Hi everyone. My name is Alexia and I live in Jamaica. There are monumental moments in your life the day you are born, the day you die and your “Why”. Being diagnosed and using my voice to inspire and educate is part of my “Why”. Fifteen years ago I sat in the Doctor's office greeted by the receptionist with a paragraph on juvenile diabetes. The day before I called the doctor and asked him what my results were, he hesitated. I asked the question again “ Am I diabetic ?” he regained his composure and said “Yes”. I sat in my bus seat and cried knowing that in that instance my life would never be the same.
The month preceding was a whirlwind going to the Diabetes Association of Jamaica learning in forty-five minutes about, what to eat, injection sites and the National Health Fund that would cover the cost of medication. This was followed by meeting a new General Practitioner who had more experience with Diabetes who gave me my first injection. Before I received insulin my first blood sugar reading was 23. That would put most in a coma. The years following was a period of discovery, managing work, school and blood sugars. Hustling to pay for medication and my education. Whilst fielding questions/statements such as :
1. You don’t look like you have sugar (diabetes)?
2. Do you inject in your vein?
3. Is the bad one you have? Referring to Type 1
4. Drink some cinnamon tea that will cure it.
I realize me being open about having a chronic illness isn't a cultural norm. As Jamaicans you don't openly discuss being unwell. However, that is changing. I share my experience so that other Caribbean T1Ds don't feel alone.
Yes, it’s hard. Damn, I have days my blood sugars are a roller coaster ride. My bffs ride or die are Lantus and Apidra insulin Pens. Dexcom isn't available here.
2017 was a crazy year I fractured my ankle and had a lengthy hospital stay. Four months and twelve days to be exact. That year taught me a lesson you are your biggest Advocate. I required surgery. Upon going to my pre-surgery appointment I asked the medical officer “Will an Endocrinologist be a part of my medical team? She said “No”. I repeated the question. She hesitated. I informed her a Specialist is crucial to ensure that any adjustments made to my insulin regime won’t adversely affect me. Fast forward after surgery I developed an infection. My blood sugars were not as controlled after surgery as before. Can you believe a Senior Resident spoke to the Orthopedic Consultant as if I was non-existent stating the reasons why I needed to change my insulin. Really, you did a semester on Diabetes. This is my life. My Endocrinologist recommended this treatment and it works amazing with my overall management. I researched to show the Consultant why it was important that I stay on my current regime. Discussed with him why the reactive approach to high blood sugars doesn't work?
Whilst, I respect doctors opinions and advice. I’m an educated patient and I should play a role in my management. It's impacting my life. My voice, opinion and management should not be dismissed.
My pharmacy asked me to speak on living with Diabetes. I gladly wore my shirt “ Type Wonderful”. We need to educate others and impact in a way the health system cannot. This is manageable. It is doable. You bend to accommodate the rising cost of medication due to the fx rate USD $147 to $1.00 and the cost of living.
Life happens, diabetes is never easy. Will it ever be? I don't think so. However I have a duty to use my voice to highlight the issues faced by diabetics in Jamaica especially , Type 1s. The two major insurance companies will not issue a individual health card to someone with Type 1. It doesn’t matter how controlled you are. A health card is only offered when it is group health. Imagine something that could greatly improve your quality of life being inaccessible. Imagine wanting to apply for critical illness insurance that covers over twenty (20) diseases but wont receive it because your Type 1. The National Health Fund covers some of our medical expenses however that’s not enough. Our medical expenses can be exorbitant. Visiting the Endocrinologist, Ophthalmologist and Dentist. Lab Tests, Insulin, Needles and test strips to name a few. Imagine this being your life everyday from your diagnosis. Waking up, taking insulin not by choice but by necessity. Injecting yourself three or four times throughout the day to SURVIVE. Having to delay your hopes and dreams because most of your resources are going towards medication. Life happens whether it be trying to manage a budget, balancing the stresses of everyday life and blood sugars. My mantra is “Bend don’t Break”. I have diabetes, it's the running theme throughout my life story. However, it is not what defines me. I am Alexia.
