hello

[parrdale]

Hi all my name is Clive I'm 6ft 5 weigh around 21 stone not fit and newly DN on Friday after having blood tests for lots of different things i.e. cholesterol, glucose, thyroid, prostate and low testosterone as I have been feeling depressed for possibly a coupe of years and not been feeling that well for a few months terrible itching out of breath always so bloody hot and the district nurses had been a bit worried about me. My mum was DN 30 or so years ago it was very different then, she passed away at Christmas 2 years ago.
I am a carer for my wife who has had MS for the past 10 years and in the last 5 years my priority has been my wife so not really been looking after myself food intake is not a lot she has some porridge, high protein drinks then a small lunch and then we share a ready meal for one, my intake is generally toast, small lunch then our dinner, a lot of the time i am grazing like crisps, biscuits and more toast.
Went to see the diabetic specialist at the doctors and they are going the way of diet, so when I told her our intake she said I don't eat enough need to start eating the right stuff and looking after myself. (easy to say).
No strips or machines as they don't hand them out now have a regular check every three months bloods and urine (is this normal). got to have the eye test but have worn glasses since I was 9 or 10 so hoping that is OK.
up date Have now been put onto 500mg of metformin which the doctor has said my help with weight loss.

 

[Northerner]

Hi Clive, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but it's not all bad news - now you are diagnosed you can work on getting your blood sugar levels under control and this should help improve your low mood, and also alleviate many other symptoms you have been suffering. It's a shame that your GP hasn't given you a meter and some strips as this really is the best method of determining what foods you tolerate well and those you don't. A test every 3 months might be able to tell you that something is disagreeing with you, but it can't possibly tell you what so you can eliminate it from your diet! If you can stretch to it, I would recommend getting your own meter and strips and using them to learn about ho things affect you. The cheapest option we have come across here is the SD Codefree Meter with test strips at around £7 for 50. Often, doing this and then taking your results to your GP to show them how it is helping you gain control will persuade them to prescribe some strips. Have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S as a guide to efficient testing 🙂

There is lots of information in our Useful links thread, so have a browse.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns and we will do our best to help! 🙂

 

[HOBIE]

Welcome Parrdale 🙂

 

[parrdale]

Hi Northerner, thanks I have just ordered one of the SD meters so will have ago.

 

[KookyCat]

Welcome Parrdale, it must be really difficult to try and look after yourself when you're caring for a loved one, but I hope you can manage to put a little time aside to look after yourself, it's worth it if you can manage it 🙂