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Self-indulging Oversharing Too Much Information Post

12/11/2017

10 Comments

 
PictureOne of my first blood tests... more than double the ideal level of blood sugar in my system, after barely eating all day (mostly out of fear of food following the diagnosis).
Well... here goes…

There's a lot going on in my world right now.  What started it?  The fact that I’m a recently diagnosed diabetic.  How recent?  October 30.  Yeah… the day before Halloween.  Dick move, doc.

In all seriousness though, my curse is my blessing… just like Spider-Man… if Spider-Man could never really enjoy eating whatever dessert he wanted to again.

During my diagnosis, I was told I was an “extreme diabetic”.  What makes me “extreme”, is the level of blood sugar in my body.  My doctor told me that an average person, after fasting for 10-12 Hours should have a blood sugar rating of about 5.9.  When my blood was tested, I came in at 12.9.  The day I was diagnosed, 13.4.  The next morning I was at 14.5  Safe to say, I was flying pretty high, and have likely been suffering the long term damage of too much blood sugar. 

Friends of mine and some people out there know that I’ve been to the hospital a few times for different things.  While I can’t connect them ALL to this, several of my issues since diagnosis have seen remarkable turnaround. 

Things like chronic joint pain all over my body, fatigue, and all around just not feeling great have subsided.  Not so much as a heart flutter (I used to get regular SVT episodes)… and I sleep at night – the WHOLE night.

Being diagnosed as Type 2, that means no needles full of insulin.  That doesn’t mean there isn’t constant testing and medication though.

Physically, things are looking up.  Neurologically, is where it gets a little more dicey...

Picture
My new normal... a helluva lot of meds, and poking myself every day. Still, not the worst way to live... because at least I'm living better.
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A month or so of diet and exercise. Down 22lbs since diagnosis, 53lbs since my highest weight 3.5 years ago.
PictureI don't know this guy yet...
Those who know me, on whatever level, may also know that I can be a pain in the ass. I’ve been passionate, short on patience, and sometimes, just a downright jerk.  I’m not saying that being a diabetic makes you a prick, but in my case, there is likely a link between the two.

In the last few weeks, I have completely transformed, physically, and mentally.  I can exercise without too much pain, so I do so regularly.  I eat better.  I check my sugars EVERY day, more than once.  Some days are better than others. 

Additional depression from diabetes is also a possible contributor to my mental health, but it’s still all so new, myself and my doctors are all figuring it out together. Combined with a number somewhere in the dozens when it comes to visiting a psychologist, there are a lot of positive developments that have been taking place, including the introduction of new medications to deal with the changes going on.

The struggle is ongoing.  I’ve tried to be the professional and keep it to myself, as I know there are many people who don’t need/want to know this, and frankly, those who are dealing with much more in their lives. I first told myself when this happened that I wasn’t going to be one of those people that spewed his guts about mental illness, but at least if I tell the story, I know it’s the truth.

A very good friend encouraged me to share as much as I was comfortable about sharing.  This is about as far as I can go right now.  If anything I've described sounds like something you're dealing with personally or with someone in your life... look for the answers. If who you're talking to doesn't have them, find someone who does. You could be saving yourself.

I'm going to make it... for the better


10 Comments
Lorie
12/11/2017 04:33:03 pm

My dad is a type 2 diabetic and has been for years. It is the scariest test I go for every second year. If you need an ear to vent to feel free.

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Diane Smitten
12/11/2017 04:35:38 pm

My husband is a Type 2 diabetic. He does take insulin. Five years ago he got Charcot Foot - something to talk to your doc about. Not to scare you whatsoever. But to make you aware of your feet, and to take good care of them. Nobody mentioned this to us ever. Take good care. You are special to do many of us. You helped me through many sleepless nights when you first started at CISN.

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Dan
12/11/2017 04:47:53 pm

Mike
I've been dealing with this for yrs now, pills and shots everyday. I saw a pill for diabetes a couple months ago and has dropped my numbers 3 points! It's called Jardiance if you want to check with your doc. I also just submitted my forms for the Freestyle Libre testing device...the one that attaches to your arm. I've been depressed cause I can't lose the weight I want even though last couple months I'm down 15 pounds. I'm here anytime you wanna chat!

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Jc
12/11/2017 04:57:22 pm

I have recently had the same diagnosis- and am on road to better me!! Lots of ups and downs on this journey Mike.

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dee hobbs
12/11/2017 05:13:23 pm

Mike
thanks for the honesty n directness of what you have endured
i am so damn proud of you for getting up n sharing your experience though i m sure u didn t feel the same.. I don t know much of it have friends that have diabetes n struggle too..
Just Remember take it one day at a time n breathe
You have a thousand friends(fans) that truly do care honestly about you.
wayne n i are two of them.
if we can do anything to help
just ask we are here...honestly
Always friends Wayne n dee hobbs

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Linda Chapman
12/11/2017 07:26:56 pm

Mike, diabetes is manageable. I got the news about January 2013. Yes, it is very scary. I did not have any of the signs or symptoms. That really confused me. However, since then I have taken several free classes which are offered through your Doctors network. I still poke myself 3-4 times a day. I am on several medications to control it and I am doing pretty good. I wish I did not have the (neuropathy) that comes with the disease, but it is a part of it and so far livable. I still have sweets and carbs but really try to control it and limit it. Thanks for sharing

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Sherry
12/11/2017 08:52:06 pm

Mike! Wow you sure have been rhrough alot! As a former edmontonian now manitoban. I follow your post. Miss hearing you on the buz box! I have to say this....dont give up and things do get better! I had gestational diabetes now borderline t2 . Sucks! BUT... I have cut out sugars breads grains rice pasta and starch... ( yeah all the good stuff!) My sugar levels have dropped from consistent 7high 8 down to mid 4 and 5! Daily! Even with fasting! I feel better and have lost 32lbs! You can do it! (Checkout keto diet) it is amazing! A lifestyle changer! Chin up!! You got This!
Sherry.

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Wendy Heinemann
12/11/2017 09:17:29 pm

Mike - I too am a Type 2 Diabetic, brought on the year I turned 40 as a side effect of Breast Cancer.....yup, that was a kick in the teeth. But I worked thought it with the help of my doctor, family, friends and a therapist....now it’s meds everyday and well controlled with my 3 month A1C averaging between 5.9 and 6.2 . I now look at it as not only surviving, but thriving. You know you can bend my ear any time you want or need to, always here!! This roller coaster ride will level out and you will get to know a new normal......you’ve got this!,

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Katie melnyk
12/14/2017 04:49:44 pm

I also was diagnosed same as you.. been in the pretty much same boat. Thanks for sharing and helping me too 😊

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Shellie Anne Maguire
12/19/2017 05:16:39 am

Mike,
Almost EVERY woman on my mother's side of the family is diabetic . I was gestational and at high risk... It's terrifying ... I get that.
My mother ignored doctors advice for many years and now lives with the consequences.
The mental health aspect speaks to me as I see a Psychatrist for my own mental health. Trust that there is a plan for you and your professionals KNOW their job. The absolute hardest part is having to be HONEST with them and yourself... the rest is workable.
My mental health causes me to be an absolute ass at times BUT those who love you;understand that it's usually the depression talking and not the TRUE YOU.
I'm here 24/7 365 if you ever just want to vent.
Much Love and Support
Shellie Anne Maguire

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