Asking For Help

I've finally reached a breaking point...

It's been a bit of a whirlwind these past few months since moving overseas for school and I'm starting to feel the affects now more than ever. I'm at that point in the semester when all I can think about are deadlines, assignments and finding enough hours in the day to finish everything I need to. My health has been unintentionally placed on the back burner. I've not maintained a balanced sleep schedule and I often find myself studying into the wee hours of the morning. I get stressed out when my blood sugars are out of range and although I know I can't control everything, I still feel disappointed in myself. Call it a control complex. 

In hindsight, I should have made an appointment to see a GP weeks ago. As a student with type 1, I should really be keeping tabs on their health more than ever, but I often let it take a back seat to my studies. It's taken up until now, when I'm just emotionally and physically exhausted, to actually do something about it. Although it's still nerve wracking, I feel a sense of relief about the fact that I'm seeing a doctor as well as an academic counsellor next week. I don't know what they are going to say, but I'm hoping that I will be able to figure out where my problems areas are and make some much needed changes. 

Diabetes is already a delicate balance, and the added stress of university definitely doesn't help. I know I don't have the same control over my health the way I used to, but I feel better knowing that I'm being pro-active about changing that. My advice to anyone who may be experiencing something similar, would just be to reach out. Be it a doctor/ counsellor/ friend/ family member/ etc., it may help you to gain a new perspective and find direction.

Positive vibes my friends! xx

-Hanna

Three year "Diaversary", Back Country Skiing, and Keeping Up With The Boys

***Old unpublished post from 04/15/2015***

When April the 15th comes around each year, I usually spend at least part of the day thinking back to where I was at this time in 2012. This is of course the day where I was officially diagnosed with type 1. I'm not a fan of clichés but for lack of better words, life as I knew it changed forever. (I won't go into detail about the events because I already outlined them in my very first post on this blog.  If you're interested in reading about it here: http://hannathepancreaticallychallenged.blogspot.ca/2012/05/diagnosis.html?m=1 )

Despite the fact that diabetes is fairly unpleasant most of the time, I often use April 15th as a time to celebrate and reflect on the years of good health that I've achieved regardless of the obstacles. I am so grateful that I have access to the technology that I do and how it essentially acts as my "life support" on a daily basis.  I consider myself very lucky to be born in a time where insulin exists and type 1 diabetes is no longer considered a death sentence. I'm thankful that I was diagnosed a little bit later than most and that I was able to enjoy a childhood sans diabetes. I'm fortunate enough to have good insurance that covers my supplies, and so very blessed to family that supports me and is always there when I need them. 

This year I spent my "Diaversary" skiing in the Rocky Mountains with a few guy friends. The fellas were all avid skiers/ snowboarders and despite the fact that I am a total snow bunny, I had never tried my hand at back country skiing. I love adventure and am a bit of an adrenaline junkie so when the opportunity arose to tackle Wawa ridge, I eagerly jumped on it. The experience consisted of: 

1.) an hour and a half uphill hike in ski boots whilst carrying my not-so-lightweight ski gear, 

2.) a rather terrifying plummet in two foot powder that skillfully masked rocks of death and destruction, 

and lastly,

3.) a roller coaster ride through a backcountry terrain park from hell in which trees tried to jump out and kill me at ever turn.

I HAD A BLAST!!! 

Also, I'm very proud to report that I didn't face plant once! Girls can do anything boys can do! And we do it while looking fierce, fresh and fabulous..........aaaand sometimes with defunct organs. ;)

Was the experience difficult and way above my level of expertise? Yes. Do I regret it? No. Would I back country ski again? Absolutely. Just maybe an easier route first. ;)

I am planning on writing a post at some point on the logistics of skiing with diabetes as there are some tips and tricks that I've picked up to make the experience more enjoyable.

A Dutchman, a Brit, and a Kiwi walk up a ridge.......doesn't that just sound like the beginning of a bad joke? ;)

Peace and love everyone!