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checklist of stuff to do...
within the first month after diagnosis
- Find out who you can call in an emergency. Your endocrinologist
or diabetes educator might give you their mobile number if they're very kind
and generous. Most major public hospitals will have an endocrinologist on
call, so you could call and ask for them to be paged. In a serious emergency,
call an ambulance. But whatever it is, make sure you have a number in your
wallet or programmed into your mobile phone because you can guarantee it will
be 3am on a Sunday when you have an urgent dilemma!
- Notify the Road Traffic Authority in your state or territory (VicRoads
in Victoria, RTA in NSW etc.) and
get your GP or any doctor to fill in a medical form which they will send you. Essentially what they're
looking for is that you haven't had a bad hypo (low blood sugar) recently
and you get heaps of warning symptoms when one's coming along - so the doctor
basically needs to write 'no hypoglycaemia unawareness' in the comments section.
You'll have to do this about every 2 years or whenever they send you the form. More info on how this works in your state at <www.realitycheck.org.au/starterkit>
- Notify your employer. Although by law you do not have to
disclose medical conditions in a job application or interview, you may be
required to inform your employer of any prescribed medication that you must
take. Insulin makes it pretty clear to your employer that you have diabetes.
- Get yourself a medical alert talisman (bracelet/necklace)
ID by calling MedicAlert 1800 882 222. If this totally freaks you out, there
are a couple of other options. (Though a well known bracelet like Medicalert
is the most easily recognisable symbol if you get into trouble). Engrave a
piece of jewellery you wear all the time with something like 'Diabetes on
Insulin'. Carry a card in your wallet. At the very least, this is the kind
of thing that relaxes our stressed-out mums!
- Join the Ambulance Service in your state. Everyone should
do it but now you're just a teeny bit more likely to need it so save yourself
the stress and join up.
Also you might be covered for emergency ambulance service under your Private
Health Insurance, check with them.
- Work out what sort of hypo supplies work best for you. Some
useful places to have some sort of sugar available:
> Glove box of car;
> In your handbag/backpack, or back pocket if going out;
> Desk drawer or locker at work;
> School locker or pencil case;
> Beside your bed;
> At your boyfriend/girlfriend/best mate's house.
Don't worry - You are not going to use all these supplies in the first week,
it's just that you can generally guarantee that a 'hypo' (especially your
first) will take you by surprise and happen when you least expect it.
- NDSS - Join the National Diabetes Services Scheme to obtain
your blood glucose and ketone testing strips and needles at the cheapest prices
around - it's subsidised by the Federal Government and free to register. Your diabetes educator should have forms to do this or call 1300 136 588. To
find your closest NDSS outlet, log onto <www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/ndss >.
You can also mail order by phone 1300
136 588.
- Find and befriend your local chemist. Beware that insulin
always takes 24 hours to order in. Once they know you, they should let you
phone ahead instead of going in with the script and then having to go back
the next day.
- Health Care Card. Your eligibility doesn't change because
you have diabetes but if you are 16 or over, and earn less than $18,512 (single,
no kids) yourself (parents' income doesn't matter) you will be eligible. You
will get discounts on insulin and other supplies that you are entitled to.
Contact Centrelink for more info.
- Are you going to be sitting exams this year? If so make
contact with the appropriate person at your education institution and inquire
about 'Special Conditions' such as being allowed to take in food, for your
exam. You should be entitled to these so organise it now as it's the last
thing you want to be worrying about in the lead-up to the exams.
- Blood Glucose meter. Find one that works for you! (Note:
a search on the Internet is likely to also showcase monitors that are only
available in the US and Europe). This thing is going to have to go EVERYWHERE
with you so choose one that you reckon is easy to use and not too ugly. Hopefully
you'll be able to get a freebie from your diabetes educator, but if not, Diabetes
Australia shops (or Diabetes Australia website) are generally
cheaper than your local chemist. See enclosed sheet for reviews of current blood glucose monitors. <
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