TROY's Story
Troy was in the prime of his life at 25 years of age. He lived life true to himself, completely at home in his own skin,completely happy just being himself. But on the 27th September, 2014, he died suddenly from sudden onset Type 1 Diabetes leading to Diabetic Ketoacidosis [DKA] It is a day that is etched in my memory and the grief of losing him is with me every minute of every day. His sisters lost a wonderful, loving brother and friend, and people who knew him lost a best friend too. Troy's infectious nature brought love and laughter into our lives. His calmness enveloped you in times of worry or stress. His easy going and gentle nature warmed your soul. He taught us how the simple pleasures in life are the ones we should treasure. LIFE'S LIKE A RIVER, GO WITH THE FLOW was his motto. The week before Troy lost his life he felt unwell and took himself to the Dr. He was diagnosed with an infected throat and given antobiotics. The days that followed, Troy was working away from home so I was unaware if he was improving or experiencing any other symptoms. He certainly didn't mention to any work mates or to the friends he was staying with that he felt unwell. That week he was working in a job he loved and he apparently found out at the end of the week that a permanent position was coming his way. On the Friday night he went out with work colleagues to celebrate and later went to bed that night full of joy. He woke early the next day at 6am apparently feeling quite unwell. His friend heard him in the bathroom and asked him if he was ok as it sounded like he was vomiting. Troy responded that he would be alright so his friend went back to bed. When his friend woke he noticed that the bathroom door was still closed. He called out to Troy but there was no response. He mananged to look through a window and saw Troy's slumped body blocking the door. He called 000, managed to gain access to the bathroom and started CPR. Troy was pronounced dead at the hospital when taken by ambulance. It was not till 7 months later that we received the Post Mortom report. Troy died from DKA.Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Troy had never been diagnosed as Diabetic.He did not exhibit any of the more common symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes, like weight loss or excesive thirst, leading up to this tragedy.However, he did have flu like symptoms the week before. This actually can be a sign of Diabetes and in fact DKA can be the first presentation of Diabetes Mellitus/ Type 1 Diabetes. DKA can be the first symptom for people with unknown Diabetes, they therefore, are more at risk because the symptoms can mimic many illnesses. Unless diagnosed one can die very quickly and this is what happened to our dear boy. The fight now is stop this from happening to others and unfortunately it is becoming far too frequent.It is vital to promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of DKA.
