friendo (n.) – An endocrinologist who brings expertise, experience, and engages with a high level of empathy. ex. “My endocrinologist is kind of my friend. And my endo. They’re my friendo.” Last week, I had my quarterly visit with my endocrinologist. Our clinician/patient relationship is still in its fledgling stage, and we’re definitely still getting to know the pros and…
Visualizing Diabetes
Diabetes and Emotions, Diabetes Complications, Healthcare, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Real Life DiabetesLast week, I had the pleasure of connecting with Katie McCurdy through my work at The Patient Revolution, and she and I talked about her health visualization tool, Pictal. (That interview can be found on the Patient Revolution blog.) From the article: “Pictal is a set of worksheets that patients can use to create a health history timeline and show…
The Gray Area
Diabetes Advocacy, Diabetes and Emotions, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Real Life Diabetes“Diabetes makes you a hero! You’re pinch-hitting for a busted pancreas, and you’re kicking ass! Nothing can stop you! Climb mountains, run marathons, compete, destroy threats, take no prisoners! The world is your oyster, and even with a busted pancreas, you remain the pearl!” We see that. Or we hear … “Diabetes will eat you alive. Busted pancreas is only…
You Know What Doesn’t Suck?
Diabetes Advocacy, Diabetes and Emotions, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Real Life Diabetes, RelationshipsBring me your diabetes happies, your small victories, your moments of joy! What does diabetes bring to your life that doesn’t suck? You know what doesn’t suck? Being tuned into my body. I pay close attention to my physical and mental health because diabetes forces me to, but I consider that a good thing. I see my healthcare team often….
(Seems appropriate to write about the flurry of resolution and organizational ideas in my head as a frigging blizzard mows through the Northeast. There’s over 14 inches of snow outside. The cats remain a combination of unsettled and putting on their cat snow gear to go sledding.) The new year turned while I was dealing with a freak eyeball injury,…
Diabetes Month: The One About Anxiety
Diabetes Advocacy, Diabetes and Emotions, Mental Health, Real Life DiabetesI’ve had some anxiety flare ups in the past. Like in college, when I’d break out in hives across my abdomen, tied directly to the more stressful moments – when exams were up, when I was working the early am breakfast shift five days a week and then going to class, when my parents split. Like after my son was…
Do You Hate Diabetes?
Diabetes Advocacy, Diabetes and Emotions, Diabetes and Family, Diabetes Community, Diabetes Online Community, Mental Health, Psychosocial SupportI asked some friends on Facebook if they hated diabetes, and the answers* were as varied as the folks responding: “I hate it, the hassle, and the complications but I do not hate the growth amd strength I’ve achieved or the family I’ve gained because of it.” “I don’t hate it as a thing but it does annoy me. At…
Guest Post: Mindy Bartleson on Chronic Illness, Mental Heath, and Removing the Rose Colored Glasses
Diabetes Advocacy, Diabetes and Emotions, Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, Real Life DiabetesMindy is self-publishing an honest book about growing up with chronic illness and mental health. She wrote the content before rose colored glasses impacted her experiences too much. Today, she’s sharing the why behind her efforts on SixUntilMe. And if you’d like to help this book get published, you can visit the crowdfunding page to learn more, back her project,…