Learning to live life to the fullest
The beginning was incredibly tough. I went from hating needles to having to inject myself several times a day, figuring out dosages through some trial and error. I worked closely with my consultant to understand my insulin needs. There were moments when I got it VERY wrong, experiencing highs and, more often, dreadful hypos that left me tearful. As months passed, I began to accept my new reality.
The hypos were really tough. For me, they make me sweat, my heartbeat increases rapidly, and my words start to get mixed up. Overall, concentration gets harder, and I feel very weak. It’s a horrible and frustrating feeling, especially if you are out or if you feel like you took the correct dosage of insulin with your meal. It completely removes any sense of control you think you have.
Over the years since my diagnosis, I have experienced ups and downs, particularly at the beginning. On my 33rd birthday, I remember sobbing to my mum, mourning the loss of the simplicity of my life before diagnosis. She always reassures me, and on that day her words "You are sad, but I thank whatever divine power saved you every day," resonated deeply.
"I promised myself to see the positive in this situation. I was here, with a beautiful daughter who needed me, a loving family, and a body that just needed a bit more care."
My dad played a big part in helping me shift my mindset from “Why me”. I could see how upset he was when I was diagnosed, but he encouraged me to stay positive and accept my situation. He advised me to make the best of it, educate myself as much as possible, and be strong for my one-year-old daughter. His kind words, coupled with my deep respect for him, motivated me to live my life to the fullest and not let this new normal hold me back.