D Bloggers Day 3

This is Day 3 of Diabetes Blog Week. Today, the topic is entitled "Your Biggest Supporter." As Karen pitches it: "Sure, our diabetes care is ultimately up to us and us alone. But it’s important to have someone around to encourage you, cheer you on, and even help you when you need it.

If I’m angry, scared, exhausted, heart broken or thrilled with Diabetes life, THEY are there in an instant, ready to pick me back up or cheer me on. In an instant!! All thanks to the DOC. (Diabetes online Community) My support network doesn’t end there…..FACEBOOK has become a place where all us D blogging moms blow off some steam, talk about some happiness when we kick D's butt, or ask questions if we need some QUICK advice. It just doesn’t get any better than this kind of support!

Back in the day when I was diagnosed with Diabetes I felt completely alone and confused. I WAS alone, with the exception of my Dad who understood what lay ahead for me living with this disease. But, my Dad was on old school NPH therapy and I was on Lantus. My Dad never had an Endo, and was never fortunate enough to learn the ins and outs of managing a disease that was far more complicated than his primary doctor made it out to be. I wanted to know EVERYTHING about Diabetes advances, for then my Dad was already on disability for blindness and kidney failure. The fear of Diabetes actually drove me to educate myself beyond what many seek to know. I knew medical technology had brought about better ways to manage Diabetes, so, I searched. It didn’t take long until I came across the websiteDiabetesforums.com. Everyone at this online support group took me in, listened to my concerns, validated my emotions and let me know that I WOULD be okay. They helped me manage my numbers and taught me EVERYTHING they knew since most already had 20+ years of living with Diabetes under their belts. Ask a question and the PATIENTS themselves had suggestions or answers, not some textbook doctor nonsense. This was the first online community that gave me hope and pulled me out of my dark and lonely place.

Then came Childrenwithdiabetes.com after Maddison was diagnosed. The feelings of having Maddison diagnosed 9 months after me were more overwhelming than any words could ever express. I was a MESS. I cried every day for weeks. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I was so depressed and worried all the time that I was physically ILL. I even had to take time off work to gather myself. It was scary to say the least. The parents at the children with Diabetes forums were AMAZING. AMAZING! I cant count the days and hours I sat glued to the computer while they encouraged me and assured me my crazy emotions would pass, and life would be normal again. I cried with each and every response to my posts, each comment/response from them helping me feel less and less alone. I learned VERY quickly that Diabetes for kids is far more complicated than the honeymoon I was still going through. I learned more on this website from the PARENTS than I EVER could have dreamed of. In time, I felt prepared and ready to battle the daily challenges. Slowly, I moved on to the blogging community as my confidence and knowledge soared. It was time I help other parents know they are not alone in the feelings that come with a constant, chronic disease!

Now 4 years after Diabetes it is my D Mom bloggers that are my GREATEST SUPPORT, the greatest gift EVER in my life. (Besides my two children!) I can sit down at my computer and blog just when I’m ready to EXPLODE with emotions. I blog to let it all out. I really don’t have anyone to talk to after a long day with Diabetes because unfortunately, my husband just smiles and says it will be okay. That’s really not what I need to hear! The comments left by other D Moms on my blog are the highlight of my day. Comments from parents and adults that understand. Comments of encouragement when all I want to do is give up. Comments of cheer when we conquer the demon. So many cherished comments, each one PRICELESS. The D.O.C keeps me sane, motivated and free from ever feeling alone. We cry together. We celebrate together, the DOC is ONE! Love you guys!