Domino effect?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2003
Domino effect?
8
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 12:06pm
It seems that ever since I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, My medical life has had a domino effect. Before I was diagnosed, I never had a problem with protein in my urine (TMI, sorry) and have never been on any medications. Now that I have been diagnosed, I have been put on Metformin, Cholesterol Meds and now High Blood pressure meds. All in a 3 month period. Yikes.

Oh well, sorry ladies, just needed to vent a little. Thanks for listening.

~Melissa~

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Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 2:10pm

It is ok to vent Melissa!!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 7:03pm
Yep...it seems it's one thing or another, huh? I just told someone yesterday that I think I'm a walking disaster. Feel like this diabetes thing was the clincher, though.

Now I have to worry about getting the measurements down so my endocrinologist won't put me on insulin. I need to and want to exercise, but my leg (hip to my ankle sometimes) hurts a lot.

You vent, I vent, we all vent...it's a stress-reliever.

Aw heck...at least we're still kicking!

(((hugs)))

Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 11:38pm
Melissa that is what we are here for to listen, give a hug,
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Fri, 02-27-2004 - 10:34am
Melissa-Here's another welcome to a fantastic board. YOu sound just like I did a yr ago. Newly diagnosed w/t-2,in Feb of 03, I was really down & felt like an absolute failure!!! Also went on b.p. meds & choleresterol (sp) meds., but also changed my diet and lifestyle, finally began going to exercise at a place called Curves & now everything is a lot better. (also lost 30 lbs in the process)I just got back from my DR for my 1/4 checkup, and everything is doing so much better, althought I'll never be "perfect" again. Then again, what's considered perfect. Guess that's sorta like the description that's used to describe a "functional & dysfunctional family" Wonder who determines the difference between the two. At least medically, there's the good ol' blood tests that we take periodically that don't lie.

So many more problems in our bodies can occur after a final diagnosis of the big "D". I really didn't want to go on all the meds either, cause I've always been a strong believer in the use of herbs. (made it to 55 w/o going on meds) AFter going on all the meds, I also ended up with a horrible yeast infection, a staff infection on my hands and some mild depression,(not from the diabetes meds though) all of which finally disappeared. I hadn't used any meds for over 15 yrs, so I was really down. ANyway, all is better now, so if I can do it, hopefully you can too. I also used to eat a LOT of carbs, especially pasta (hot,& buttered with garlic & parsley, yum, yum,) lots of bagels, pretzels (cause they were fat free!) and toast as a snack. Stopped that and genuinely began eating more fruit & veggies & can't believe how much better I really do feel. Do cheat once in a while, but it doesn't seem to taste as good as it used to. Not to brag, but here goes. My Dr says I should be a spokesperson for trying to control diabetes. Says he wishes more of his patients were so pro-active with their health. Don't get me wrong, I'm still on all my meds, & it's not easy to always be watching everything you eat, but the overall improvement really shows that its worth it. I still have too much living to enjoy to let my health slow me down any more than it does yet. After being diagnosed, it's amazing to see all the people that do have diabetes & just seem to think that the meds will take care of the problem. As with a lot of other diseases, life changes are necessary. Be sure to keep in touch. Marsha

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Fri, 02-27-2004 - 12:18pm

Marsha, You are a poster child! It isn't easy to manage a chronic disease 24/7/365. But some of us are doing it and that doesn't mean that we don't get tired. But if the goal is to preserve our eyes, kidneys and feet, we will do whatever is necessary. And it is amazing that we feel better in the process! Keep up the good work and beingan inspiration to all.


Hugs,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Sat, 02-28-2004 - 1:48am
Marsha:

You say you're a believer in herbals.

Have you, or anyone else, heard of NatureMade vitamins for Diabetics? My CDE said they were better than my Centrum that I've been taking for years. Am puzzled, though, if I should still take my calcium +D & stress B's. Did check the bottle of Move Free Glucosamine/Chrondritin to see if it has sugars in it. Read an article stating that diabetics shouldn't take this combination or the MSM because of the sugar content. However, the article didn't list any brandnames. Right on the Move Free bottle (besides the contents) it makes a statement that it doesn't contain sugars.

I had a yeast infection for over a year, and my ob/gyn didn't even seem alerted that I might have diabetes. I wonder sometimes about physicians. They seem to stay in their little cubbies for their specialty and don't pay attention to cross-over problems.

Oh, by the way, dysfunction is in the eye of the beholder. I don't know of any "normal" people or families. I sure know that I'm not going to be a "normal" diabetic! Already I have strange things happening to me. That's just my life.

Yes, Curves is a great place. Congrads on the 30# loss! My neighbor goes there, and says it only takes 30 minutes to do all the exercises. I like that. However, since I'm paying for a YMCA membership, I should utilize their services. Besides, they have a pool, and with my fibro, I need to do a water program. Now, the big part is driving approx 2 miles over there! When motivation was given out, I only got the portion for work...not taking care of myself!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Sat, 02-28-2004 - 12:20pm
As I said in my previous post, I am a firm believer in the benefits of herbal products. I don't promote any one in particular. I have seen the NatureMade package in the stores here, but don't take them. I'm not a DR, but I don't think I would stop taking the calcium or the B's. I think that we, as females, need them both. Fortunately for me & my family, the DR that we use also belives in their benefits. I do a lot of research to verify statements that are given. Remember that the companies are in business to make money & you have to be able to understand what you're reading on all the labels on boxes & bottles. I was at a Rite Aid last week looking for some EFA's & asked the pharmacist what some of the different label statements meant on some of their herbal products and she didn't know. So I didn;t buy their particular brand. If the pharmacist didn't understand the statements, how am I supposed?

When I went to the DR last week, I took a few articles that I had seen since my last visit to discuss w/him. Some of the articles were hogwash & some had some benefit. So as the old saying goes "buyer beware". My feeling is that if you try anything different, with the permission of your appropriate Drs., just be aware of any changes in your bodies,; ie: blood sugar readings, energy, attitude and general over all health. I would never stop any of my medications & would check to see if any herbs work adversely against any meds you may be taking. I also think, that with any disease, we, the individual, have to take a really active roll in our care & daily life. No one else can control your body as well as yourself, along with your medical team. Be alert to any changes you may experience, no matter how little. If something changes drastically, check whatever you're doing immediately or call your DR. Too many organs are effected by our diabetes now, so I always want to keep on top of things.

About the exercise classes, yes I hate getting ready to go there. But the trip home seems so comforting, knowing that I did something good for my body. And, I hate to admit it, but I do feel better & have more energy on the days that I do go. Hit the Y as often as you can. Later Marsha

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: ltlmiracle
Sun, 02-29-2004 - 2:04am
Thanks for your input. I agree that we, ourselves, are the best judge of our body's health. I just think sometimes I need the "experts" to keep me in line. :-)