Discouraged

[happydog]

After my run in with breast cancer last year and my severe reaction to docetaxel I have been trying to get my diabetes back under control. I have managed for almost 10 years now on diet and exercise. I have an HbA1c booked for 29th July. The results will not be good as I am all over the place with my levels. First thing in the morning it can be 10 or even slightly over, then it drops back during the day. Sometimes it is in the 6's or 7's and has even been in the 4's a couple of times (this makes me feel a bit unwell). I am not doing anything different to what I have done for the last few years and which got it down to 42. It will be a lot higher this time. Sorry I have rambled but I am despondent and even worrying if the part of my pancreas that has atrophied (shown on my CT scan) is increasing? I have to go to see the health care assistant when the blood results are back. Certainly not looking forward to it. However, I feel well, walk at least 10,000 steps per day and do Pilates once a week. Maybe this is the best I can do now? Feel better now I have got that off my chest LOL 😉

 

[Drummer]

I think a lot of people are seeing their glucose levels disrupted after having a run in with Covid, even if it was not all that serious for them.
Lots of people are being diagnosed, or getting higher test results, though no fault of their own. I have read of some people returning to normal after a while, either no longer diabetic or back to their former levels, so there is some hope for us all.

 

[happydog]

Thank you Drummer. I would be so happy to regain my previous levels. I have tried so hard. Sadly I have to take two medications that contain an amount of sucrose so they don't help. I will keep trying. You have given me some hope. 🙂

 

[rebrascora]

So sorry to hear you are struggling mentally and your BG levels are a bit erratic. If you have damage to your pancreas, then you are Type 3c and not Type 2 and therefore you cannot expect to control your BG levels through dietary measures forever.
I wonder if it helps you to know that my levels very occasionally go up to 15 and down into the 2s and my last HbA1c was 51. My consultant is extremely happy with my diabetes management and results, so I do wonder if there is a certain amount of unrealistic expectation on your part, especially if you have damage to your pancreas..... and that is without considering the cancer and treatment you are going through. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You can only do your best and you are going through extremely difficult circumstances. I know that you put a lot of effort into your diet and exercise and I imagine there are many times when it is really hard to find the motivation. I think you should be celebrating the fact that your levels are not higher in the circumstances rather than being disappointed. You are doing really great in very challenging circumstances. Be proud of your achievements. Not many people could do so well.

 

[happydog]

You are always so kind and supportive Rebrascora and I do appreciate it very much. Despite the atrophy of part of the pancreas and apparently it also has a"tail" and an enlarged duct, no notice seems to be being taken of this. When I spoke to the oncologist all that she said was that an enlarged duct can be the precursor of pancreatic cancer. (As both my parents had cancer of the pancreas this was not a welcome comment.). She said that diabetes is the least of my problems and that if I could keep it mostly under 10 she would be content. DN at surgery says it has to be lower. I just cannot seem to get there now. As you have said all I can do is to keep trying. The main thing is that I feel well and I am coping with life and trying to enjoy each day. Thank you for your encouragement. I live alone as my husband died and my children both live a long way away, so this forum provides me with a place to let off steam and the lovely people are always encouraging and supportive. Thank you. Stay cool 🙂

 

[Jenny65]

You are always so kind and supportive Rebrascora and I do appreciate it very much. Despite the atrophy of part of the pancreas and apparently it also has a"tail" and an enlarged duct, no notice seems to be being taken of this. When I spoke to the oncologist all that she said was that an enlarged duct can be the precursor of pancreatic cancer. (As both my parents had cancer of the pancreas this was not a welcome comment.). She said that diabetes is the least of my problems and that if I could keep it mostly under 10 she would be content. DN at surgery says it has to be lower. I just cannot seem to get there now. As you have said all I can do is to keep trying. The main thing is that I feel well and I am coping with life and trying to enjoy each day. Thank you for your encouragement. I live alone as my husband died and my children both live a long way away, so this forum provides me with a place to let off steam and the lovely people are always encouraging and supportive. Thank you. Stay cool 🙂

I dont have experience or knowledge of your conditions @happydog but I do think you have done extremely well to be where you are and keeping positive. I do understand your concerns with having both parents with pancreatic cancer as both my parents and sister had cancer so I am always concerned when things look odd on blood test results and can empathise with you there. In light of the genetic link is your doctor going to monitor you closely or is there anything they can do to protect you from it? I just wanted to come on and say hello and give you a virtual hug as I think you deserve one 🙂

 

[Inka]

It sounds like you’re doing very well in the circumstances @happydog Genuinely. Listen to the consultant not the surgery nurse. It’s normal to have times when our blood sugar is being a real pain. Mine is driving me mad now, and I’m not doing anything different. I had a 14.3 today and a 2.8.

Try to focus on the good results you get rather than stress about the higher numbers. We all do the best we can - and it’s hard work sometimes.

 

[happydog]

Thank you Jenny65. You understand my concerns with the family history. The doctor was very dismissive and said these things are not usually inherited. Other than my annual review, which was by telephone over a year ago, no one takes any notice. Honestly if it had not been for this amazing forum and the lovely knowledgable people I would not have made any progress at all. My doctor was not pleased as I would not take medication. He says that T2 is progressive and nothing can really be done long term. I am just going to carry on and see what, if anything this healthcare assistant has to say when the results come back. It really is all over the place at present. I will try not to stress about it. Thank you for saying hello and for the hug. Take care and keep cool. 🙂

 

[happydog]

Thank you Inka for your encouraging post. Of course I would guess that like me that you would like to have consistent results, but I am relieved that other people also have rogue things happening. I do not think that the excessive heat will help either 😉

 

[EmmaL76]

I think a lot of people are seeing their glucose levels disrupted after having a run in with Covid, even if it was not all that serious for them.
Lots of people are being diagnosed, or getting higher test results, though no fault of their own. I have read of some people returning to normal after a while, either no longer diabetic or back to their former levels, so there is some hope for us all.

Yes this is so interesting, when I went for my MODY testing the nurse who did it was a specialist in diabetes. She said she has witnessed a few patients become what they assumed was full blown type 1 after covid to a few months later being non diabetic.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you have been a rough time of things @happydog

Glad getting things off your chest has helped, and that you are feeling the warm embrace of the forum.

Hang in there, try not to let the nurse’s attitude wear you down, and keep plugging away doing what you can. We are rooting for you. (((hugs)))