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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 17:40:22
In reply to Re: Well, now I'm upset » Dinah, posted by judy1 on April 30, 2003, at 15:44:10
I kind of hinted to my internist that I wasn't too happy about that diagnosis, and hinted again that it might be able to be controlled by changes in diet and losing weight.
While she was sympathetic, she didn't say anything about the label being removed. Just that I could control the diabetes. Sigh.
It's funny that of all the possible things to worry about, really my only major concern is putting my family's finances in jeopardy.
But I'm feeling calmer now. I spoke to my diabetic boss who is not on a group plan, and he reassured me that even if my husband is ever in a job without group coverage, that it *is* possible to get insurance, albeit at a higher rate. Which is the opposite of what my parents told me, but I think I'll trust the guy who's actually been in the situation and gotten the insurance. With my major fear assuaged, I feel much better.
They did two tests. One time I hadn't eaten for probably fifteen hours, and one time probably thirteen hours. I don't really eat much in the evenings anyway. So I guess the results are accurate. Just artificially high from stress and my traditional stress diet. She says if I lose twenty pounds I can probably go off the glucophage, but I have absolutely no idea if I can possibly lose twenty pounds. So many days, my long term survival is measured in hours not years, and getting through the day and meeting my obligations seems almost impossible. Thinking about my long term health isn't high on my list of priorities. I guess I need to change that outlook, but I'm not sure how to do it. Especially since I sometimes struggle with suicidal ideation. I'll have to keep in mind that the most likely result is problems with wounds and vision, not death.
Posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 18:35:39
In reply to Re: Well, now I'm panicking » leeran, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 17:18:00
"(Do you begin to see my problem? I hate healthy stuff.)"
Dinah,
I continue to wonder why we were separated at birth :-)
Yes, not only do I see your problem, I live your problem!
Not enough water, too much junk food, and too much Coke (cola).
Cold turkey from Coca Cola can be hard for me. Headaches, etc. I had to do it with a recent bladder infection that was caused by suspected . . . dehydration (I wasn't drinking ANY water).
Then, I went back to it (I can find any excuse, including "I had a bad day") and now I'm trying to stay off of it.
No wonder it was once considered an addictive beverage:
In 1913, the use of cocaine in "Coca-Cola" became controversial and Coca-Cola put "spent coca leaves" in instead of cocaine.
http://www.srsd.org/search/studentprojects/2001/coke/cchis.html
Dinah, I'm going to be praying that your blood sugar levels come down and you're rediagnosed. According to my mom's morning blood sugar tests she would have definitely been diabetic - but she just found out that the doctor's tests (in the afternoon) showed that her blood sugar count was in the normal range.
Good luck!
Lee
Posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 18:44:45
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 17:40:22
"She says if I lose twenty pounds I can probably go off the glucophage, but I have absolutely no idea if I can possibly lose twenty pounds."
The glucophage might precipitate some weight loss! I found a few links one day when I was looking up androgen overproduction and acne:
"Metformin is a glucose sensitizing medication, and may produce weight loss in insulin resistant or type-2 diabetic patients and women with polycystic ovary syndrome."
Posted by paxvox on April 30, 2003, at 20:08:07
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » Dinah, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 18:44:45
Dinah,
Have you been to see an endocrinologist yet? Your GP or Internist are fine docs, I'm sure, but I would think they are not *specialists* in diabetes or related blood sugar-pancreatic metabolic disorders. I know, you are going to say you are afraid of the cost. But I would say a one-time vist to a specialist would be better than 5 visits to your *regular* docs. As for your weight loss, I don't know what meds you are on, or even what your DX is. I DO know, however, that if you have a depressive illness, that Wellbutrin (unless you are taking Remeron or some SSRI that causes weight gain) will both lift your mood AND make you lose weight. Even if you don't want to as a matter of fact. Granted, I have had some dietary changes (and you probably have guessed I live at a high stress level) but I have lost 40 pounds since July 2000 while on WB. As I say, I really don't know your medical history, but if you haven't had any experience with WB, perhaps you should consider it. Let me know what's up.
PAX
Posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 20:33:25
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » Dinah, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 18:44:45
Oooh, I hope so. I guess giving up those biggie drinks (if I can, and I suppose I must) will get some weight off. But I gained fifty pounds in my first year of Luvox. I haven't added an ounce more than that since. But I haven't lost an ounce either.
But I don't know what will replace those drinks to give me a energy boost when the work load gets heavy. :(
Posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 20:42:49
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone, posted by paxvox on April 30, 2003, at 20:08:07
Thanks Pax. Wellbutrin sent me into a nearly suicidal agitated hypomania. :( Norepinephrine does not agree with me. But I'm not on enough drugs right now to cause weight gain, I don't think. A wee bit of Depakote and my Klonopin.
My parents' internist is also the best endocrinologist in the area. I don't think I'll switch to him entirely, because I prefer a female, but I do think I'll consult once or twice. He's really big on diet (although neither of my parents follow a diet). My husband also wants me to take up my internist's referral to a nutritionist to see if there is any possible way to fit a relatively healthy diet into our schedule and tastes.
My mom has always just eaten whatever she likes and upped her insulin dose. But she's paying for it now with amputated toes and diabetic retinopathy. My dad came to be diabetic late in life, as a result of alchohol related pancreatitis. He too eats about what he wants. He says decent food is his last joy. Course he also always said life ended at forty. A bundle of joy he is. Anyway, I don't really have good role models for living with diabetes. But I suppose I do have good object lessons.
Posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 21:16:56
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » paxvox, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 20:42:49
Dinah,
Okay, I'm tempted to start keeping a list:
"Course he also always said life ended at forty."
My father has said nearly the identical sentence - more than once, including "well, everyone knows I was impotent since I was forty two."
EVERYONE? Not everyone, Dad! I didn't know, and I could have lived the rest of my life without that tidbit of information.
Dinah, I can't get over how many parallels I've found between our life experiences. I'm just hoping your father hasn't bemoaned the passing of his sex life as well, because I'm sure you (or anyone) would have been as uncomfortable as I was standing near the t-ball field hearing that unwelcome twenty year old news (it seems like my parents always wanted to play "true confessions" around that ballfield).
Regarding energy . . . diet Mountain Dew has just about the highest caffeine content of any diet soda. I used to be hooked on it - but I've tried to give up aspartame - plus, Diet Mountain Dew causes breast tenderness for me (of all things!). I miss it.
Lee
Posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 21:33:12
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » Dinah, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 21:16:56
Awww, Lee. Finally our life experiences don't agree. My father never mentioned sex. But my mother wouild frequently complain about their lack of a sex life and her frustration. Leading to an "Ewwwwww, I didn't need to hear that" from me.
Or worse, she would tell me when they did have sex. Argghhh. I was in my late teens or twenties by then though, so I guess she thought she was being a girlfriend. And it wasn't near a t-ball field. But... gross. You're never old enough to hear that your parents had sex.
I'll give the diet Mountain Dew a try. I know it was my friend's favorite drink, but I didn't realize it was because it packed a punch.
Posted by Dreamerz on May 1, 2003, at 6:01:58
In reply to Well, now I'm upset, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 10:16:14
Hi Dinah..Sorry to hear about health problem :-(
Hope things work out.
Posted by daizy on May 1, 2003, at 15:20:12
In reply to Well, now I'm upset, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 10:16:14
> I went right past pre-diabetic into diabetic. In January I was sort of pre-pre-diabetic and now I'm diabetic. I knew I should have put off my appointment. I've just come through a very stressful period at work, and not only was I drinking a lot of cola to rev myself up to get the work done, but also stress itself raises blood sugar levels. I really considered putting the tests off for a month or so.
>
> Now I'm stuck with a condition that will make it very hard and expensive to get insurance. And I feel I've brought trouble to my family because of that. And bringing shame and ruin to my family is my biggest fear.
>
> Stupid stupid me. If I'd have put it off a month, I'll bet my blood sugars would have been within acceptable levels.Hope you are Okay and your sugar levels go back to normal. Take Care xx
Posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:38:21
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 17:40:22
About insurance: things have changed in recent years, so your parents just might not be up to date. The key is not to have a gap in coverage. If for whatever reason, your husband loses his group plan, immediately get COBRA coverage or if there is a state plan for temporary coverage, etc. do it. According to HIPAA, if you have group coverage, and no significant gap in covereage, then when you switch to another plan (group or individual) you cannot be declined coverage based on a preexisting condition. They could charge you more, yes, but you are entitled to coverage. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/hipaa1/content/cons.asp
Posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:42:02
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » Dinah, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 18:44:45
Dinah, I take glucophage. I haven't lost weight spontaneously on it, BUT the combo of glucophage and moderate exercise has great results for me. Of course, I haven't really exercised in months and months (I am supporting the gym with my monthly direct debit donations, though!). But even without exercise, I think my weight has stayed stable rather than gaining, which would have happened without the glucophage.
My dad had transient diabetes for a couple of years but improved diet and exercise has helped a lot for him. At 82, he goes for his workout every Monday through Friday. Much better than his daughter half his age!
Posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:51:39
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » paxvox, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 20:42:49
Going cold turkey off your soft drinks sounds painful. How about something more realistic, like substituting 1 drink per day with plain old water? Do that for a few weeks, then think about subbing one more with water, and so on. Or, if you drink fruity drinks, try cutting the drink with some water, increasing the ratio of water to fruit drink gradually over time. I suppose this second method wouldn't really work with Coke and other sodas, though.
When I was on lithium, I developed these intense cravings for sugary drinks. I became addicted to regular Coke, but also all the sugary ice teas, fruit-ish drinks, etc. The floor on the front passenger side of my car was full of empties, I remember! I drank them all the time, couldn't get enough. Even when I went off the lithium, although the intense cravings went away, I was pretty much hooked on Coke. But I weaned myself off and am back to my old faithful--cold water (bottled). I buy certain bottled waters and not others because they taste different to me.Sometimes I drink juice, but not on a regular basis nowadays.
I, too, need to reduce or cut out sugar intake. It is hard for me to do. But I think I can do it bit by bit, just by being more 'mindful' of habitual sugar intake that isn't necessary--like times when I can do with less or no sugar but just go for it out of habit. This way, I can save the sugar intake for when I really crave it.
Posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:59:03
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone » leeran, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 21:33:12
Yep, Mountain Dew has plenty of caffeine. In fact, in the US, but not Canada, apparently, most Coke and Pepsi sodas have caffiene added--the root bears, the orange sodas, etc. Why? To addict children early in life. There was a great story on this on one of the news magazine shows on TV a couple of years ago. The soda companies say it is because the caffeine is essential to the flavor. But the tv show gave blind taste tests to kids of different ages, using the Canadian marketed, ie, caffeine free versions, versus the US versions, with the caffeine. I probably don't need to tell you the results.
It irks me so much! Who would think orange soda would have caffeine? So, parents are totally unsuspecting, thinking they're choosing non-cola drinks because they don't have caffeine, but alas, they do.
But it may be just what you are looking for (as an adult with full informed consent!).
BTW, aspartame also gives me headaches, so I don't like to drink diet sodas.
Posted by Pfinstegg on May 1, 2003, at 22:44:49
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone, posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:59:03
Hi Dinah..so sorry to hear what has happened. I feel confident that this doesn't necessarily have to be permanent for you, although you will have to do everything you can, prevention-wise.
You mentioned glucophage; I think that's a great idea, providing that you are monitored while taking it. Another thing which might help with weight loss is chromium polynicotinate- it's used a lot in diabetes prevention, too. It helped me a lot in losing the 35 pounds I gained on 8 months of Zyprexa. And of course what one eats is the elephant in the closet- or room. Having an understanding nutritionist who can help you make very gradual, small changes in your diet would be a wonderful support. You absolutely do not need one who is going to expect huge, instant changes.
There are thousands of people who have been able to get their blood sugars back into the normal range, and been able to keep them there. The very best of luck to you, dear. And be sure to keep us informed- we are rooting for you.
Pfinstegg
Posted by Dinah on May 2, 2003, at 1:25:13
In reply to Well, now I'm upset, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 10:16:14
I think I'm on to something. I was doing some research on why my blood sugars are ok in the later afternoon and evening after eating, but are high in the morning.
I have often complained of my early morning wakenings. I shoot out of bed almost precisely at 3am and can get back to sleep by 6am and do my best sleeping after that time.
Wellllll, it's possible that all of that is explained by blood sugar. 3 am is prime time to have a hypoglycemic reaction. That would account for the anxiety. Then the body pumps out glucose into the blood to rebound from the hypoglycemia. This can lead to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. It can also lead to my sleeping much better after 6 am and feeling groggy in the mornings.
I can't believe that it's possible that my continuous problems with early morning wakenings, which I have blamed on my emotional illness, and which I have complained of often to my psychiatrist, may in fact be an easily corrected physical problem. Instead of klonopin, maybe what I need is a late night snack of oatmeal or something.
It'll take a few days for me to check it out, by testing my blood sugar at intervals throughout the night. And tonight I may just be too darn excited to get into whatever sleeping state that causes my blood sugar to drop.
But for those of you who have trouble with waking up anxious in the early mornings, and then being able to get back to sleep later on, it might be worthwhile to check your blood glucose levels.
Posted by Dinah on May 2, 2003, at 8:58:02
In reply to Re: Thanks everyone, posted by noa on May 1, 2003, at 18:59:03
Thanks for the link. When I was at the book store looking for info on diabetes (my solution to everything - read all you can), I did see something about that new law, and I'm really interested in finding out more about it.
I have been trying to switch to diet Coke, but I find bottled drinks too strong (and canned ones undrinkable). Fountain drinks suit me best and fountain diet drinks taste absolutely awful. At the moment my husband feels sorry for me and has given me carte blanche to drink all the Evian I want. I'm going to shamelessly take advantage of that, while also looking around for a less expensive but still drinkable bottled water. Water has got to be some of the bitterest stuff on earth.
Exercise. Oh my. Well, I've been walking my son to baseball practice twice a week. I guess I can figure out other things that fit into my schedule.
Thanks Noa, and I hope you're feeling better.
Posted by WorryGirl on May 2, 2003, at 15:34:59
In reply to Well, now I'm upset, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 10:16:14
> I went right past pre-diabetic into diabetic. In January I was sort of pre-pre-diabetic and now I'm diabetic. I knew I should have put off my appointment. I've just come through a very stressful period at work, and not only was I drinking a lot of cola to rev myself up to get the work done, but also stress itself raises blood sugar levels. I really considered putting the tests off for a month or so.
>
> Now I'm stuck with a condition that will make it very hard and expensive to get insurance. And I feel I've brought trouble to my family because of that. And bringing shame and ruin to my family is my biggest fear.
>
> Stupid stupid me. If I'd have put it off a month, I'll bet my blood sugars would have been within acceptable levels.
Hi Dinah,
You have received some good advice from these posts. I'm sorry you are going through this. Is it true that once diagnosed as a diabetic you are at the point of no return? If you somehow were able to show continuously lower blood sugar levels (through diet, excercise, etc.) would that help? I've heard that eating foods with a lower glycemic index (old fashioned oatmeal, brown rice) helps, along with exercise and omega fatty acids, etc. Cinnamon is supposed to lower blood sugar levels, too. I don't know how severe your diabetes is. Sorry I am of no real help, but I know how frustrated you must feel.
Posted by noa on May 2, 2003, at 17:38:44
In reply to Re: Thanks Noa, posted by Dinah on May 2, 2003, at 8:58:02
I buy water in gallons, by the case (of 6) from the local health food supermarket. It is relatively cheap that way. The entire case of six gallons costs about 4.25. It is the store brand, so the cheapest. But if you didn't like the taste, you could try other brands, and it would still be cheaper to buy water by the case than in liter bottles. I buy the case, keep it in the trunk and then bring in the gallons one by one.
Or, look into the services that deliver the huge 5 or 10 gallon jugs with a dispenser (either a plain ceramic dispenser or one of those that cools it). I don't know but it could be more economical if you are going to need to drink a lot of water for the rest of your life! I have been thinking about looking into the cooler or ceramic dispenser option myself, probably with a 5 gallon jug, as the 10 gallon jugs are a bit unwieldly for me.
Posted by Dinah on May 2, 2003, at 19:54:37
In reply to Re: Thanks Noa--re water » Dinah, posted by noa on May 2, 2003, at 17:38:44
My trouble is that I hate the taste of water. There are only a handful of brands that I don't find bitter and unpleasant, and they're usually the expensive ones without home delivery.
I will probably try the flavored ones, because a little flavoring can go a long way in hiding that water taste. (nose wrinkle)
Posted by Emme on May 4, 2003, at 13:04:04
In reply to Well, now I'm upset, posted by Dinah on April 30, 2003, at 10:16:14
Hi Dinah,
When I had a low blood glucose reading my doctor was concerned my blood sugar might be running chronically low and she ordered a blood test for hemoglobin A1C (I think that was it - trying to remember exactly). This form of hemoglobin binds glucose and the test can give an indication of your average overall blood sugar over the past couple of months (which is how long the red blood cells live). Did you doctor order this test? I'm told it's done to see how well people are managing their diabetes. It might provide you more info to supplement a "snapshot" glucose reading.
Good luck,
Emme> I went right past pre-diabetic into diabetic. In January I was sort of pre-pre-diabetic and now I'm diabetic. I knew I should have put off my appointment. I've just come through a very stressful period at work, and not only was I drinking a lot of cola to rev myself up to get the work done, but also stress itself raises blood sugar levels. I really considered putting the tests off for a month or so.
>
> Now I'm stuck with a condition that will make it very hard and expensive to get insurance. And I feel I've brought trouble to my family because of that. And bringing shame and ruin to my family is my biggest fear.
>
> Stupid stupid me. If I'd have put it off a month, I'll bet my blood sugars would have been within acceptable levels.
Posted by Dinah on May 4, 2003, at 14:06:00
In reply to Re: Well, now I'm upset » Dinah, posted by Emme on May 4, 2003, at 13:04:04
Thanks Emme,
Yes, she did order that test, although I suppose I don't find out the results until I see her next, in a month. In the meantime, I put off taking my Glucophage for a few days to take some blood glucose readings for myself (skeptic that I am) and they've run pretty consistently in the 150's. Sigh. So I started taking the Glucophage and am rather interested to see what effects blood sugar regulation has on my mood.
Did your hemoglobin test confirm your initial reading?
Posted by Emme on May 4, 2003, at 19:16:14
In reply to Re: Well, now I'm upset » Emme, posted by Dinah on May 4, 2003, at 14:06:00
Hi Dinah,
The hemoglobin test came out normal. So we ruled out a chronic low blood sugar problem. Near as I can figure my one low glucose measurement was a fluke related to a very strenuous hiking trip. I've never been sure why, but after that trip I had about a week of extreme physical anxiety symptoms and my internist couldn't find anything wrong except the low glucose number.
Good luck with the glucophage. It'll definitely be interesting to hear what it does to your mood.
Emme
> Thanks Emme,
>
> Yes, she did order that test, although I suppose I don't find out the results until I see her next, in a month. In the meantime, I put off taking my Glucophage for a few days to take some blood glucose readings for myself (skeptic that I am) and they've run pretty consistently in the 150's. Sigh. So I started taking the Glucophage and am rather interested to see what effects blood sugar regulation has on my mood.
>
> Did your hemoglobin test confirm your initial reading?
Posted by Dinah on May 5, 2003, at 3:54:26
In reply to Re: Well, now I'm excited, posted by Dinah on May 2, 2003, at 1:25:13
And that was going to be the upside to this diagnosis. Phooey.
Posted by fallsfall on May 5, 2003, at 10:03:24
In reply to Re: Theory didn't pan out. :(, posted by Dinah on May 5, 2003, at 3:54:26
So sorry. That would have been a nice neat package.
This is the end of the thread.
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