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Published Feb 20, 2018

#151 Complications are Complicated

Nicole shares her powerful and emotional journey of living with type 1 diabetes, delving into the complexities of managing severe complications like retinopathy and kidney disease. Her story emphasizes the essential need for proactive management, family support, and self-compassion in overcoming the mental and physical challenges of a chronic illness.
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Episode Highlights

  • Retinopathy

    Nicole's battle with retinopathy highlights the severe impact of unchecked diabetes on eye health. She recounts the shocking moment when she was diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness, and the emotional toll it took on her family 1. Despite the daunting diagnosis, Nicole has undergone extensive treatments, including over 20,000 laser burns and numerous injections, to manage her condition 2.

    I tell people I've had over 20,000 laser burns per eye. I've had probably 48 injections in total.

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    Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proactive diabetes management.

       

    Kidney Disease

    Nicole's kidney disease has progressed rapidly, underscoring the urgency of managing diabetes complications. Initially diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease, she pushed for further testing, revealing a more advanced stage than initially thought 3. Her kidney function has now deteriorated to the point where she is facing dialysis and the need for a transplant 4.

    My doctor called and left me a message with yesterday's labs. He said, it's time to call the transplant team.

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    Nicole's experience highlights the critical need for vigilance and advocacy in managing chronic conditions.

       

    Autoimmune Life

    Living with multiple autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease, adds complexity to Nicole's diabetes management. She contrasts the immediate consequences of celiac disease with the delayed effects of diabetes, emphasizing the importance of compliance to avoid severe symptoms 5. Despite the challenges, Nicole remains committed to managing her health and raising awareness about the realities of living with these conditions.

    With diabetes, I could be high and there was no consequence in that moment, right? But with celiac disease, it's like, okay, if I eat something I'm not supposed to, I'm going to have diarrhea.

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    Her story is a testament to resilience and the need for comprehensive care in managing autoimmune diseases.

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