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Original poster

diabetes symptons?

125 replies

shelleylou · 26/04/2008 20:10

Hi,
My ds has been drinking unusually large amounts lately. He had a pint in the space of less than an hour. I know thirst is one sympton but can't remember the others. So could someone please fill me in.

OP posts:
bramblebooks · 28/04/2008 22:15

Strewth Shelley, I've read this and feel so frustrated for you. My little boy is type 1, diagnosed in Nov and the main symptoms were massive amounts of weeing, thirst, tiredness, tummy pains and weight loss. He is 8 and doing well now he's on insulin injections. (we're talking to them about a pump).

These mumsnetters speak wise words. I hope it is sorted for you. Don't take any more messing around.

dilbertina · 28/04/2008 22:16

Has he been sick at all Shelleylou? (and sorry my NHSdirect advice was crap - or rather they were!)

If he is sick or has been I think you should take him to A&E.

You would be able to buy a blood meter at any chemist. Generally they come with a fingerpricker and a few test strips. You should be able to get one for £10 or under and you don't need a prescription. Might be worth considering if there's no alternative.

Original poster
shelleylou · 28/04/2008 22:18

Ive only taken him to the doctors this morning. Im really glad i left him with my mum saturday during the day. It was her that really noticed that he was drinking far too much. She even measured how much his beaker held so we knew what he was consuming. Its only filled up when its all gone so I know exactly what hes drinking.

Im going to phone the doctors tomorrow and ask for an appointment with the diabetic nurse on the advice of nursejo.

Im glad your ds is doing well now. Sorry but what is a pump? Someone else mentioned it and i havent heard of it.

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Original poster
shelleylou · 28/04/2008 22:21

No he hasnt been sick. I keep going upstairs to check on him. I can turn his bedroom light on without it disturbing him. You gave good advice re NHSdirect she was just a bitch.

I will make appointments at the doctors daily if i need to. They will not fob me off with some crap or other. A mother knows her child best. When he was ill in hospital it was only on my suggestion to give ds milk in a syringe that he got given it and finally fell asleep (had an empty belly after being on a drip for days) I wont have them tell me that theres nothing wrong with him. I know there is, he isnt usually like this.

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dilbertina · 28/04/2008 22:31

I have a pump! Basically rather than doing several injections a day you can have an insulin pump which connects to a "site" (basically every few days you insert a little plastic tube into yourself- usually stomach) The pump controls how much insulin you get depending what you tell it to do. Makes life much easier as insulin dose is MUCH more controllable and you don't end up having to eat in a set way, and can adjust for exercise etc.

Recent developments are to have an automatic blood monitor linked to pump so effectively it becomes an automatic procedure. Still in early stages though!

In the unlikely event your ds does have diabetes the advances in recent years do mean it is MUCH more manageable and the outlook is very positive.

paddyclamp · 28/04/2008 22:32

I was ill for over 2 weeks before i got DKA which sent me into a coma.

Make sure he doesn't smell of pear drops. If this happens, as with being sick, go straight to A and E.

You're right, a mother knows best. Well done for not being fobbed off

bramblebooks · 28/04/2008 22:40

Yes, I'd second that, paddy. He needs to be tested asap (tomorrow!). Please also be wary of dehydration - my son was borderline for being put onto a drip due to having weed so much, despite drinking bucketloads.

Original poster
shelleylou · 28/04/2008 22:41

I knew someone had mewntiuoned it couldnt think who though. Thanks for that dilbertina

I keep smelling his breath i must sound quite paranoid to some people but i dont care. Paddy that about you being ill for 2 weeks was that with the same symptons as ive described for my ds?

I wontr be fobbed of im as stubborn as an old mule when i want to be. I dont dig my heels in i go up to my knees!!! Looks like it has its uses

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paddyclamp · 28/04/2008 22:51

Yes. But as things got worse i went from being listless and tired to being drowsy, so much so that once i'd got dressed and come downstairs all i could do all day was lay on the couch.

If he's been showing symptoms for less than a week then nothing terrible's gonna happen over night. If he does take a turn for the worse he'll be sick.

You're doing the right thing by taking him first thing in the morning.

Being stubborn is a good thing

Original poster
shelleylou · 28/04/2008 22:54

Ok thanks for clarifying that for me. I dont anything major is going happen over night. I think im so worried as hes so little. It just seams wrong that he might be with his age iykwim.

My ex hated my stubborness. Maybe now he'll thank me for it. Well he'll have to know whats going on first

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Original poster
shelleylou · 28/04/2008 23:55

Just saw that post bramble. Thanks a lot for that. It hadnt really occured to me before paddy said about his breath smelling of pear drops which i know is a sign of dehydration

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Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 09:15

I haven't managed to get through on the phone to the doctors. But I've just found a Lloyds Pharmacy that do diabetes test. So im going to take him there

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dilbertina · 29/04/2008 13:31

Only just seen this shelleylou - any news? Fingers crossed his reading was ok.

Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 14:55

They wouldnt do it as hes under 12 dispite telling me on the phone at 9am this morning they could.
Urine sample is at doctors have no idea when i can get the results as they might have to send it to the lab.
I've told his dad today and it was a waste of time all he said was i know who has it in my family are their any in yours?

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dilbertina · 29/04/2008 18:45

hmmm I was surprised they'd do it to be honest. They're more set-up to uncover undiagnosed Type 2 than incipient type 1...

How is ds today? Any change in symptoms? Any news back from doc?

If no news, he still seems bad or worse and you're getting frantic I really would go to A&E. I'd rather be labelled a hysterical mum than risk anything. From what you've said I think any diabetes specialist would have every sympathy.

It's a long shot and prob. not that helpful right now but there's a well-respected site here If you look down the lefthand side there's a bit called "ask the diabetes team". You can search for questions regarding similiar symptoms or ask your own questions if need be in the future. It has taken a couple of days to get answers I've asked in the past.(prob. quicker than your gp though on current performance!)

It remains unlikely that your ds does have Type1, but I'm really sorry you haven't as yet been able to rule it out.

Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 18:53

No news from doctor. They did tell me that if they found anything in the urine they would send it to the lab. Ill phone tomorrow but im going to ask for a blood test to be done aswell to be certain.
His appetite isnt what it usually is. He usually has a very healthy appetite.
Just so i know when you said to take him to the hospital if hes sick do you mean proper vomiting or little bits?
Im going to have a look at that website tonight. Thanks for the link.

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paddyclamp · 29/04/2008 19:34

It would be proper sick not just spitting up. Can't see why they still haven't done a blood test! Is he still drinking a lot?

Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 19:45

Thanks paddy. I thought it would be just didnt want to panic and take him A&E if he was just sptting up. I am going to demand one. I know its quite unlikely it is diabetes considering his age but it is still a possibility. Even if it isnt diabetes something isn't right with him. Its not even been hot today. Yes hes still drinking a lot

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lulurose · 29/04/2008 20:03

Hi,

Just reading through posts, I'm amazed your Drs hasn't let you know anything yet, or done a finger prick test. How is the thirst now? Are the nappies needing to be changed every hour or so? With my daughter, who was 17 months she was so desperate to drink she we found her drinking water on her hands and knees out of the paddling pool.

Knowing what i know now if you can't access a meter I'd be tempted to sit it out in A and E, at least you'll know tonight.

LR x

lulurose · 29/04/2008 20:05

Sorry cross posted, yes it is more unusual to develop T1 as a baby, but it is on the increase in this age group unfortunately.

She is 2 and a bit now.

Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 20:11

Its still excessive. If hes in the bath he gets the plastic jug ive got up ther for rinsing hair and sccops water up and drinks that.
They need changing about that if im lucky i can get 2 hours wear out of them. Left him out of nappies for a while today, didnt mind him weeing on the floor as his bums got quite red so decided plenty of air around it would be good. I bought a pack on thursday evening and they are all gone.
I think im finding it so hard as im dealing with it on my own (my parents know hes being checked out for but not asking how i'm holding up with it, could be as they think ill break down)My ex sent me a 'supportive message after telling him it would be appreciated didnt have a lot to say about ds being checked out for it. Eventually he said he wanted to know everything.
i keep trying to think of people that might know someone with a metre.

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HereComeTheGirls · 29/04/2008 20:16

There is another type of diabetes called diabetes insipidus, which also causes great thirst and frequent urination, but has to be detected by a blood test as the urine is normal with it, might be worth considering that if urine sample is negative?

lulurose · 29/04/2008 20:26

Its even harder when you haven't got anyone at home to discuss things with, I think you're doing really well

If you need to talk things through I'm happy to give you my number.

Are you within easy reach of an A and E department if you decide to do that?

LR x

Original poster
shelleylou · 29/04/2008 20:35

Thanks HCTG. I didnt know there was another form of diabetes. I want a blood test doing anyway, incase it doesnt show up as its early stages.

There is a A&E department at the local hospital luckily its in the same town as i live. Although it is a 45 minute walk. I really need to learn to drive. Thanks for that offer LRx

OP posts:
paddyclamp · 29/04/2008 22:05

Where do you live shelley?

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