Finding Balance

RedSox33RN · Aug 23, 2004

I'm a Type 1 also, but fortunately, didn't become diabetic until after my 4 kids were born, so no help there. But I do know that your blood sugars should be in good order for a few months before you conceive. Are you on a pump? I wasn't getting great control with MDI after 4 years (I was dx'd with Type 1 at 29yo), so I went on the pump. I can't say enough great things about it. My A1c has come down almost 3 points, and I love NOT having to eat on a schedule, etc. I felt almost "normal" for the first time in years.

I think you have a full plate with working AND school. I know mine is full also, and until I get into the swing of it, I don't know how it's going to go. I know HOW I want it to go, but I forsee many schedules in my future, for everything from study time to grocery shopping. I'm also going through a separation/divorce, so that puts added stress on.

I'm not the best one to ask for advice I guess, but hang in there! I think after time you'll know what works for you and your family. :)

Altra, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2004

I was wondering if you have any tips on how to balance things? We dont' have children so that helps but we do really want them, just can't right now. I'm a type I diabetic and my blood sugars are out of whack. I'm only 27 and I'm already getting gray hairs, more recently...my face is breaking out more. I work full time and go to nursing school full time nights/weekends. I've been in school and working since I was 16 and I'm 27 now, my body is tired I guess...My house hasn't seen clean in forever. I took a lower paying job to get much eneded benefits. Hubby works contracted and right now there isn't a job so my paycheck is it. No loans or scholarhsips available to me so I'm having to pay out of pocket for school.
I know that many of you are successful in balancing things and I know that I will be again one day too, just wondering how you do it and if you have any tips? Thanks!!!!

There's no question that nursing school is stressful! I've come to the conclusion that, while you can do anything you put your mind to, you can't necessarily do it all at the same time ... So it's a matter of juggling, and deciding what needs your attention right now, and what can wait. What can't wait: Your health - getting the blood sugar under control - you don't need me to tell you that. Make sure you're eating right and getting enough sleep.

If hubby's not working full-time right now, it's his turn to shine on the housekeeping front And as for skin & hair problems that can make you feel like crap every time you look in the mirror ... I hear ya, I noticed my first gray hairs at about 27 (and that was long before nursing school!) - now 10 years later I'm more gray than I care to admit. But it's OK, it's just time to make friends with Clairol/Loreal. Don't look at it as covering up the gray - make it fabulous girl time to pamper your Inner Goddess. If you can afford to have it done at a salon, it's a very nice indulgence. If not, make a night of it with a girlfriend if you wish, or just take advantage of the "excuse" to close yourself in the bathroom and pamper yourself for an hour.

So much stress lately ... we all need to remind each other that this isn't forever! :nurse:

cherokeesummer · Aug 23, 2004

Thanks ladies!

Re: Diabetes - Yeah I'm on a pump. I was on SQ for many years, got diagnosed at age 12 and didn't try the pump until I was about 20. Then suprise, was pregnant at 22 (married at 21) and started bleeding, early miscarrige. When they hospitilized me, they were not very familiar with the pump and switched me back to needles. 3 x a day.

I returned to the pump a few years ago and truly enjoy it. There are times when I miss the needles, wierd I know. But the pump really does make life good because of the flexibility with eating times - especially since I'm in school now!

MLOS, you are so right girl, I need to just return to coloring the hair. I used to do it for fun, now for a purpose! :):)

Yes, my blood sugars have been all over the place lately, so I've got an appointment with my endo b/c I really want to go over them with her. I want to make sure that I care for me, otherwise, how can I care for patients!

Also, I am scheduled for wls in December (when school lets out for break) so my endo will be interested in that. She knew that I was researching it but wsa trying other options first, WW for the past three years.

I appreciate the advice and the reminders that this is just a part of life and not to let it consume me! That is important!!!!