Unfortunately, my hives did not go away. So I did an elimination diet, going gluten free. I ate gluten free breads and grains. Even after eliminating gluten, the issue still persisted. Then I tried eliminating soy from my diet, which helped, but I was still experiencing issues periodically. I finally surrendered and went to see my mom’s new doctor, which was slightly closer to where we lived and was forced to face my fear of needles and blood work.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes on March 15, 2019 with an A1c of 10.8 and blood sugar level of 299. What I thought was one of the worst days of my life was also a start of a new beginning of a journey that I would never thought I see myself travel. My life is now focused on routine lab work and needle pricks. I no longer scream bloody murder when going to my local LabCorp or whenever my husband checks my blood sugar. I have yet to overcome self needle pricks (baby steps, friends, BABY STEPS!).
As I reflect on the past seven months, I’ve realized that this journey was God’s way of helping me overcome my fear of doctors, nurses, check ups and needles. Isn’t it amazing how God works? If it wasn’t for me going to the doctor for my hives, then I would have never known I had diabetes until it was too late. I would have died a slow death with the blood sugar numbers I had. Because of God, I am able to live to tell my story and to share this with you.
Friends, I urge you to learn about diabetes and how it effects various parts of the body. Anyone can get diabetes- no one is immune. If you had a family history, gestational diabetes, heart issues, Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or another chronic or autoimmune issue, get an A1c check at least once a year. If you have a hunch that something is not right. Don’t delay and set up a doctor’s appointment.
No matter what happens, know that God is greater than any storm we will ever face. Trust in Him and He will see you through the journey.
Until Next Time,
The Genetic Diabetic
