Concerned

Avatar for stephsmom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Concerned
22
Mon, 02-18-2008 - 3:12pm

I have the usual: Type 2, High cholesterol (267 at last doc appt.) and high blood pressure. I also have a hiatal hernia and GERD. I am out of medicine for high blood pressure. It will take me 2 weeks to get more and I am out of test strips and 2 weeks for that so I haven't been monitoring blood sugar. If it has been high the last 2 weeks, would that do major damage? I could get some from the pharmacy, but it costs a lot more. Last night I stared feeling funny and couldn't sleep real well. My fingers are swelling up, but I haven't noticed the ankles. I also have arthritis in my hands. I just don't feel right and kind of nauseous. I am constantly worrying about my heart. My dad passed away from a heart attack last spring. I am only 46. Should I be real concerned? Also, I lost 55 pounds since last year, but recently gained 9 because I am eating a bit more sugar. Bad I know. Thanks.

Debbie

Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Wed, 02-20-2008 - 10:05pm

Debbie,


Did you call your doctor's office and ask about the samples? Also when did you last have a visit with your doctor. It is possible that you are also suffering with depression and really there is no reason to suffer without the help of your doctor. Please tell him or her. You have been through two deaths in the past year, your father and your previous lifestyle. That's a whole lot of changes.


A gentle hug,


iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2008
In reply to: stephsmom98
Wed, 02-20-2008 - 10:52pm

Call your local hospital and see if they have a Diabetic Teaching Department. They might be able to help you in obtaining some free supplies to get you up and running.

Avatar for stephsmom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 12:30am
Thanks everyone for your replies. It is scary not knowing. Thank God I was able to call the insurance company and they shipped the test strips ASAP and they came today. Now, the other issue is that I didn't realize I had to clean my monitor with control solution once a week. I have done it once every three months when I get a new number on my strips. I got new control solution and used it today and the numbers were in range to the number on the test strip batch. I ate lunch and took my level and it was only 111. I thought that was odd because I just ate. After dinner tonight I took it 2 hours later and it was 122 which I thought to be more reasonable, but it would be nice if it was lower. I do worry way too much, but I feel better now that I can monitor things again. And my blood pressure meds should be here in a week, but as far as I know, my blood pressure is okay. I am due for an A1C in a few weeks and a visit to my doctor so I discuss things with here also. I can't wait to see what my A1C is for knowing those numbers will help as well. Like I mentioned, last time it was 6.0 and I was happy about that. Thanks again.
Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 5:57am

What brand of meter do you have?


Avatar for stephsmom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 9:45am

Oh. I guess I am not paying attention real well. I wasn't quite sure what the control solution did. I have the One Touch Ultra 2. It says to use

Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 12:30pm

I just use the control solution when I open a new 'drum' of test strips (I've got the AccuCheck Compact Plus - you put in a drum of 17 test strips and it feeds them automatically) as it indicated in the instruction booklet when I got the meter (it's been just over a year for me as well). Also, make sure the control solution is within the right dates as that can also expire over time and possibly register incorrectly.

--Deb

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 1:06pm

I don't use them....


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 8:08pm

If you use the freestyle ones, those you just call co and request it. they send it free.

Avatar for stephsmom98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 9:31pm
I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean about free or almost free and freestyle ones. How would I get that? Shouldn't I only use Ultra 2 control solution? Yes, they cost $12.00. That is a lot of money for only using it once, but I guess I should use it once a week. I guess it is just so you know the meter is working properly. Maybe I'll buy it twice a year. I go for A1C every three months so they are monitoring me. But I am so happy to have my test strips. I don't like not knowing.
Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Debbie, Mom to my "only" Stephanie
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: stephsmom98
Fri, 02-22-2008 - 11:25pm

Debbie,


A reading of 122 two hours after eating is wonderful. I don't know what you are worrying about. Some doctors say that diabetics can have a reading as high as 160 2 hours after eating. Mine wants me to have a 140 or less which is the recommendation of the American Academy of Endocrinologists. I do have to tell you that it is hard to reach that goal but I do manage a fair amount. Based upon these readings I would bet that your next A1C will be in goal also.


Stay cheerful. It looks like you are doing well.