Feel Terrible For My Sister

[sherrardk]

I'm rarely in contact with my sister and I haven't seen her for years but today I feel awful for her. Her 12/13 year old daughter was diagnosed with type one diabetes about six months ago and she decided the best way to 'cure it' was to stop eating. She's been in a local hospital for the past month in Stoke and yesterday my sister and her husband had to take her to London to a specialist eating unit. They can speak to her every day and they are visiting every weekend. She will be there for months. I've made it clear to my sister that I'm here if she wants to chat but there's nothing of a practical nature I can do. I can't imagine being in her position, heartbreaking.

[bednobs]

is that your twin?
i feel terrible for my cousin today. Her 13 year old daughter's leukaemia came back despite a bone marrow transplant, and there's no more treatment. It's horrible to feel so helpless isnt it?

[sherrardk]

That's awful, so sad. Yes it is my twin.

[mikey4444]

Fingers crossed for your niece Sherrardk.

[Old_Geezer]

My sympathy.
You can only make yourself available to listen. Let the professionals solve the eating issue.

[jennyjoan]

I had twin brothers who simply adored each other but you wouldn't have believed it as they called each other all the names of the day - incredible. But you knew it was their terms of endearments. Whatever you can do try and have a relationship with her particularly at this very difficult time.

[Mamyalynne]

You're both so right, it's the being helpless that's hard - if you can help practically you feel more in charge.

I wish strength to both families.x

[sherrardk]

We're not at all close, can go years with no contact, but when the *** hits the fan we both have a knack of stepping up. The thought of having to leave her daughter so far away, not to mention the worry of her health problems - and I was stressing earlier about a messed up Toys R Us order.

[marval]

This is sad, but all you can do is let your sister know that you are there for her. I hope that all goes well for your niece.

[anneasquith]

Hard work ahead for your niece and family sher, but in time she will recover .so sad for your cousin and family bednobs, best wishes to you both.

[sherrardk]

Thanks all - on the plus side my sister is a hospital matron so her head knows that her daughter is in the right place, it's her heart that's broken.

[Islay]

Eating disorders are horrible sherrardk, you get a thought in your head and it makes perfect sense to you despite what anyone says to you. The more people say you are wrong the more convinced that you are right.
I hope that she is able to get the help she needs as it’s not that easy to ‘recover’ from xx

[sherrardk]

My sister must be broken, I can't even begin to imagine how she is coping with having he daughter in hospital in London when she is in Stoke plus the medical issues. I will keep in touch with her and I've asked her eldest daughter (24) to let me know if she's having a particularly tough day

[anneasquith]

Your sister will appreciate your concern and , times like this you have that bond .

[queenofmean]

Sherr, I’ve been that diabetic not eating and not taking my insulin. If I can be of any help please don’t hesitate to ask.
I know how terrible you all feel and I know what your niece is going through.

Thinking of you all x

[sherrardk]

Thank you QofM - I can't get the image of the scrawny Lady being on her own with my sister going out of her mind. I know my sister is made of strong stuff but my niece (who I don't know) is just a little girl.

[queenofmean]

I understand. The condition is called Diabulimia - I don’t know if research will help, but it’s worth maybe mentioning.
Diabetes is cruel enough but to be diagnosed when your are a teen is harder still.
She’s in the best place though and hopefully they can help.
I was diabetic for 13 years before I hit troubled times which ran on for 7 years, but I hope they have caught it soon enough that she can be helped.
Just do what you can and support where you can. If I can help at all just fire up a thread x