Newly diagnosed

[skallagrigg]

Hi - I was diagnosed with Type 2 last week. It was not a surprise really as I had gestational diabetes when pregnant with my youngest son 10 years ago. My endocrinologist predicted at the time that I'd be diabetic within the next decade. I know it's going to take some adjustment to my lifestyle but I'm prepared for that.

I've had what I now know is called diabetic neuropathy in my feet and legs for about 2 years, but I didn't take much notice of it before. It has got worse in my feet since Christmas. I've got follow up appointments with my doctor and diabetic nurse next week, so I'll get it checked out then but I was wondering about something. I commute 3 days a week to London and have to stand all the way (about 40 mins) which doesn't help my feet at all. Does anyone know if the doc could give me a letter to allow me a free upgrade to first class, so I can sit down? I know they do this for pregnant women.

Thanks
Jackie

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forums Jackie 🙂

 

[margie]

Welcome to the forums Jackie - it sounds like you have had diabetes for a while before you were diagnosed - if you have had neuropathy for that long.,

I have never heard of travel pass upgrades for something like this, maybe someone else can help.

 

[macast]

welcome to the forum.... I can't help with your questions... but just wanted to say 'hi' x

 

[Steff]

Jackie hi and a warm welcome to the forum

 

[Copepod]

Welcome Skallagrigg.

You may find that now you are getting your blood glucose levels under control, your neuropathy may improve, perhaps even resolve completely.

I've never heard of a special exemption to use first class sections of trains, but I guess there's no harm asking the train company you use - probably best to make a personal approach either at your own home station or to head office. Another possibility might be asking your employer for a reasonable adjustment to work times, so that you could travel at times outside rush hours, when you would be more likely to get a seat in standard class.

Otherwise, you could ask fellow commuters for help - or they might offer to give up a seat for part of journey at least. Although I don't commute to London, yesterday I made my most important trip to London (annual meeting of an expedition society), and although my diabetes is no problem, I had an accident 6 months ago (fell down cattle grid) and knee arthroscopy finally on Tuesday, so I'm walking for a limp. I used the same rail journey as usual (45 mins), but modified my usual railway station to RGS route, which involved 0.5 miles walk at the end to a shorter tube, then bus journey, then much shorter walk. I was very pleasantly surprised when I got onto tube train that a man (carrying a Spanish technology conference briefcase) gesticulated to me when I got into the train entrance to come and take his seat. At that point I couldn't see the text on his bag, so said thank you instead of gracias.

A further perhaps practical suggestion - if your feet hurt when you stand on them for mong periods, would wearing padded trainers, for example be practical for travelling, then changing to work shoes at your work place?

Hope one of these lateral approaches might help if you can't get an upgrade from rail company, which might cause ill-feeling from other commuters?

 

[skallagrigg]

Thanks for the replies and for the warm welcome 🙂

It's good to hear that my neuropathy may improve now my diabetes is being treated. I'll try writing to NXEA to see what they say. Unfortunately, I can't alter my hours because they've already been adjusted to fit in with family responsibilities. I start earlier and leave earlier than most of my colleagues, which means it's standing room only in the mornings and is not a pleasant journey at all.

Anyway, thanks all. I'll keep reading and may be back for more advice as questions arise.

 

[Sazzaroo]

Welcome Jackie,

Maybe carrying one of those fold up walking sticks with you on your train journey may help as a visual for fellow commuters, so someone may give up a seat for you.
I recently had a knee problem which resulted in my using my stick occasionally and people certainly treat you differently I found on the tube and bus in the big smoke!