Arrogance got the better of me!

[Lee Thornett]

So I’m new to the forum but not to diabetes and If I’m being honest what a prick I’ve been with my Diabetes!

I found out by luck just over 5 years ago now that I was a type 2 diabetic and I didn’t take to kindly too it. I was in denial thinking I felt fine and what was the worst that could happen? I was just about to turn 30 suffering with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and just been told I was diabetic so I did what most normal people do....ignored it!

I somehow sweet talked the nurses into leaving me to diet control the diabetes and in the beginning wasn’t too bad until I started to act as if I was untouchable! Then came the the complications, the constant night toilet breaks, thrush, tingling toes, it just seemed to be one thing after another and things were spiralling so a visit to the quacks was needed.

Around 18 months ago I accepted defeat and gave in to the advice of the Doctors and started the journey with medication, 18 months later I think I am worse then I’ve ever been. Metformin was the drug of choice however I struggled especially having existing stomach conditions (diviticulitis), after 12 weeks I was changed to prolonged release metformin and if I’m honest my stomach problems are worse now then they’ve ever been. I had blood tests done in July this year, I received a phone call from the doctors a week later saying they would like to see me ASAP....get this, next available appointment 10th October, and you read right I had this blood test in July!!!

10th October ended up being changed to the 21st November and I’m not afraid to admit I had a full on meltdown in this appointment. Pleading to be taken off of these meds that are ruining my stomach daily only to be told there was nothing they could do apart from refer me to the hospital for them to review me. In the very same appointment and the fear of regular prick testing became oh too real when I was sent home with my blood monitor. The realisation of what an idiot I have been really hit home when the talk turns to potential insulin being needed and my children needing to know how all of that works!!

Whilst I’ve been a fool in treating this like man flu over the years I’m no idiot in knowing that a majority of this is my own doing. I’m the one who is over weight, I’m the one eating the wrong things, I’m the one skipping meals and tablets, I’m the one effectively killing myself by not taking things seriously! Why can’t I get my mindset right? I am in serious need of some real help in managing my diabetes. I’ve had the referral come through for the hospital diabetic team which isn’t until 21/02/18. But I really need to start getting on top of this now!

If you’ve had similar issues or can offer any advice please do as it’s starting to get the better of me, and that’s not my character at all!!

Thanks in advance
Lee

 

[Amigo]

So I’m new to the forum but not to diabetes and If I’m being honest what a prick I’ve been with my Diabetes!

I found out by luck just over 5 years ago now that I was a type 2 diabetic and I didn’t take to kindly too it. I was in denial thinking I felt fine and what was the worst that could happen? I was just about to turn 30 suffering with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and just been told I was diabetic so I did what most normal people do....ignored it!

I somehow sweet talked the nurses into leaving me to diet control the diabetes and in the beginning wasn’t too bad until I started to act as if I was untouchable! Then came the the complications, the constant night toilet breaks, thrush, tingling toes, it just seemed to be one thing after another and things were spiralling so a visit to the quacks was needed.

Around 18 months ago I accepted defeat and gave in to the advice of the Doctors and started the journey with medication, 18 months later I think I am worse then I’ve ever been. Metformin was the drug of choice however I struggled especially having existing stomach conditions (diviticulitis), after 12 weeks I was changed to prolonged release metformin and if I’m honest my stomach problems are worse now then they’ve ever been. I had blood tests done in July this year, I received a phone call from the doctors a week later saying they would like to see me ASAP....get this, next available appointment 10th October, and you read right I had this blood test in July!!!

10th October ended up being changed to the 21st November and I’m not afraid to admit I had a full on meltdown in this appointment. Pleading to be taken off of these meds that are ruining my stomach daily only to be told there was nothing they could do apart from refer me to the hospital for them to review me. In the very same appointment and the fear of regular prick testing became oh too real when I was sent home with my blood monitor. The realisation of what an idiot I have been really hit home when the talk turns to potential insulin being needed and my children needing to know how all of that works!!

Whilst I’ve been a fool in treating this like man flu over the years I’m no idiot in knowing that a majority of this is my own doing. I’m the one who is over weight, I’m the one eating the wrong things, I’m the one skipping meals and tablets, I’m the one effectively killing myself by not taking things seriously! Why can’t I get my mindset right? I am in serious need of some real help in managing my diabetes. I’ve had the referral come through for the hospital diabetic team which isn’t until 21/02/18. But I really need to start getting on top of this now!

If you’ve had similar issues or can offer any advice please do as it’s starting to get the better of me, and that’s not my character at all!!

Thanks in advance
Lee

I sense a change in my your mindset already Lee. The reality of this is hitting home and you know what you need to do for you and your family. See if there’s any chance of a cancellation or earlier appointment.

Trouble is at 30 we think we are invincible and things like this are for sick, old people but diabetes doesn’t respect that misbelief and kicks back hard. The good news is this is a condition that can be tamed so take it on as a challenge...learn all you can and set yourself goals. I had to lose weight, change my ways and my attitudes and it actually works! You’ll feel so much better once your levels are under control and the weight and cholesterol starts to drop. In fact you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it years ago! The carbs are the culprits so tackle them and keep the potatoes, pastries, pasta, pizza, rice and bread under tight control.

Go to that hospital review because it sounds like you need skilled help in getting the right meds.

Don’t look back at mistakes. Look forward to success! Best wishes, Amigo

 

[Lee Thornett]

I sense a change in my your mindset already Lee. The reality of this is hitting home and you know what you need to do for you and your family. See if there’s any chance of a cancellation or earlier appointment.

Trouble is at 30 we think we are invincible and things like this are for sick, old people but diabetes doesn’t respect that misbelief and kicks back hard. The good news is this is a condition that can be tamed so take it on as a challenge...learn all you can and set yourself goals. I had to lose weight, change my ways and my attitudes and it actually works! You’ll feel so much better once your levels are under control and the weight and cholesterol starts to drop. In fact you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it years ago! The carbs are the culprits so tackle them and keep the potatoes, pastries, pasta, pizza, rice and bread under tight control.

Go to that hospital review because it sounds like you need skilled help in getting the right meds.

Don’t look back at mistakes. Look forward to success! Best wishes, Amigo

Amigo,

Thank you, your definitely right in saying we think we’re invincible at 30! I suppose the mindset is under maintenance, since the last appointment I’ve actually used the gym and agreed to do a marathon to have a goal but I’m not scared to admit how lazy I am! Even though I am doing it with a friend I worry that this will be a phase that I will not follow through with!

For example the blood testing started off ok but seeing daily nothing really changing even with new meds (dapagliflozin) just makes me not want to test! What’s the point of giving yourself sore fingers in the freezing cold when nothing is changing?

Carbs are a big thing I must admit, as every dinner I have has some form of potatoe with it! I met a dietitian who just seemed hell bent on telling me the conditions I’m facing rather then any form of education about foods to eat and not to eat!

But thank you again for your kind words mate, just gotta keep swimming

 

[Drummer]

If you are lucky then you can go medication free by changing your diet to one of low carb foods - my diabetes is just non existent.
I did start out by testing my blood glucose before and after meals so I could see what I could and could not eat.
Surprise surprise, what puts up my levels are all the foods which stopped me losing weight before diagnosis. It was very quick and very easy. It does mean I do not eat potato, or grain, avoid high sugar fruits - but I get to eat all the good stuff - at Christmas I will be having the turkey and the beef and ham and the salmon - plus the sprouts, roast parsnip, cauliflower and carrots, some salad stuff with lovely dressings - delicious.
You would have to be careful doing low carb if taking medication as it is so effective you could easily go low, except for Metformin which seems to have little effect and few benefits for many people.

 

[Stitch147]

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum. We are a very friendly bunch on here and will help in anyway that we can. We all need to find a way to deal with our diabetes and everyone is different with what they can and cant eat, and unfortunately the best way to find this out is by testing.

 

[trophywench]

Lee if bodging holes in your fingers is hurting you- then frankly you are doing it wrong!

Have a read of this - http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/painless-pricks.html - and follow it up with - http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.co.uk/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html

Both seriously good advice from a really lovely bloke!

 

[Bloden]

Hi there, Lee.🙂 Welcome to the forum. 😛 Sometimes change can take a while but it sounds like you’re headed in the right direction. Sorry to hear you’ve come up against the “it’s my job to treat you like a 3-year-old and tell you off” (instead of giving you constructive advice) school of medicine. I think we’ve all met plenty of them! Luckily you’ve found this forum - there’s loads of experience and advice here waiting to be tapped...tap away!🙂

 

[Vince_UK]

Hi Lee
Welcome to the forum.
First off my I say stop the self blame. Past is past and nothing can alter that but you can certainly improve your current situation by not thinking this is the end of the World. It is not. You are young and can change things for the better. Look forward.
I was also diagnosed T2 on September 29th this year again by chance.
I viewed it as a wake up call and a second chance to get my life in some sort of order food wise.
If you set your mind to it, and it is not easy to start with I agree, you can make significant changes quickly and feel the benefits almost instantly.
What Drummer has stated is perfectly true.
I put myself immediately on a High Protein/High Fat/Low Carb Diet after reading advice on this forum.
Net result since Diagnosis Sept 29th this year
Weight down from 98 kilos to 84.2 this morning
BG levels constantly between 4-7
Feel fitter and much healthier.
I eat stuff I like, meat, eggs, cheese, some veg, fish, and even had the odd Burger King but only 1
I view my condition more of an inconvenience rather than a disaster.
You are right it is a mind-set change on what you are used to.
Once you have make that change it is much more positive.
This forum is a great place to get advice and guidance to help you get on top of being a T2 and how to control it.
It has literally been my lifeline.
You will do fine.
Good luck and keep the forum posted with your progress.
We are genuinely interested in how you get on.

 

[ClaudiaKiwi]

So I’m new to the forum but not to diabetes and If I’m being honest what a prick I’ve been with my Diabetes!

I found out by luck just over 5 years ago now that I was a type 2 diabetic and I didn’t take to kindly too it. I was in denial thinking I felt fine and what was the worst that could happen? I was just about to turn 30 suffering with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and just been told I was diabetic so I did what most normal people do....ignored it!

I somehow sweet talked the nurses into leaving me to diet control the diabetes and in the beginning wasn’t too bad until I started to act as if I was untouchable! Then came the the complications, the constant night toilet breaks, thrush, tingling toes, it just seemed to be one thing after another and things were spiralling so a visit to the quacks was needed.

Around 18 months ago I accepted defeat and gave in to the advice of the Doctors and started the journey with medication, 18 months later I think I am worse then I’ve ever been. Metformin was the drug of choice however I struggled especially having existing stomach conditions (diviticulitis), after 12 weeks I was changed to prolonged release metformin and if I’m honest my stomach problems are worse now then they’ve ever been. I had blood tests done in July this year, I received a phone call from the doctors a week later saying they would like to see me ASAP....get this, next available appointment 10th October, and you read right I had this blood test in July!!!

10th October ended up being changed to the 21st November and I’m not afraid to admit I had a full on meltdown in this appointment. Pleading to be taken off of these meds that are ruining my stomach daily only to be told there was nothing they could do apart from refer me to the hospital for them to review me. In the very same appointment and the fear of regular prick testing became oh too real when I was sent home with my blood monitor. The realisation of what an idiot I have been really hit home when the talk turns to potential insulin being needed and my children needing to know how all of that works!!

Whilst I’ve been a fool in treating this like man flu over the years I’m no idiot in knowing that a majority of this is my own doing. I’m the one who is over weight, I’m the one eating the wrong things, I’m the one skipping meals and tablets, I’m the one effectively killing myself by not taking things seriously! Why can’t I get my mindset right? I am in serious need of some real help in managing my diabetes. I’ve had the referral come through for the hospital diabetic team which isn’t until 21/02/18. But I really need to start getting on top of this now!

If you’ve had similar issues or can offer any advice please do as it’s starting to get the better of me, and that’s not my character at all!!

Thanks in advance
Lee

Hi Lee
I just wanted to say hi and to reassure you that you are not alone on the journey. I was diagnosed T1 5 weeks ago now and have had to quickly adjust to insulin and blood glucose testing and taking healthy lunches to work and so it goes on. It’s really quite overwhelming isn’t it ... we can all look back and say if we had done this or that blah blah but no point as we are where we are and you can’t put spilled milk back in the bottle so just walk forward one step at a time. I’ve put myself on a high protein, low carb way of eating and am testing testing testing so as I am learning how my body reacts as I have learned from the members on here that we all react differently to foods. I’ve stuck to it like glue but today am wanting to eat some junk - it’s he first time I have really craved but am not giving in. So - all I wanted to say was you are not alone and please don’t be so tough on yourself. I had an amazing consultant in hospital when I was diagnosed and he said clearly do not blame yourself and do not beat yourself up. You can do a lot to help yourself and you will fall over sometimes, like when a kid learns to walk they fall over and it might hurt but they always get back up and just keep that in mind. I really listened to his words and am grateful for his honestly and support. I’m learning so much but I’m on the same journey so don’t be alone and don’t be sad or hard on you. The people on here are amazing. I’m a Kiwi so as we say “Kia Kaha” - meaning sand tall like the mighty Kauri Tane Mahuta.
Take care

 

[nickinwarwick]

Hi Lee,

Just wanted to say so many things in your original post sound just like me, although I'm a bit older. Only started posting on here after harsh words from my diabetic nurse a few months ago, and I've been trying to turn things around since then. I've definitely picked up more advice and guidance from here than the previous 2 years from the DN, although to an extent that's more about my own attitude with the health care professionals.

Others have already posted good practical advice. Part of it for me is finding ways to solve the issues without doing things I don't want to do, because I won't stick to doing stuff I don't want to do. For example I've never really exercised for leisure, but now I've built more walking into my daily routine (getting to work) so it happens as a matter of course rather than me having to motivate myself to do something extra. Same with food, I've gradually found out what foods are OK that I like. And I don't really mind the finger-prick testing.

Sounds like you already know you need to make the change. Good luck in sticking to it.

Nick

 

[Beck S]

Hi Lee

There's been some good advice here already, and after I got diagnosed everyone here was so helpful in explaining things to me and helping me go forward with this illness. Talking to people who are also diabetic has been an utter godsend, and it's worked out for me. It's hard, but you can ask questions here without worry. Good luck!

 

[Poppy460]

Hi Lee,
You have already taken the first step. My type two diabetes was only found out by accident and I was incredibly angry at first, because I had been told that the symptoms were because of my age!

In 18months I have now managed to reduce my sugar from 93 to 44, and I have today been given the go ahead to reduce my medication, but the numbers don't really tell the underlining story. In the months before I was diagnosed I don't think I had ever felt so ill. I had just passed 50 and I really didn't know how I was going to survive until I was 60. Since I have the sugar under control I feel like a different person. I am not that athletic but I can now run again walk further, walk the dogs without feeling uncomfortable. I now have energy, I feel like a ten tonne weight has been lifted from my body. I smile, like life again, have hopes for the future, am looking forward to playing with future generations of the family. I have confidence, my husband says he has a new wife, my kids enjoy having mum being able to engage with them without falling asleep.

I won't say that it didn't require hard work, will power and being very stubborn with myself, to say no to things I shouldn't eat. I know it sounds corny but you don't know how strong you can be until something like this comes along. Have faith in yourself we all have faith in you.

I have loved finding out about different flavours and using a different set of ingredients, trying new things and finding old favourites which I can eat.

Look forward and smile because by taking small steps to control your sugar you are now starting a whole new life. To quote a line from the play I have just produced, " The future is so bright, I have to wear shades!"

Take care and good luck.

 

[Ruby Red]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm quite new on here too, recently diagnosed with probable type 1 and currently feeling like a super deflated pin cushion! 😱
I turned 30 this year... It'll be fun they said.... Best years of your life to come they said....
In reality it's been pretty dire so far...
Anyhow, loads of good advice and on here and always a listening ear if needed.
It's a massive learning curve but you will get there. You know your body best keep checking with your GPs if an earlier appointment becomes available.

All the best
Ruby

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forum Lee. There's a whole lot of experienced and knowledgeable folk here who are ready and willing to help you with your diabetes queries so feel free to ask as many questions as you wish.

Firstly I would recommend reading Type 2 Diabetes : The First Year by Gretchen Becker. She was dx (diagnosed) Type 2 in 1996 and she educated herself about her Diabetes. A very easy to read account of her experience and what her diabetes is about. Amazon.

Secondly I can highly recommend the book: CARB & CALORIE COUNTER. It has over 1700 coloured photo's of a wide range of popular food and drink items. This highly visual approach makes it incredibly quick and easy to see the nutrient content in food and drink. It's the perfect tool for Carborhydrate counting in Diabetes ~ weight management ~ portion control ~ and general healthy eating. A very valuable book to keep in your kitchen. Amazon £10.49. There is also a pocket size version that you could take with you when eating out. Amazon £6.99. A lot of folk on here have bought these books and find them very helpful including myself. It's deffinitly worth buying a copy imo.

If you tap or click on the following link you will see other useful links as well as the links for the above.

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/useful-links-for-people-new-to-diabetes.10406

Should you have any other concerns Lee then do please ask. Take care and good luck.

_____________________________

Dx Type2 April 2016
Diet control and exercise only