gacpa
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Post by gacpa on Feb 18, 2015 13:51:12 GMT -5
Ava,
Please don't be scared. Try to look at it this way-they have found an issue and can help you. It is better to know and deal with an issue than to not know and face the consequences of not knowing.
I had severe headaches, dizziness and nausea for a LONG time. I finally went to the eye doctor thinking my glasses need adjustment. Turned out I needed brain surgery because I have hydrocephalus and the fluid buildup was about to get me. I got a shunt and I have been all well now for about 15 years.
Everyone around me was like "Aren't you scared to have surgery?" And I am thinking "No, because now I know what the problem is and they can fix it. I am going to be OK". I was so grateful I could overcome this problem.
Take care.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Feb 18, 2015 14:08:02 GMT -5
Good thoughts coming your way, Ava.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 18, 2015 18:58:45 GMT -5
Yes, I agree with all of you; it is best to know rather than guessing. Knowing for sure also means getting the medical treatment I need. I'm still waiting for the clinic to call me. It's only been 2 days since they tested me. They said 3 to 5 days. Of course I still have some hope I am ok or I'm in a pre-condition that's still reversible. For what the doctor told my mom, I already have this full blown. But we always cling to the last ray of hope, don't we?
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Timberwolf
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Post by Timberwolf on Feb 18, 2015 19:55:33 GMT -5
ava,
My dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was about 40. It never progressed and he never really showed any kind of symptoms. He's almost 75 now and has decided he was misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis can and does happen. Good to see you are getting a second opinion.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Feb 18, 2015 20:13:02 GMT -5
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2013, lung biopsy, cat scans and surgery confirmed it was a infection. That was 5 months of pure shit that I went through.
Ava keep your chin up.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 19, 2015 10:13:45 GMT -5
OK, I'm a little puzzled about this. I know you are very close to your mother. But your doctor is talking to your mother about this? You're not a minor, correct? Why is your doctor going into your medical condition/history in what sounds like greater depth than your doctor is going into it with you? Why involve/upset/scare other family members without a firm and final diagnosis, since the test results are still a day or so away?
Maybe I'm a control freak (or the rules are different here), but if a doctor of mine did that with a family member of mine, and I was still in full control of my mental and physical faculties, that doctor would be toast.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Feb 19, 2015 17:02:23 GMT -5
I believe that Ava's mother and the doctor in question are both in Ava's country of origin. U.S. laws about the dissemination of private medical information would not apply there.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Feb 19, 2015 17:14:55 GMT -5
You need to remember, too, Ava, that some conditions - even if in full flower, so to speak - can be reversed once you know about them. Much depends on what the problem is.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Feb 19, 2015 17:21:55 GMT -5
I believe that Ava's mother and the doctor in question are both in Ava's country of origin. U.S. laws about the dissemination of private medical information would not apply there. OK, that's what I thought. In the U.S., it is indeed very different.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 19, 2015 21:07:37 GMT -5
I believe that Ava's mother and the doctor in question are both in Ava's country of origin. U.S. laws about the dissemination of private medical information would not apply there. OK, that's what I thought. In the U.S., it is indeed very different. Yes, they are both in my country of origin. There are privacy laws there, although they are more lax than in the U.S. But my mother has POA over all my affairs back there. I also went to her doctor, who knows her well and was aware my mom would pick up the test results because I would be back here by the time they were available.
I thought the clinic would call today, but nothing yet.
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 19, 2015 22:49:49 GMT -5
If it's not a standard test their guess at the time could be wrong. And even then it varies by who does the bloodwork and what time is picked up. Add in the weather and if it's a test the local lab can't do their estimate could be wrong.
Realistically the weather is most likely screwing everything up. Sorry.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Feb 20, 2015 8:10:46 GMT -5
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 20, 2015 21:09:41 GMT -5
I am back from the clinic. The doctor confirmed the initial diagnostic. He put me on a medicine twice a day to help control the illness.
He said after that it's up to me. If I diet and exercise and go to a healthy weight and maintain it, the illness will be manageable with only that. He said it can be reversed, it will just remain latent. I can even stop taking the medicine.
That sounds too good to be true, I'm thinking he was just trying to keep me from feeling despair. My mom is coming early this year, she'll be here next month even though it will be still winter. She wants to help me face this and get things to a good place together. She'll help me with diet and exercise. Can diabetes be reversed? That's what the doctor said. It's that true?
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 20, 2015 21:14:37 GMT -5
Assuming it's type 2, which I'm pretty sure type 1 is never diagnosed out of childhood, yes I've heard it can be. You just have to be vigilant and on top of it.
Make sure it's a healthy diabetic diet and not just one designed to lose weight. From what I understand they can be two different things.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Feb 20, 2015 21:18:29 GMT -5
Yes, the doctor was telling the truth. In some cases it is possible to reverse diabetes. Ask your doctor to recommend some reliable internet sources of information about your medications and about treating and reversing diabetes with diet and exercise (there is a lot of misinformation and crap "science" disseminated on the internet, so you want recommendations from someone who knows where to find the real science). Educate yourself about your condition. The more you know, the less helpless you will feel, and knowledge will help you conquer the fear. You can manage this.
Sending more good thoughts your way.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Feb 20, 2015 21:48:28 GMT -5
Check out Molly Mousers thread about her journey to better health. She also posts about it in the Smart Spending chat thread. In the past year she has lost a great deal of weight and has gone from multiple insulin shots a day to being totally off of insulin. ymam.proboards.com/thread/41428/mollys-rants?page=14
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 20, 2015 21:51:17 GMT -5
I'd see if a nutritionist/dietitian is covered by your insurance. Also find a good endocrinologist. Once you find that they will either have a nutritionist on staff or point you towards one.
Also, the little I know make sure they checked your A1C as well as your fasting. Fasting will sometimes be right above it, but my A1C is always in line. I'm not sure how they interact, but I know my endo has never been that worried because my A1C is always good.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 20, 2015 21:52:04 GMT -5
That's what the doctor said. He gave me a phone number to call and set an appointment with a primary doctor at the clinic. He said is diabetes 2 and that I have a very good chance of handling this with just diet and exercise. He already ordered medicine for me to take starting tomorrow because my sugar is too high. Then, once we lower it and I start dieting and exercising, the medicine can go away and manage the illness that way. But he also said even in remission it will stay latent and can come back if I'm not vigilant. So, lot of hard work and discipline but he told me I can do it. Mom is coming next month so we stay on top of the diet together. It's so much easy when someone is around to help and support you.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Feb 20, 2015 21:52:23 GMT -5
I am back from the clinic. The doctor confirmed the initial diagnostic. He put me on a medicine twice a day to help control the illness.
He said after that it's up to me. If I diet and exercise and go to a healthy weight and maintain it, the illness will be manageable with only that. He said it can be reversed, it will just remain latent. I can even stop taking the medicine.
That sounds too good to be true, I'm thinking he was just trying to keep me from feeling despair. My mom is coming early this year, she'll be here next month even though it will be still winter. She wants to help me face this and get things to a good place together. She'll help me with diet and exercise. Can diabetes be reversed? That's what the doctor said. It's that true? Yes, diabetes can be reversed! Talk to ❤ mollymouser ❤! She's done it, girl!
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 20, 2015 21:55:58 GMT -5
Assuming it's type 2, which I'm pretty sure type 1 is never diagnosed out of childhood, yes I've heard it can be. You just have to be vigilant and on top of it. Make sure it's a healthy diabetic diet and not just one designed to lose weight. From what I understand they can be two different things. Yes, he already pointed me to a diabetic diet not a weight loss diet. He also ordered a lot more tests, thyroid, etc. I guess once I meet with the primary care doctor she'll tell me if I need to see any specialists, etc.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 20, 2015 21:57:15 GMT -5
I am back from the clinic. The doctor confirmed the initial diagnostic. He put me on a medicine twice a day to help control the illness.
He said after that it's up to me. If I diet and exercise and go to a healthy weight and maintain it, the illness will be manageable with only that. He said it can be reversed, it will just remain latent. I can even stop taking the medicine.
That sounds too good to be true, I'm thinking he was just trying to keep me from feeling despair. My mom is coming early this year, she'll be here next month even though it will be still winter. She wants to help me face this and get things to a good place together. She'll help me with diet and exercise. Can diabetes be reversed? That's what the doctor said. It's that true? Yes, diabetes can be reversed! Talk to ❤ mollymouser ❤! She's done it, girl! So I guess it's true. I thought he only said that to make me feel a little better. I'm going to send mollymouser a message.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Feb 20, 2015 21:59:41 GMT -5
Yes, diabetes can be reversed! Talk to ❤ mollymouser ❤! She's done it, girl! So I guess it's true. I thought he only said that to make me feel a little better. I'm going to send mollymouser a message.
Great! She'll be able to give you not only advice, but encouragement. I've diagnosed a lot of Type II diabetes in my time and I've seen quite a few patients reverse the situation with careful attention to diet and exercise. Just losing weight is a huge help! Go for it, girl!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Feb 20, 2015 22:08:20 GMT -5
Ava. My Grandma reversed Type II with very minimal changes. She was 85 at the time of diagnosis. You can do this. Keep your head up. A class on diabetes nutrition is so worth it. I had Gestational Diabetes while pregnant with my daughter and I learned so much and it was very manageable.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 20, 2015 22:11:31 GMT -5
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes years ago. I no longer test positive for it and don't even own the testing equipment any more.
Take good care of yourself.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 20, 2015 22:15:09 GMT -5
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes years ago. I no longer test positive for it and don't even own the testing equipment any more. Take good care of yourself. Thanks!
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justme
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Post by justme on Feb 20, 2015 22:21:58 GMT -5
If the primary doesn't seem willing to work with you don't hesitate to go to an endo.
I have a thyroid issue and my primary care has been ok with my tests while my endo takes into account how I say I'm feeling too. A lot of people work well with their primary managing thyroid, but I like that my endo has been there since first diagnosis and is more in tune to that issue. Like normal range range goes to 5 but I feel like death if I go much over 2. My primary said I was fine at 3, but my endo listened when I said I was sleeping through alarms at 3. So I am biased with endos lol!
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Feb 20, 2015 23:49:28 GMT -5
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Feb 21, 2015 1:36:16 GMT -5
In some people, Type 2 diabetes can be well-controlled through lifestyle changes and oral medications .... and for some people, lifestyle changes alone will do the trick. In other people, control involves a combination of lifestyle changes (watching your carb intake and learning which carbs impact your blood sugar ... plus regular exercise), oral medications, and insulin .... a lot of it comes down to genetics.
Last June, my diabetes was not well-controlled. I was taking oral medication and insulin 3-4 times a day (and a LOT of insulin). I decided to really start focusing on health-enhancing behaviors and really watching what I eat. For me, that means religiously counting and limiting my carbohydrates, and being very careful and sure to always pair my carbs with protein and/or lots of fiber. I also embraced a high fiber diet (I average over 60g daily of fiber) .... I eat a lot of fresh veggies, a lot of lean proteins, and I carefully choose and select my carbs for each meal. Yes, I still eat carbs and it's not a "low carb" diet as many people do ... but it works for me. Meeting with a registered dietician is always a good idea when trying to figure out what works for you, as a diabetic. And you will need to be good (especially at first) about testing your blood sugars and learning which foods really won't work for you due to blood sugar spikes. For example, rice really spikes my blood sugar (white or brown), but I do much better with corn and corn products. If I want to eat something higher in sugar (like a banana ... which I have every morning with breakfast) ... I pair it with a high fiber cereal (original Fiber One) and some lean protein. (Fiber and protein eaten with carbs have a moderating impact on my blood sugar.)
I also take apple cider vinegar tablets (from amazon) and cinnamon as a supplement since both supposedly have a positive/moderating impact on blood sugars.
And I've added regular exercise to my life. In the summer, I tread water in the swiming pool (I'm weird about not liking to swim since I don't like to get my face wet, LOL ... but treading water is awesome activity!) And in September I took up recreational bike riding again ... a great exercise for me since I've got problem knees and try not to pick exercises that will exacerbate things. Other people enjoy yoga, or dancing, or walking or zumba or running, etc. The key is to get regular exercise and keep moving your body!
Anyway, in June of last year I was taking 240 units of insulin daily. As I improved my eating habits and food choices, and began and increased my movement and exercise ... my blood sugar numbers started dropping, and so did my insulin usage. Three months ago. I went completely off insulin ... and now I'm well-controlled on just oral medication (metformin ... very widely used for many Type 2 diabetics). As an added bonus, my lifestyle changes have also improved my blood pressure, and my cholesterol, and my overall energy/strength and endurance.
I've been diabetic for 15+ years and I turn 50 next month. If I can get a handle on this ~ YOU can get a handle on this!
Just so you have an idea of a typical day's meals .... here's a rather standard day for me (just as an example .... you would need to tweak what works for you, of course)
Breakfast: original Fiber One, unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze, a diabetic protein shake mix (made in blender) with a banana and ice added. (The shake is about 110 calories and 15g of protein, with some fiber and few carbs. The brand is Extend and I order the mixes from Amazon.) You could easily just have eggs or string cheese or turkey or whatever protein you like. I like my shakes. By the way, there's 38g of fiber in that breakfast.
Lunch: Cooked veggie (I usually have a mix of greens: spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens), a salad: cucumber, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, maybe a few beans, some protein (100-125 calories' worth) and a "carb". Often, it's 2 slices of Sarah Lee light multigrain bread made into sandwich (about 12 carbs for the 2 slices), or a small bag of lentil chips, or a yogurt, or an apple. I mix and match based on what I feel like ... but the four elements are almost always there: cooked veggie, salad, protein and carb.
Dinner: cooked non-starchy veggies (often several), salad: romaine, peppers, mushrooms, jicama and hearts of palm, a dinner-sized serving of protein (200-225 calories), and a starch/carb .... an ear of corn on the cob, some roasted butternut squash, a 100-calorie microwave popcorn, lentil chips, oven-roasted potatoes, my light multigrain bread, an apple, etc. I tend to avoid pasta as anything other than a side dish ... or noodles in chicken noodle soup. I tend to avoid rice unless it's a sushi roll (and then just one with rice in it).
Snacks: lean proteins, nuts, veggies .... and if my blood sugars will allow it ... some fruit or yogurt.
As you can see, I do a fair amount of mix-and-matching ... and I tend to eat around the "personal template" that I've found works for me. Yes, I eat a lot of veggies ... they fill me up, are nutrient dense, and aren't a problem for my blood sugar. I also eat a lot of fiber (both the high fiber cereal, plus all those veggies.) I get a lot of lean protein ... and then I carefully pick and choose my "carbs" around my taste preferences, what I want to eat, etc.
I hope you find this helpful. Feel free to PM me if I can help.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Feb 21, 2015 9:15:20 GMT -5
You can manage diabetes. I know you can.
My DD's DH and 2 stepS and MIL have it.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Feb 21, 2015 9:31:21 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the support. I know I can and will manage this, starting today. I'm heading out right now to pick up the medicine to lower my sugar. But I don't intend to let that medicine stay in my life for too long. I am then going to the supermarket to buy all I need for my new diet. When I come back I have to finish something for school, then I'll exercise with a Leslie Sansone video. Later I'll buy my mom's airplane ticket. Yes, I plan to defeat this.
Thanks, Mollymouser for that long and very informative message.
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