My Diagnosis Story - Part 2

I chatted with my Internal Medicine doctor. I asked him how this happened, why me. He told me that it just happens. He also told me that my family doctor made a huge error in not testing me for the antibodies of a type 1 diabetic. It was as simple as an extra check box on routine bloodwork. Also, undiagnosed type 1 diabetes in conjunction with my Invokana prescription was speeding up the process in shutting down my organs, which is why my lower back pain was excruciating.

Invokana is a prescription designed to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. In easier non-medical terms, it flushing excess glucose through urine. On Janssen's website, there is a warning that it is not for type 1 diabetics and that it increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (https://www.invokana.com/).

The picture of me smiling and holding a decorated cup was taken the day I was admitted. I look normal on the outside. But on the inside, I felt awful. I struggled to catch my breath, my urine looked like foam. I couldn't focus at work.

The photo of me, looking rough, was the morning after (May 10, 2019) in the ICU. I have never publicly shared this photo. It was too embarrassing, but I kept the picture as a reminder of what I went through. I didn't know where I was, or what happened. I felt like I had been run over by a transport truck. I was lucky to be alive.

I had to follow-up with my family physician following my release from the hospital. Leading up to the appointment, I felt so much anger towards her. I followed doctors orders and tried my best and yet, while being under her care, her orders almost killed me.

I went to the appointment and we talked about what happened. I cried, a lot. She let me know that my story helped her save others.

So there I was, newly diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. I asked questions like, "Can I ever get rid of it?"; "Will I be on insulin for the rest of my life?". I learned that you cannot get rid of T1D, and I would be on insulin for life, or until there's a cure.

I felt so helpless, so alone, embarrassed, shameful, and depressed. I didn't want to go in public for the fear of having to give myself needles in front of people.

I wish I could go back in time and talk to my newly diagnosed self. There are so many things that I would've done differently, but they have led me to the diabetic I am today and I couldn't be more proud of myself.

If you have recently been diagnosed and are feeling alone, please get in touch with me. I would love to help you live a better, longer, more fulfilling diabetic life.

I offer 1 on 1 coaching for strategies to lower your A1c and set some goals for the future. You are not alone. I am here for you!

Reach out, I'd love to work with you to live your best diabetic life! I can be reached at carlytoppozini@gmail.com.