Stacey's Journey: Type 1 Diabetes, Addiction, and Finding Peace

Navigating Type 1 Diabetes and Family Loss

• 💡 Stacey has lived with Type 1 diabetes for nearly 30 years, diagnosed at age nine.
• 💔 Her older sister, also diagnosed with Type 1, passed away at age 30 due to complications, a loss that deeply impacted Stacey.
• 😔 Her mother passed away at 46 from complications after surgery for Moya Moya disease, adding to family tragedy.
• ⚠️ Stacey initially believed she would die young, influenced by early medical predictions and family history, but now celebrates her survival past 30.

Overcoming Addiction and Mental Health Challenges

• 🍺 Stacey battled alcoholism, attending AA and abstaining from alcohol for nearly 16 years.
• 🌿 She currently uses weed daily and has explored psychedelics like mushrooms for spiritual and recreational purposes.
• 🧠 She manages anxiety and depression with a carefully balanced medication regimen, finding relief and stability.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Growing up, Stacey witnessed her mother's alcoholism and her brother's heroin addiction, experiencing a family environment marked by substance abuse.

Finding a Fulfilling Life and Managing Health

• 🐈 Stacey has built a successful career as a professional cat sitter, enjoying the flexibility and independence it offers.
• 🩺 She manages Type 1 diabetes with an Omnipod 5 insulin pump and a Dexcom G7 CGM, though she notes challenges with gastroparesis affecting meal management.
• 💡 She credits mushrooms with providing a sense of comfort and the belief that