Tough Two Weeks

[CAFeathers]

Well the past two weeks have been a little tougher on me than normal. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. It was not unexpected or a complete shock, Diabetes runs in my family and I have been expecting and testing yearly for it for about 10 years.
So far it is testing 3 times a day, watching what I eat/drink, and taking my new meds (pills not injection). But there have been a few minor incidents that have caught me slightly off guard and sent either myself or my wife scampering off to get a candybar or some other kind of sugar to get my sugar levels up just a little because they had dropped too far.
I'm hoping all of this levels out out quick, the up and down is absolute havoc on how I feel and act.

[ZacAttack]

My heart goes out to you man. I grew up seeing first hand what diabetes can do. My grandparents did most of the job of raising me when I was young, and my grandfather had what was called back then brittle diabetes. Basicly it meant that he had it as bad and as unpredictable as it gets. But as bad as it was he had a grip on it. With a good diet and testing 3 or 4 times a day and injections 2 or 3 times a day he was able to live an active and long life, rest his soul.

Hang in there man, listen to the doctors, wear somekind of ID that lets others know you have daibetes in case of emergency, and know that the people closest to you will have your back if you let them know how to help if need be.

God bless ya, and hang tight bro.
Zac

[CAFeathers]

Thanks Zac.

I have a 70+ year old Uncle who has Type I Diabetes which I am assuming what the Brittle Diabetes you are talking about is.
Getting adjusted into a new lifestyle is what is so hard. I'm sure I can do it, it is just going to take some time to get used to it. I always listen to my Dr. and give feedback when something is not quite right or is working perfect so that we can work together on my health.

[Steelpriest]

Hi Chet, I absolutely second what Zac mentions, and as well my heart goes out to you. I was diagnosed with diabetes II a while ago, too. I must say it was a nice shock for me. It was only a slight diabetes in an early state, but I had to keep a diet. No pills, no injections, but I was very well aware what diabetes could do. I lived with this diet for about 1 and 1/2 year and I was really worried about the future. Then all at once my old doctor retired and I had to look for a new doctor after having been with my old doctor since my childhood days. Well, the new doctor I found is also a specialist for diabetes. Guess what he found out. My old doctor, meanwhile an old lady, made a mistake. I and also my new doctor have no clue what she diagnosed, but I have no diabetes. He is a specialist and examined me three times, also has a laboratory of his own and is not in need to send blood away to another laboratory. He can do everything at his house and all my blood tests were okay. Well, I am too fat, too much high living, too much beer, etc. He gave me some advice and told me to shape up, but believe me, I was very happy hearing I don´t have diabetes. If you use to go to a medical practitioner as a family doctor I suggest to hear at least a specialist. If the diagnosis then is again the same, follow all the instructions you are given. One can live with diabetes, but one must have a certain self discipline concerning medications and diets. But in any case I have an eye on my health concerning this affair and test at least every three months.

[CAFeathers]

Thanks Steelpriest.

I have already been talking with my wife about finding a Diabetes Dr. instead of just using our family Dr.
My Bloodtest levels were not extremely high, but seemed to fall in the low end of the high level (I was at about 190, with 75 - 140 being the safe zone). I am quite overweight and need to excersize more.

[Ol Geezer]

CAFeathers said:

I am quite overweight and need to excersize more.

Chet, start immediately (under a doctor's care) -- don't wait! Examine your diet as well.

I woke up in a hospital about 50 pounds lighter after being comatose for three weeks following a stroke -- I don't recommend that method!

[Steelpriest]

Oha, I guess I should heed Ol'Geezer´s words, too! Oh boys... nothing but health troubles once you left your 30´s almost behind!

[ExCaptain]

Good Luck My Friend,
You'll get used to the new diet. It's just a matter of time. My father had something similar but without the 3 tests a day. He was a borderline diabetic and had to watch his diet and take meds and it was hard at first for him but it worked after a while. (he passed away a few years ago NOT from diabeties, it was a botched surgical procedure for something else.) From what I remember he had a good handle on his diabeties and the doctor stated what he was doing was actually brining down his sugar levels naturally. I myself am worried and have my blood tested every year and I actually brought my glucose level down from 102 to 80 in one year from changing my diet and exercise. (treadmill--30 min, 4x a week) I hope everything works for you and keep gracing us with your presence on this site for many, many years to come!

Good Luck and take care,
John

[JoMan]

Well, all the best to you, Chet!

DM II is really not so bad if you do your diet. Do you have to take pills and/or injections? Or is it just diet for now? 190 should be OK for now and I'd expect it to go down once you get started with your diet, or am I wrong here?

Anyway, just hang in there, you'll do fine!

[CAFeathers]

Thanks Guys, I really do appreciate it.

My weight: In Dec. 2000 I was injured at work and had to quit going to the gym. I had been going to the gym 6 days a week for about 8 years. My weight was 250 with about 8 -10% bodyfat. (6-7% is average for most pro athletes), so I had a head start on being heavy. Being in-active (had to because of the pending lawsuit) and having a giant appetite (used to eating a lot to bulk up) gaining the additional 65 pounds I have on now was very easy. ;D
Now I just have to get myself used to doing excersize again. I have a weight station on my porch and several other machines in my house. But still have to work around the injuries which are permanent.
Knowing what to eat and when to eat it is not a problem, I was studying to become a personal trainer at one time, so I have knowledge of nutrition and sports medicine. I just have to remember it all and use it on myself. Knowing and doing are two different things.
My readings at present with the Oral Medication are with the the 75 - 140 range most of the time, I have spiked high or low a few times. That is the hard part, one bite of something wrong can send you spiking your levels high or low.

Right now just getting the right meds and getting them to level out, and getting my diet on the right track have been interesting. I feel like crap most of the time even when my sugar levels are in check. Patience has not been one of my strong points.

All will work out I'm sure, it's just getting to that point.

Thanks again for all the encouragement.

[exyearrboy]

The difficulty in working oneself back to a good metabolism and healthy workout habits is definitely the motivation. I'm at least blessed with youth so if I kick myself I can usually get myself back to decent shape rather quickly. You at least have the benefit of the knowledge from your history, many people who fall into that situation lack that basic (but oh so important) piece of the puzzle.

Two years ago my dad was about 5'8 230 pounds of poorly proportioned fat, and as he was hypoglycemic the diet the doctor had him on for that was just magnifying the problems he was having with his weight. He went to his doctor and came back with the news that he was borderline diabetic and that "I'm a fat pig and I'm going to die" (which is the actual quote he gave, I'm sure his doctor put it much more lightly). Until that point he didn't care too much either way, but I think that kicked him into gear about the whole thing, and until a few weeks ago (he had shoulder surgery which has him immobile for about a month or so, he's been doing sheet metal and welding work for about 25 years) he was about as healthy and fit as I am. I suppose my advice to you is to sweat it (literally), we definitely want to keep you healthy and posting, so here's all my best.
Ty

[lostguitarman13]

Chet, I'm so sorry to hear about your medical, but, there is hope, and the most importanat thing is to follow the Dr's orders and take it one day at a time, each day brings new hope, that is from experience, count the blessings you have with you, your wife and family, take it easy and God Bless - Jim

[Steelpriest]

Ironically my blood sugar parameters made a slip as well again unexpectedly. This was the news this morning. I still do not need to take pills or injections but my doctor who is a specialist for diabetes invited me to take part in his diabetes group in order to get used to certain practics concerning nutrition and balanced diets. *sigh* But at least I have a keen and dedicated doctor...

[jeje]

Hmm, I really don't know what to say Hope everything turns out allright, though, one way or the other

[CAFeathers]

UPDATE!!!!!!


After 2 weeks we have already lowered the amount of meds I am taking. Dr. took another blood sample last week and I have another Dr. visit on Wednesday to see how I am doing.

I have lost 5 pounds!!!!!

With careful portion control I am still able to eat some of the foods I have loved for years and keep my blood sugars under control.