Not Good Doctor's visit

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Not Good Doctor's visit
25
Sat, 01-31-2004 - 12:14am

I am so glad that I can finally post because I need your support as much as you need mine.


I went to the doctor for my regular appointment and things didn't turn out so well. Unfortunately my A1c has been rising above acceptible norms. He increased all my meds back in October and I started exercising and managed to lose 6 pounds over the holidays. But my A1C didn't come down and so he told me today to think about either going on actos or insulin. I have to tell him on Monday. '


While I know that diabetes is a progressive disease that I have had for almost 15 years I have been trying so hard to keep from having to go on insulin. I know I am not a failure but is sure feels like it. I did tell my doctor that I would only go on Lantus. I normally have elevated liver enzymes and so I don't want to go on actos. Plus the main complaint with actos is weight gain and I certainly don't want to gain any weight. I also don't want to deal with NPH insulin because it causes hypoglycemia. So I am trying to get over my tears and get my arms around this new wrinkle in my disease. I have a new diabetic to counsel at church (remember I am also a parish nurse) and I have to put on a brave face fer her.


Hugs to everybody,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-18-2003
Thu, 02-12-2004 - 5:43pm
Mary Frances,

please don't be afraid of using lantus. It can be a godsend. When my doctor first suggested going on insulin, I reacted the same way. I cried. I felt like such a pig and a failure, so I asked for a second opinion. I went to an endocrinologist (my regular doc is a family physician) and he said no, he didn't think I needed insulin yet, and basically said, well, if you're sugars are high, just don't eat until they come down. So I thought I would give this a try-anything not to use a needle. So I tried for three months, and I did get my A1C down, but at what a price. I had to watch every single morsel of food that I ate. Believe me, I was so obsessed, I declined invitations because I didn't want to be tempted to eat. I decided that was no way to live. So when I went back to my regular doctor, I agreed to start the lantus. It has made such a difference! It was just enough of a boost to help me get my numbers down to where they should be. And I still have to watch but I have a little wiggle room and don't have to be so obsessive. My doctor told me she was glad I decided to go on the insulin because she was starting to get worried about my mental health and not eating enough carb can cause a whole different set of problems. so remember, this is just one more tool to help us, and you are not a failure. My doctor always tells me that there are some things you can't control. You could do everything perfectly, and your numbers will still be high. You just have to cut yourself some slack and do the best you can. Good luck.
Avatar for happyscrapper40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 02-12-2004 - 8:34pm
Mary Frances, how do you get involved with these studies? Is it because you are nurse, or your doctor enrolls you? I am just curious! Michele
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 02-13-2004 - 2:01pm

Michelle,


One study I am involved in which is through Harvard University is because I am a nurse. They are doing a huge study on Nurses and I am in a sub group of diabetic nurses. All of the other studies I have been in are because my endocrinologist is a researcher primarily for diabetes. He runs a program called East Bay Clinical Trials.


If there is a university medical program near you, you can check and see if they have diabetes research programs. I have learned since the first trial I was in that I only will go into third stage of higher trials. This is because the manufactures have learned the complications of whatever drug or equipment is being tested and there isn't as much risk for me to develop complications. Usually at this level of testing you don't get paid, although I have been paid a token for all the equipment trials I have been in.


One of the reason I agree to be in the trials is because of the close amount of care you receive from a CDE while you are in the trials. I have learned so much from this experience.


Happy Valentine's Day,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2003
Fri, 02-13-2004 - 4:17pm

Mary Frances - You were there for me in so many ways when I was first diagnosed with my T2 diabetes and your sister is right you are a SUCCESS in so many ways. Beating the odds on staying off insulin so long, and keeping us allmotivated here to do the best we can and being a shoulder to lean on when we stumble.


I wish I could offer exactly the right words but know that I am thinking of you and that I KNOW you will work through and over come this hurdle as well. I for one will be here anytime you need to vent or crab as you get used to your new routine but I am sure if you take it one day at a time it will be manageable. That is not to say that it does not suck and come with all the emotional stuff to deal with, but you are MaryFrances CL after all!


Smoochdog (aka Michelle)


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 9:38am

Hi Michele,


If you'd like to pursue clinical studies a little further, we have some links here on Health that might help.


http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/nwh/content/0,,215912_269254,00.html


The latest from Reuters:


http://www.ivillagehealth.com/news/topnews/content/0,,418445_618106,00.html

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Assistant Community Moderator/Health Librarian
rjohnson@mail.ivillage.com



IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian

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