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Jane Mapfungautsi (54) lives in Kanye, Botswana. She is a single mother of three, Rungano, Rutendo and Ashley.

I have had Type 1 diabetes for 44 years; it has been a long journey with its many ups and downs; hypo attacks; hyperglycaemia; hospitalisation; doctors’ visits; diet adjustments; insulin shots and so the list is endless.

I always assumed that my glucose levels were well managed, but it was the contrary. Early last year, I was watching television and all of a sudden, I got like an electric shock in my right arm and chest. The pain was so sharp and intense. I thought I was having a heart-attack.

Debilitating pain in arm

The next day, I woke up with a swollen arm. I couldn’t lift my arm; it was extremely painful and felt heavy, and every single movement would make me belch.

After consultation with my local GP, a number of blood tests were run which showed that I had a bacterial infection in my ulcers. They also said I had a burst vein. I was prescribed a range of antibiotics and painkillers and started physiotherapy to help me with my arm. The ultrasound and any movement would make me scream in pain and I was belching all the time.

For the next four months, I was still in pain. I couldn’t lie down to sleep, especially on my right side. Any movement of my right arm (elbow, shoulder, wrist, fingers) would make me belch and that isn’t a pleasant sound at all.

I couldn’t write on the board (I’m a teacher), stir while cooking, or stretch my arm to close the car door. Using the bathroom was a task and a half.

I would lie down to sleep for a few minutes then a piercing pain from my shoulder down to the fingertips would start so I would fall asleep whilst sitting, surrounded by pillows. Most nights I would be crying in pain. I would have numerous hypo attacks and my blood pressure was often high because of the pain. Plus, I lost a lot of weight.

Re-diagnosed

I had prescription after prescription of heavy painkillers. The issue of a burst vein was ruled out after I had a Doppler scan done. An imaging test, called a barium swallow test, showed what I already knew that I had an irritable bowel system.

I lamented my issue to a friend of mine who is a doctor studying in the U.K. After consulting her colleagues, she advised that it could be peripheral neuropathy, and now the phrenic nerve which is connected to the upper diaphragm was making me belch whenever disturbed.

At the same time, I was referred to another specialist physician and I had MRI of the upper abdomen and spine. It reflected nothing much. However, this specialist also said it was peripheral neuropathy.

He explained how peripheral neuropathy damaged the nerves (in my right arm) caused by long-term poor management of blood glucose levels.

Pain dates back to 22 years ago

He reviewed my diabetes history. I had always had this pain in my right hand since 2002; back then I was prescribed carbamazepine (an anti-convulsant) to be taken once every day, together with paracetamol when the pain was intense. In 2018, it was changed to gabapentin, taken together with paracetamol and vitamin B Complex.

I also realised that in winter, sleeping with my gloves on and holding a hot-water bottle helped. This is what I still do, especially when it’s cold.

So last year, following my so-called heart attack, the specialist clearly explained to me the extent of the damage to the nerves in my right arm. I learnt that other diabetic patients suffer pain in their legs.

Pain management

As nerves can’t be repaired, all he could do was help me manage the pain. Instead of prescribing the next line of nerve-blockers, he increased my daily dosage of gabapentin, to be taken together with a painkiller, celecoxib (an anti-inflammatory), paracetamol and amitriptyline to help me sleep.

Because some of these meds are addictive and can harm organs, I have managed with the help of my physician and pharmacist to cut out the pain killer and take amitriptyline only when necessary.

Every three months, my liver and kidney function are checked, together with the other routine blood tests.

It’s encouraged to exercise the arm (watering garden with a bucket; dipping the hand in warm water with a stress ball; cooking; sweeping and mopping floors).

These days, I feel pain in cold weather or when I have overworked the arm which makes the hand swell up. I also have to rest enough, eat well and watch my blood glucose levels. In winter, I need to keep extra warm.

Grateful to healthcare team

The greatest lesson I have learnt is that poorly-managed glucose levels can damage eyes, kidneys, nerves and even cause death. We as people with diabetes need to be very careful.

My deepest gratitude goes to the team of doctors and nurses who always go out of their way to help me stay on my feet. My children are my greatest support team.

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Lorraine Makohliso (32) lives in Bothasig, Cape Town with her two sons, aged 13 and nine.

Diagnosis

In October 2021, just three months after celebrating my 30^th birthday, I received a life-altering diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes. Prior to the diagnosis, I had experienced significant weight loss, attributing it to stress and challenges in my life. It was only during a medical consultation triggered by an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine that my elevated glucose levels, measured at 23.0, were revealed. This critical discovery led to my immediate hospitalisation.

The moment the doctor confirmed my diabetes diagnosis was the scariest day of my life. A wave of dizziness and shock hit me, and the thought of not being there for my children was overwhelming; my world revolves around their well-being and happiness. I vividly recall clutching the doctor, seeking reassurance amid tears, and his comforting words that it would be okay.

Initially, I struggled with self-pity and anger. Being diagnosed with diabetes at such a young age challenged my love for cooking and baking, which had always been my sanctuary.

Resistance turns into a good transition

The transition to insulin, specifically long-acting insulin glargine, gliclazide, and metformin, was met with resistance due to my aversion to injections. However, as time passed, and I adopted a healthier lifestyle, the positive changes were undeniable. I regained lost weight, my overall well-being improved, and hope was restored.

Despite the initial challenges, being on insulin became a turning point in my journey. Regular exercise, including gym sessions four times a week and jogging with a friend in the evenings, became integral to managing my condition. Engaging in activities like walking on the treadmill, attending aerobic classes, or cycling based on my body’s signals significantly contributed to stabilising my glucose levels.

My sons were also both scared and didn’t know how to handle my diagnosis. But as I accepted it and learned more about my condition I thought of them as well which helped them be more at ease more. Now they take care of their health as well and are mindful of what they put in their bodies which is great. They check their readings once in a while. I love how supportive they are.

Supports groups made the biggest impact

Joining various diabetic support groups and information hubs, like Diabetes South African Facebook page, provided me with a sense of community and understanding.

However, it was the Diabetes Warriors WhatsApp Support Group that became a lifeline. The insights gained from fellow members, ranging from monitoring readings to identifying triggers, proved invaluable. Through this group, I discovered affordable meal ideas and learned about the nuances of living with diabetes. The camaraderie and support offered by this community have been transformative, eradicating any sense of isolation.

Embracing my different lifestyle

Today, I approach life with diabetes not as a life sentence but as an opportunity to embrace a different lifestyle. My fellow support group members have become my extended family, a source of unconditional love and kindness. Their constant support and willingness to share knowledge have made this journey more manageable, proving that life with diabetes can be rich, fulfilling, and filled with hope.

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Nosisana Mankayi (61) lives in Cotswold, Port Elizabeth. She is married with two adult daughters.

When Nosisana was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2016, the news wasn’t too overwhelming as both her parents had diabetes and they both lived good healthy lives with the condition. So, Nosisana felt confident that if she managed it well like her parents, she would also live a good long life.

However, she admits that there are days that she does find herself stressing about her condition.

She was prescribed chlorpropamide which was working well up until the end of last year and so another medication was added. Nosisana will go for her check-up in the next few months to see if the added medication is working well.

For exercise, the 61-year-old teacher walks on the weekends and during school holidays. She says she doesn’t have a specific eating plan but does try and eat healthy.

She adds that she is open with her Grade 10 – 12 learners about her diabetes and will openly talk about it with people.

Nosisana is grateful to her friend Pamela Molefe for introducing her to DSA Port Elizabeth support group as she has gained much knowledge about diabetes with helpful info and tips to  manage her condition.

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