Support Groups

[Carrie]

Would you recommend going to one if it was available near you? Why or why not? I've had a couple days lately that diabetes has gotten to me (lack of sleep, thinking about BG numbers, etc.) On one hand, I think it would be nice to have people to talk with who have been there done this, or maybe some that are as new to it as we are. But then on the other hand, I wonder if it would turn into a bunch of people sitting in a mud puddle together. :rolleyes: Interested to see what your opinions are.

[Lindy]

I view the forum as a support group and have learned very valuable information here! We have started a local support group and while not everyone is "like me" - it's been great to share and hear stories about the local school, different pump stories, see the kids pumps - and the kids LOVE being around eachother. I have seen the kids take some actual pride in being more open about D... Yep - I think support groups are great for your heart, soul and body!

[munsonklein]

As Lindy said, the kids get a lot from knowing other kids going through the same thing. I also get a lift every month when I see all of those happy, healthy kids with their pumps. This forum is great, but it can't give me that!
Cathy

[Carrie]

Thanks for your responses! Don't get me wrong...I love this board and the fact that I can post at any time of the day or night and there will probably be someone on here. I should of added that I was talking to a guy yesterday that was giving me some information about the JDRF walk. His daughter has Type 1. We live in not to big of a town and there is support group that meets about an hour away. He made the comment that someone from the local hospital had approached him about getting a support group going for parents with children with Type 1 (I guess there are 15 students from K-12th grade that have Type 1 diabetes!!!). He said he didn't think it was necessary because, "well...like this. We have numbers of people that we can call if we want to talk." :rolleyes: Well...if you're not the type of person (me!) that feels comfortable picking up the phone and calling someone when you're struggling, what do you do? Maybe it would be nice to sit and see faces of parents who are facing some of the same struggles that you are. And, like you said, what an encouragement to your kids to see other kids just like them. He threw the lady's name out there, and I thought about giving her a call to see what ideas she was thinking of. I would hate to have them make a decision based upon one person's opinion.

[wilf]

we're just working to get a support group going here, so my answer is YES!

[Mama2H]

I was lost before I started meeting with our little support group (waves at Lanae and Deb :D ) I love CWD but there is really nothing like sitting face to face with those parents and kids and they get to feel truly normal for a little while! CWD is my place for help, research and questions. The support group is for my heart and soul :cwds:

[Abby-Dabby-Doo]

Our support group is wonderful, I love it that the other parents "get it". I have friends that are the best, but I have no other way of saying it, they just don't understand.
First and foremost, Abby loves it. Really in the end, that's what is MORE important to me. I really feel she can sense normalcy. Sad to say, but true. Everyone is counting carbs, bolusing, questioning numbers, checking blood sugars, and so on. No stares, comments, questions, goofy looks, they're all doing the same thing. I don't worry that while I'm actually engrossed in something else that the other kids she's playing with won't catch an odd behavior or somethings not right- the other kids all get it and look out for one another.
We're a small support group, but have HUGE hearts!
I would give it a chance, if anything, strictly for your child's sake.

[Tori's Mom]

Oops, time for me to chime in!! Our group is great!! I ditto Lanae and Nicole--our members are SO supportive and helpful. There is not one person in our group I would not feel like I could call at 3 a.m. for help or just a shoulder if I truly needed it--and they would be there and happy to help.
THAT is priceless!!!

[Adinsmom]

Thanks for your responses! Don't get me wrong...I love this board and the fact that I can post at any time of the day or night and there will probably be someone on here. I should of added that I was talking to a guy yesterday that was giving me some information about the JDRF walk. His daughter has Type 1. We live in not to big of a town and there is support group that meets about an hour away. He made the comment that someone from the local hospital had approached him about getting a support group going for parents with children with Type 1 (I guess there are 15 students from K-12th grade that have Type 1 diabetes!!!). He said he didn't think it was necessary because, "well...like this. We have numbers of people that we can call if we want to talk." :rolleyes: Well...if you're not the type of person (me!) that feels comfortable picking up the phone and calling someone when you're struggling, what do you do? Maybe it would be nice to sit and see faces of parents who are facing some of the same struggles that you are. And, like you said, what an encouragement to your kids to see other kids just like them. He threw the lady's name out there, and I thought about giving her a call to see what ideas she was thinking of. I would hate to have them make a decision based upon one person's opinion.


Give her a call. :D I would love a local support group. I would jump at a chance to meet other parents and Adin meet other kids dealing with D from our community. I have thought about starting a group up here and being more proactive but haven't. If you call your lead, I will call mine and we can pm each other and brainstorm ideas.

[Ellen]

I've been attending diabetes support groups for 18 years - since my son's diagnosis. I've also attended family camps, CWD FFL conferences, World of Hope conferences put on by the DRIF, and chatting at CWD chat rooms. At each one, making connections with others raising children with diabetes, or meeting people living with diabetes, has enhanced my life. Support groups are valuable.

[wilf]

I have to say that I am very impressed with the support being provided through the forums on the CWD site - can't believe it took us so long to find you all..

But I have to echo others' comments and say that nothing can replace the experience of meeting others. We were at a family camp at Camp Huronda (a camp in this part of Canada for children with diabetes) this summer, and all of us - parents and kids - had a marvellous experience. Next year our daughter will be going to the camp for 2 weeks. Nothing like being with others who know and share what you're dealing with, in a fun and supportive and healthy outdoor environment..

[bonhamx4]

I like the advice given here on this forum, however my wife hardly uses it and I wish there was a support group in our town. The closest is 1 1/2 hours away. So, I guess if nobody minds if I ask if there is anybody here in the Olympia/Lacey area interested in getting together for a group? Let me know.


Rich