Not exactly a newbie

[LancashireLass]

Hello everyone (again)! I joined the forum back in January this year under a different name that I just made up on the spot, so I have changed this to something more personal to me 🙂 I posted a bit when I first joined but have been having some struggles with my mental health since then, so I just kind of disappeared and didn't post at all.

I have been getting some help with that and I am feeling much better for it, so now it's back to tackling the diabetes care and I got a call from the GP to say that my blood results are in and he wants to see me face to face, so I suspect the news is not good!! I expected this to be fair, I really haven't looked after myself for a while now so it's no surprise - I am worried though.

My results (whatever they may be) are going to be my starting point for making changes so I am hoping to be back here more regularly, because the support on here is brilliant. Hopefully my signature will start to fill up with improving results but we shall see 🙂

 

[What the..?]

Hello Lancashire Lass, and welcome back again.
It's good that you're feeling a bit better now, and you've really got the right attitude about your diabetes - whatever the results tomorrow you will at least know what you're dealing with, and can get on and manage it, with lots of support from this forum if you need it. Everyone needs some help from time to time, so don't be afraid to check in and ask, as you say the support on here is brilliant. Will be thinking of you tomorrow, as I'm sure others will. Good luck.

 

[goodybags]

Hi @LancashireLass
whatever the result of your Hba1c is, it will give you a start point to improve, there’s plenty of people on here that had out of control levels (like mysel) good luck

 

[cameron]

Welcome back @LancashireLass!

Sorry to hear about your struggles with your mental health, but good on you for recoginising what was going on and seeking treatment for it.

All the best with your next chapter with diabetes management, you seem to be starting off with a positive mindset. I look forward to seeing your posts on the forum. 🙂

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi LancashireLass, big welcome back!

As I always say, these numbers are just guides to let us know where we are along our journey. Was there anything in particular that you struggled with?

Whatever the results are, we're right here for you. Do keep us updated with how your appointment goes and let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome back @LancashireLass

Glad to see you back 🙂

And glad you reached out for help with your mental health challenges too - really pleased to hear you have been making progress with that - it will really support your diabetes management efforts!

We will be right here for you as you begin to try to make some positive progress with your diabetes. 🙂

 

[LancashireLass]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies......that's why I keep coming back here! 🙂

So my HbA1c has come back at 79 Not the end of the world, but enough to earn me a bit of a lecture from the GP.....which I did need in fairness! So over the weekend my mission is to dig out all my old records, bg meter, food diaries etc and start working on these again.

Just a quick question, I have an old SD Codefree Meter that I haven't used in ages and have seen mentions in the forum about it being replaced by the Gluco Navii (I think that's the name) - is there any real difference in these? The major factor for me is cost.....it needs to be as low as possible lol

Thanks again everyone for your messages, it really does make a huge difference 🙂

 

[grovesy]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies......that's why I keep coming back here! 🙂

So my HbA1c has come back at 79 Not the end of the world, but enough to earn me a bit of a lecture from the GP.....which I did need in fairness! So over the weekend my mission is to dig out all my old records, bg meter, food diaries etc and start working on these again.

Just a quick question, I have an old SD Codefree Meter that I haven't used in ages and have seen mentions in the forum about it being replaced by the Gluco Navii (I think that's the name) - is there any real difference in these? The major factor for me is cost.....it needs to be as low as possible lol

Thanks again everyone for your messages, it really does make a huge difference 🙂

I believe the Gluco Navii, is still one of the cheapest to use.Most companies bring out new meters every few years.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies......that's why I keep coming back here! 🙂

So my HbA1c has come back at 79 Not the end of the world, but enough to earn me a bit of a lecture from the GP.....which I did need in fairness! So over the weekend my mission is to dig out all my old records, bg meter, food diaries etc and start working on these again.

Just a quick question, I have an old SD Codefree Meter that I haven't used in ages and have seen mentions in the forum about it being replaced by the Gluco Navii (I think that's the name) - is there any real difference in these? The major factor for me is cost.....it needs to be as low as possible lol

Thanks again everyone for your messages, it really does make a huge difference 🙂

I have the Code free and the strips are still available certainly on Amazon and it works fine after 6 years.

 

[LancashireLass]

Ah great, I'll stick with the Codefree in that case

 

[What the..?]

Well done - at least you now know where you are and can work out how to get to where you want to be. Be determined, but kind to yourself too, and if you have an off day just accept it as that, and don't let it drag you down for the rest of the week. We all need a 'day off' from time to time. I've often seen people say on here that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and that's so true. Best wishes, and lots of good luck with it all.

 

[LancashireLass]

Thanks again! Just made my first post in the "what did you eat yesterday" thread, I'm hoping using that will keep me motivated (as other people can see it lol) 😳

 

[LancashireLass]

Ok I have been rubbish at keeping the "what did you eat" thread updated, I just don't remember to log in and update it!

But I have been keeping my own written food diary every day, testing and exercising and am pleased to report that my BG levels have started to improve 🙂 I have had a few bad days but as @What the..? says above, I haven't let it ruin the week and have got back on it the next day. The exercise has been tricky because it's just been too bloody hot to move really LOL 😱 but i've tried to do walks later at night when it's been a bit cooler and now the summer seems to have ended i'll get back to my usual routine.

I have been struggling a bit this time with my meals and what to have and I was considering asking my GP if I could be put forward for the meal replacement program that they are doing now with the soups and shakes but I wasn't sure how to go about it. Do I just wait until my next review or can I call up and ask?

 

[What the..?]

Hello Lancashire Lass, it sounds as if you're really doing OK, well better than OK if your BG levels are improving, and hope now the weather has cooled a bit it is easier for you to exercise. Keeping the food and exercise diary is really useful, and I know it helped me loads when this all hit me last year.
I'm lucky because I really like most foods (or maybe that's been part of the problem!) and really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, so changing my diet has probably been a bit easier for me than for you as you say you've been struggling a bit this time. I really can't offer any advice over meal replacements, although I have seen other forum members who have used them, so hopefully they'll respond to this, but perhaps it might be a good idea to start another thread, with a more specific title referring to meal replacement.
And well done for keeping on keeping on!