Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Diabetes / November 2007
I'm pretty f.cking depressed
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Jackie Patti - 20 Nov 2007 17:00 GMT OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment tomorrow, I was somewhat perturbed.
I was also getting weaker and less able to do things and it just started to seem like I was going backwards. By the end of the week, I started getting depressed - feeling like my recovery was stalled.
Probably just a bug, but it was discouraging.
So yesterday, I had an appointment with a gynecologist and it just blew me away completly and I am now having a meltdown. Males can quit reading here if they are easily squicked. ;)
I'm overdue for a Pap and a mammogram, but the main reason I was going in was cause I had an ultrasound back in August and they saw adenomyosis, which is endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall.
The main reason I had the ultrasound was cause I had a period in July, 3 years after my last period and I'm therefore presumably postmenopausal so not supposed to have periods. Frankly, I thought the internist was overreacting, I had the CABG in June and figured my body had just generically been shocked or something. I didn't think a period was a big deal, in fact, I didn't even mention it to the internsit, Steve did.
After the ultrasound, I looked up adenomyosis and it said it didn't need treatment if it was asymptomatic so I didn't think it mattered much and wasn't hurrying about it.
The gyn says it's a big deal. Says the internist was negligent in just doing an ultrasound, that I need an endometrial biopsy. He says that the main reason women don't die of uterine cancer is because they know to check after the one primary symptom, which is unexpected bleeding.
I had cervical issues in my thirties. I had a bad Pap smear, a bad follow-up biopsy, then a LEEP surgery in a doctor's office with a bit of cervix removed. The following year, I had a repeat, bad Pap, bad biopsy, outpatient surgery through a hospital gyn clinic with a bit more cervix removed. At the time, I was been told it was HPV-caused cancer.
My new gyn says it wasn't cancer, says if it was cancer, they'd have done a hysterectomy. I distinctly remember being told it was cancer, when I freaked out about the second surgery, one nurse told me I'd *die* without it. So I dunno what the hell that means.
I also remember the biopsies hurt like hell. I'd been told they wouldn't and that I could drive myself. Since I was a single mom of a small child, I went ahead and did so. I barely got myself home and then spent several days in bed in pain due to cramps. So the biopsy wasn't nearly as "not a big deal" as they had said.
I have this biopsy scheduled for Dec 17th. It's an endometrial biopsy, which I presume means they are going through the cervix to get some stuff from the uterus itself. I can't see how it'd be *less* of a problem than a cervical biopsy, so expect I shouldn't try to drive myself. Since Steve is on the road, I guess I'll take a cab. No big deal.
Unless I fail the biopsy, in which case this guy is gonna wanna yank my innards out. That should really jumpstart my recovery, having another major surgery.
I am starting to believe that I'll never feel good again.
The gyn also said it was very unusual for them to see adenomyosis on an ultrasound so he wants the report. He also wants me to track down the old medical records from when I did or didn't have cervical cancer, which was almost 15 years ago in another state.
I know doctors who overdo hysterectomies are a possible problem, so dunno if this guy is right or not. I know I can Google and learn gobs.
OK, I already knew about diabetes. I learned about insulin when I first got home from the hospital. Then I read and studied up on heart disease. Then I began reading about endocrine disorders and I'm not done with that study yet. Right now, my overwhelming feeling is that I do NOT want to learn about uterine cancer.
I left the gyn's office and went for an unscheduled grocery shopping. I bought all frozen crap: cheese sticks, breaded chicken strips, pizza rolls and garlic bread, decided that stuff didn't look unhealthy enough, so added a Pepperidge Farm chocolate farm layer cake. I had a big pity binge for myself last night. There's still gobs of leftover junk here; I could start my own chapter of the ADA. ;)
I haven't decided anything for today yet - if I'm going to keep being stupid or get back on track. I've been up for 4 hours and haven't eaten, measured my bg, bp or temperature, taken any Lantus, or my other meds, nada. I just had a cup of coffee and several phone conversations with hubby. I've missed the Y and ought to grocery shop for Thanksgiving too today, but am not feeling much like it.
I haven't begun calling around to track down all these medical records yet either. I'm not entirely sure if I give a damn. My body seems damned determined to f.ck me over, no matter what I do, so I'm not sure if I wanna fight anymore.
I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable anywhere near me.
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Susan - 20 Nov 2007 17:40 GMT x--archive: yes
> OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 96 lines] > while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable > anywhere near me. Drop the "poor me" crap and back away from the fridge!
You're probably going to live, you realize, and have complications of these choices on top of everything else.
Just when you think you have a perfectly good excuse to indulge, you find out you're NOT DYING YET.
I mean it, knock it OFF!
I mean that in the sweetest, most supportive way, of course. ;-)
Susan
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 12:25 GMT I have a two-hour endo appointment today to get to the bottom of everything endo-wise. There's really nothing to do but what is right in front of me, so... I'll do that.
Yesterday, I read a novel - an author I like who always makes me feel hopeful. I basically decided I shouldn't read or think about medical stuff. Figured it'd make me feel better and it did for the time I was reading anyways. I had a meltdown at bedtime, but with four cats to cuddle, crying isn't so bad. ;)
Today, fbg is 144 - so bingeing didn't kill me. Probably comes from deciding breaded chicken strips and cheese and crackers were binge foods; I don't binge well. ;)
Steve is delivering in Pittsburgh this morning, and they do their damndest to get drivers home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so he may well be home this evening and if not, by morning. He is pretty aware that he is coming home to help me rather than to have a holiday. The turkey is already thawed, so we'll throw it in the oven regardless, even Steve could do that. ;) I bought champagne too, so maybe I'll get drunk at some point this weekend.
I'm not scared of dying, per se. I know that's a given whether it's next year, a decade from now, four decades from now - I'm gonna die. Being scared of that is something I've lived with since the heart attack.
What I'm *really* scared of is of being sick until then, of never feeling good again. I'm scared of never being able to have a garden again. Of never being able to hold a job again. I'm scared that no matter WHAT I do, another damned thing will come along, that I'll never really recover, just go from illness to illness - that I'll just be an invalid from here on out.
I also have this weird feeling that every different doctor who gets a hold of me is going to find something else wrong. Right now, I have an internist, a gynecologist, a cardiologist and an endocrinologist. This is just an insane number of doctors; used to be I didn't see a doctor at all for years at a time. I feel... that I don't want any more specialists; they'll just find something else wrong. Somehow, it won't hurt if I just don't know about it.
And yeah, Michelle, I'm scared of doctors doing any damned thing to me unless I know all about it and approve. I don't know of any way to determine the difference between a good doctor and a quack short of learning a lot of what they know myself. But I am just flatout not gonna look into uterine issues until after the biopsy. If this guy wants to yank chunks of my innards out, first thing I'll do is ask for a second opinion, which will give me some time to do some reading and decide what the hell to do. For now, I'm just not gonna think about it.
And I'm postponing the mammogram until January. It's gonna hurt way too much with my chest still being sore from the surgery. If they wanna find something wrong with my boobs, they're gonna hafta wait as I don't have time to have a problem there right now!
The weird thing is how like preparing *chicken* the whole thing seems. Splitting my breastbone for the bypass struck me as something I am familair with primarily from cutting up whole chickens. The potential hysterectomy seems like gutting me. Boy, have they got the order of things wrong!
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Susan - 21 Nov 2007 14:46 GMT > I'm not scared of dying, per se. I know that's a given whether it's > next year, a decade from now, four decades from now - I'm gonna die. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > really recover, just go from illness to illness - that I'll just be an > invalid from here on out. I so hear you, and I've lived with thoughts like this for a long time, especially this past couple of years. I've decided that it's just not true, as long as I believe in my wellness. If it turns out to *be* true, at least I'll live as a person who plans her life as a well one, works for me so far.
> I also have this weird feeling that every different doctor who gets a > hold of me is going to find something else wrong. Right now, I have an [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > specialists; they'll just find something else wrong. Somehow, it won't > hurt if I just don't know about it. Me too.
> And yeah, Michelle, I'm scared of doctors doing any damned thing to me > unless I know all about it and approve. I don't know of any way to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > second opinion, which will give me some time to do some reading and > decide what the hell to do. For now, I'm just not gonna think about it. Good plan!
> And I'm postponing the mammogram until January. It's gonna hurt way too > much with my chest still being sore from the surgery. If they wanna [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > hysterectomy seems like gutting me. Boy, have they got the order of > things wrong! There are some docs who, if it's not actual cancer, will do myomectomy. Very time consuming and bloody, but keeps your organs intact. Honestly, though, if it's just abnormal, not urgent, getting your endocrine stuff under control may handle it.
Glad you're a Bad Binger. ;-)
Susan
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 17:01 GMT >> I'm not scared of dying, per se. I know that's a given whether it's >> next year, a decade from now, four decades from now - I'm gonna die. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I so hear you, and I've lived with thoughts like this for a long time, > especially this past couple of years. Yeah, I don't know how you deal with it, Susan.
Reading that Cushing's group is seriously depressing stuff - the testing, then the sugeries, and sometimes that still not being a cure.
You can do everything right and still lose. That's the feeling that's driving me batty.
> I've decided that it's just not > true, as long as I believe in my wellness. If it turns out to *be* > true, at least I'll live as a person who plans her life as a well one, > works for me so far. I need to get that tattoo'd on me or something.
Right now, I'm just gonna write this cause I *need* to believe in it... my thinking has been, as I get healthier and improve the IR and perhaps with some help from the Symlin, I'll be able to get off insulin in a year or so.
And THEN I want to put everything in storage and give up this house and just drive for a year and put piles of money in the bank. If we both drive, we can save a pile of money and buy land outright without a mortgage in a year or two.
And then I shall have my garden, and when I improve the soil, it will be improved FOREVER. And I want to build a greenhouse so I have a garden all year. And have chickens again cause they turn carbs into eggs. ;) And I want a cow, cause I like cows, and want my own - and silly as it sounds, when I had my heart attack, that is what hit me as my biggest regret, that I had never had a cow. And to make yogurt and various cheeses. And just be a boring old fart who spends most of her time with plants and animals and teaching kewl stuff to visiting nieces and nephews.
And I'll be DAMNED if I'm gonna be too sick to do that!
> There are some docs who, if it's not actual cancer, will do myomectomy. > Very time consuming and bloody, but keeps your organs intact. Honestly, > though, if it's just abnormal, not urgent, getting your endocrine stuff > under control may handle it. > > Glad you're a Bad Binger. ;-) I have no taste for sweets anymore, the layer cake was gross so I threw it out.
When you eat flax and organic everything regularly, breaded chicken strips and a cheeseball with crackers seem like awfully "naughty" foods.
Makes it rough to really binge properly - I probably CAN'T actually go out on hot fudge sundaes. Maybe I could manage a potato and pasta orgy though. ;)
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Susan - 21 Nov 2007 18:07 GMT > Yeah, I don't know how you deal with it, Susan. Same way anyone else does, by doing everything I can, and remaining grateful for the abundant good fortune in my life.
> Reading that Cushing's group is seriously depressing stuff - the > testing, then the sugeries, and sometimes that still not being a cure. > > You can do everything right and still lose. That's the feeling that's > driving me batty. Yep. I'm not so sure I'd have the surgery; I may *need* the extra hormones unless resistance is addressed.
>> I've decided that it's just not true, as long as I believe in my >> wellness. If it turns out to *be* true, at least I'll live as a >> person who plans her life as a well one, works for me so far. > > I need to get that tattoo'd on me or something. Alternatively, on a piece of paper stuck to the fridge??? ;-P
> Right now, I'm just gonna write this cause I *need* to believe in it... > my thinking has been, as I get healthier and improve the IR and perhaps > with some help from the Symlin, I'll be able to get off insulin in a > year or so. Always hope for the best and plan for the worst. Afer you've made your plan, stop thinking about the worst entirely.
> And THEN I want to put everything in storage and give up this house and > just drive for a year and put piles of money in the bank. If we both > drive, we can save a pile of money and buy land outright without a > mortgage in a year or two. That's a great plan.
> And then I shall have my garden, and when I improve the soil, it will be > improved FOREVER. And I want to build a greenhouse so I have a garden [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > And I'll be DAMNED if I'm gonna be too sick to do that! Exactly!
> I have no taste for sweets anymore, the layer cake was gross so I threw > it out. I'm the same way. I'll make exceptions for extraordinary desserts with Precose, but not for ordinary dreck.
> When you eat flax and organic everything regularly, breaded chicken > strips and a cheeseball with crackers seem like awfully "naughty" foods. They seem kind of rancid, greasy and pasty, no?
> Makes it rough to really binge properly - I probably CAN'T actually go > out on hot fudge sundaes. Maybe I could manage a potato and pasta orgy > though. ;) Whereas I'd go out on a float made of Boule d' neige...
Susan
sally - 21 Nov 2007 23:13 GMT > >> I'm not scared of dying, per se. I know that's a given whether it's > >> next year, a decade from now, four decades from now - I'm gonna die. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >> never really recover, just go from illness to illness - that I'll just > >> be an invalid from here on out. Hi Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about your problems. I have enjoyed reading your posts for the last 2 or 3 months and have found lots of great information in them. I sincerely hope that you can come to terms with the situation and make the best of it. I have not been in your position so don't know how I would react but I imagine it would be much the same. My thoughts an prayers are with you at this time. I hope that you can enjoy your Thanksgiving with your husband and find something to be thankful for. You sure have had your share of troubles lately. It makes me more aware of how lucky I am to only be diagnosed with early onset diabetes and nothing else at the moment and reading about others trials makes me more intent on taking care of the diabetes. Take care and best wishes for the upcoming tests.
Michelle C. - 22 Nov 2007 17:28 GMT > Yesterday, I read a novel - an author I like who always makes me feel > hopeful. I basically decided I shouldn't read or think about medical > stuff. Figured it'd make me feel better and it did for the time I was > reading anyways. I had a meltdown at bedtime, but with four cats to > cuddle, crying isn't so bad. ;) Hi Jackie, Good for you! So what did you read? I'm an avid reader myself. :-)
snipped but read in full
> I'm not scared of dying, per se. I know that's a given whether it's > next year, a decade from now, four decades from now - I'm gonna die. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > really recover, just go from illness to illness - that I'll just be an > invalid from here on out. I think that is something we all fear--hence our participation in the newsgroup in order to control diabetes. Personally, I believe quality of life is more important than quantity of life. The trick is in determining what actions are going to get what, and that's where information is your best ally. I know the road since the bypass has been very tough, but it sounds to me that you have been making definite progress. Except for the fact that you have to investigate this new issue, physically you are in the same place that you were before you discovered you'd have to deal with it, and that has been a progressively more positve place. Don't forget that.
> I also have this weird feeling that every different doctor who gets a > hold of me is going to find something else wrong. Right now, I have an [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > specialists; they'll just find something else wrong. Somehow, it won't > hurt if I just don't know about it. While I would never give advice about what a person should or should not do in regards to health, here's my perspective, both as a patient and a medical lab tech. Doctors get the issue of quality of life mixed up with quantity of life--they tend to think they are same thing. (Patients, and families of patients often mix these issues up as well.) Doctors also tend to look for problems because it's their job to cure them--but sometimes the problems and cures really aren't that important to quality of life. Here's an example: I worked for an internist, a smart, compassionate guy, but also very thorough, sometimes too thorough. We had a 90 year old lady who was amazing-- sharp, no major physical infirmities, lived by herself. The only issue that was developing in regard to her health was the onset of lymphocytic leukemia. Her white count was 20,000+ and the greatest percentage of cell types were lymphocytes. The thing about this type of leukemia is that it develops very slowly. Anyway, the internist wanted to do a bone marrow on her and she wouldn't allow it. It perturbed him to no end. I asked him if he had the bone marrow test if he could begin treating her. He told me that no, he couldn't treat her until her white count reached 50,000. So I followed up with the question about why the bone marrow test was so important. He replied, "Well, I just want to know!" Okay, this internist was a good guy and he helped a lot of people, but obviously he forgot that quality of this patient's life was more important than his need to know. (I later talked to another physician I'd worked for before--an old guy with a more "country doctor" attitude--about the incident. He told me the internist was being ridiculous, that at her age, the patient was more likely to die of something else before her leukemia became bad enough to require treatment.) My point is that one needs to be very careful to sort all of this out. So while I wouldn't give advice about what to do in regards to health, I will offer this: Try to determine what the doctor's motivation is in the advice they give because sometimes they really don't know themselves--even the good ones.
> And yeah, Michelle, I'm scared of doctors doing any damned thing to me > unless I know all about it and approve. I don't know of any way to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > second opinion, which will give me some time to do some reading and > decide what the hell to do. For now, I'm just not gonna think about it. I think that's smart. And like I said, I have the same issue with doctors.
> And I'm postponing the mammogram until January. It's gonna hurt way too > much with my chest still being sore from the surgery. If they wanna > find something wrong with my boobs, they're gonna hafta wait as I don't > have time to have a problem there right now! Very smart! Just do your self breast exams. If I had a lump, I'd definitely get it checked out--in fact I had a cyst, and I got it checked out--but I personally wonder about the wisdom of radiated my breasts every year as recommended.
> The weird thing is how like preparing *chicken* the whole thing seems. > Splitting my breastbone for the bypass struck me as something I am > familair with primarily from cutting up whole chickens. The potential > hysterectomy seems like gutting me. Boy, have they got the order of > things wrong! LOL! That's so bad, all I can do is laugh.
Best regards, Michelle C., T2 diet & exercise
> --http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/ Alan S - 22 Nov 2007 23:01 GMT >While I would never give advice about what a person should or should >not do in regards to health, here's my perspective, both as a patient [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >because sometimes they really don't know themselves--even the good >ones. <snip>
Hi Michelle
I understand your point and I would certainly agree with your view that a 90yo in her position should not have the BMA. An initial BMA can be very important in correct diagnosis and assessing correct treatment regardless of the white count, although other less intrusive methods may also be possible these days. But I certainly wouldn't support it in geriatric circumstances.
However, for others of a different age be aware that while some CLL patients do move very slowly, some don't.
One reason I am taking a sabbatical from the management team of the ACOR CLL list next year is that, while I am one of those lucky ones "more likely to die of something else before my leukemia became bad enough to require treatment", I have said goodbye to too many on that list lately. Some were only diagnosed a year or two ago.
While I'm on the subject, I'll put in a plug for any cancer patients who are not aware of the ACOR lists: http://www.acor.org/
And, just in case there are other CLLers reading here, a great blog by a British haemotologist for CLL patients: http://mutated-unmuated.blogspot.com/
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. -- http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts
Michelle C. - 23 Nov 2007 18:07 GMT > On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:28:55 -0800 (PST), "Michelle C." > [quoted text clipped - 61 lines] > And, just in case there are other CLLers reading here, a > great blog by a British haemotologist for CLL patients:http://mutated-unmuated.blogspot.com/ Hi Alan,
I'm sorry you're losing friends to the cursed CLL. You bring up some very important points.
I think what we're both saying is that each case is unique, and all factors must be taken into consideration--age, aggressiveness of the disease, and the patient's personal philosophy about what constitutes quality of life. Doctors, even terrific ones, are human and they tend to form "policies/philosophies" in order to make their jobs easier, which are sometimes in conflict with what is important to the patient. In the case of the internist I mentioned above, he was always very thorough. This was a "policy" that served him and his patients well overall. However, it prevented him from seeing that in this 90 year old lady's case, it wasn't appropriate. And that's where we as patients need to be on the ball.
From way up here in the US, you've always impressed me as being very informed, able to get to the crux of the matter, and well in tune with what you personally believe is important. I know you are always going to be your own best advocate. Unfortunately, many people do not even know where to begin. I imagine most of us here on ASD can remember when we were confused and bombarded by too much information too fast. We learned to research, sort data, network, etc. Some people never get to that point.
In Jackie's case, where she has several issues going on all at once, it's really tricky, although I know she's going to do well at getting the information she needs to make informed decisions. She has a particularly remarkable knack.
Alan, I certainly wish you a long and comfortable life. ASD needs your wisdom.
Best regards, Michelle C., T2 diet & exercise
> Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. > d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Alan S - 23 Nov 2007 23:19 GMT >> On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:28:55 -0800 (PST), "Michelle C." >> [quoted text clipped - 99 lines] >Michelle C., T2 >diet & exercise Thanks Michelle.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. -- http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts
Cheri - 20 Nov 2007 18:33 GMT Jackie, I'm sorry. You definitely seem to have an awful lot on your plate (including that junk food plate right now...little bit of humor there), but in all seriousness I hope your biopsy turns out well, and is not as painful as the last time. I also hope that you're able to get back on track, because sometimes the "I don't give a damn" attitude, makes the depression worse. It's really true what Gilda Radner used to say..."It's always somethin." May your "somethin" be good. Take care.
Cheri
Jackie Patti wrote in message <47431279$0$27061$470ef3ce@news.pa.net>...
>OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I >was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 97 lines] >while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable >anywhere near me. William Wagner - 20 Nov 2007 18:46 GMT Hang in here Jacki. Depression is a major side effect of heart disease and it looks like diabetes may also have this problem. Perhaps all major chronic problems do.
Bill
"General health status was lower, body mass index higher, and insulin treatment more frequent; history of prior coronary heart disease was less frequent. They were more likely to indicate depression and hopelessness and to identify costs as a barrier to self-care; less likely to report trust in their regular physician; and more likely to smoke cigarettes and be physically inactive."
From below.
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Understanding the Gap Between Good Processes of Diabetes Care and Poor Intermediate Outcomes: Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD). Selby JV, Swain BE, Gerzoff RB, Karter AJ, Waitzfelder BE, Brown AF, Ackermann RT, Duru OK, Ferrara A, Herman W, Marrero DG, Caputo D, Narayan KM; for the TRIAD Study Group. From the *Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Northern California, Oakland, California; ÝDivision of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia; ýPacific Health Research Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii; §Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; ¶Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; ?School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; **University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Center for Continuing and Outreach Education, Newark, New Jersey; ÝÝRollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; ýýfor a list of the TRIAD Study Group, see . BACKGROUND:: Performance of diabetes clinical care processes has improved recently, but control of hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and other vascular disease risk factors has improved more slowly. OBJECTIVES:: To identify patient factors associated with control of vascular disease risk factors among diabetes patients receiving recommended care processes. POPULATION:: Managed care enrollees who participated in the TRIAD (Translating Research into Action for Diabetes) Study and received at least 5 of 7 recommended care processes during the 12 months before the second survey (2002-2003). METHODS:: Comparison of 1003 patients with good control of A1c (<8%), systolic blood pressure (<140 mm Hg) and LDL-cholesterol (<130 mg/dL) versus 812 patients with poor control for at least 2 of these factors. RESULTS:: Poorly controlled patients were younger, more frequently female, African American, with lower education and income (P < 0.001 for each). General health status was lower, body mass index higher, and insulin treatment more frequent; history of prior coronary heart disease was less frequent. They were more likely to indicate depression and hopelessness and to identify costs as a barrier to self-care; less likely to report trust in their regular physician; and more likely to smoke cigarettes and be physically inactive. Adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, concerns about costs, low trust in one's physician, current smoking, and physical inactivity remained associated with poor control. However, inclusion of these 4 variables in a single model did not diminish associations of race/ethnicity or education with control. CONCLUSIONS:: Clinical, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors were independently associated with poor control. However, these factors did not fully explain observed racial and socioeconomic disparities in control. PMID: 18007164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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krom - 20 Nov 2007 19:45 GMT Sorry jackie <cyber hug> My advice would be say lump it to turkey day..order chinese and rent a movie and relax. Me ..i love to cook so that would de-stress me but if its work for u forget it this year..its not a law..lol. I hope and sure it will be ok. As far as testign etc take a day off but dont go nuts with food or you'll just feel worse and who needs that? Take your meds...if your not gonna eat much take less and just eat when your hungry and if you feel icky make hubby test you..
:-) KROM
> OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 96 lines] > chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable anywhere near > me. Michelle C. - 20 Nov 2007 20:07 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 99 lines] > > --http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/ Jackie,
You may correct me if I'm wrong, but I keep getting these vibes that what you really, really HATE is being at the mercy of the medical profession. How do I know? Because I do too. Nothing makes me feel more defeated than the fear I might have to rely on someone who isn't going to be competent--not to mention that a lot of medical procedures are just plain undignified. Hell, I was a medical lab technologist, so I know that to the people who perform said procedures it really isn't any big deal, but if I have to go to the doctor, I get the worst case of white coat syndrome. Logic just doesn't work here.
Now, having said that, get the test. If you know what you're dealing with, you're going to feel better. It might not be a big deal. And even if it something that the doctor thinks requires surgery, it doesn't mean you have to go along with him/her.
In other words, don't suicide on chocolate fudge until you've got the facts.
Best regards, Michelle C., T2 diet & exercise
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 12:36 GMT > You may correct me if I'm wrong, but I keep getting these vibes that > what you really, really HATE is being at the mercy of the medical > profession. How do I know? Because I do too. Nothing makes me feel > more defeated than the fear I might have to rely on someone who isn't > going to be competent--not to mention that a lot of medical procedures > are just plain undignified. Oh yeah, seeing a gyn always leaves me feeling someone should've bought me dinner first. ;) This guy wasn't too bad though; he had decent bedside manner. He actually spoke to you in an office first, while you were dressed, instead of deciding to get all chatty with his hand up inside! ;) Still... flowers would've been nice. ;)
Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that.
It's not knowing if they're competent or not. I've dealt with incompetence at rather high levels so don't have much faith in credentials. The first PhD awarded from my lab in grad school was given to a woman who didn't understand chemistry as well as my then 5-yr-old daughter, so credentials don't mean much to me.
I had no choice about the bypass as I was too stoned to learn about heart disease rapidly. I had to just trust the surgeon and that was not easy for me to do. She didn't kill me, so it worked out.
I really expected with the gyn to be told it was no big deal, given a Pap and a slip for a mammogram, and sent on my way. So it was a disappointing visit.
 Signature http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/
Michelle C. - 22 Nov 2007 17:39 GMT > > You may correct me if I'm wrong, but I keep getting these vibes that > > what you really, really HATE is being at the mercy of the medical [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that. Oh yeah, me too! In fact, I'm so weirded out by it, I try to find a female doctor if I can.
> It's not knowing if they're competent or not. I've dealt with > incompetence at rather high levels so don't have much faith in > credentials. The first PhD awarded from my lab in grad school was given > to a woman who didn't understand chemistry as well as my then 5-yr-old > daughter, so credentials don't mean much to me. Yep, there are idiots in every profession and doctors are no exception.
> I had no choice about the bypass as I was too stoned to learn about > heart disease rapidly. I had to just trust the surgeon and that was not > easy for me to do. She didn't kill me, so it worked out. And we're all glad it did. Jackie, I really enjoy your posts--full of dry humor, honesty, and a lot of knowledge.
Best regards, Michelle C., T2 diet & exercise
> I really expected with the gyn to be told it was no big deal, given a > Pap and a slip for a mammogram, and sent on my way. So it was a > disappointing visit. > > --http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/ Michelle C. - 22 Nov 2007 19:43 GMT > > > You may correct me if I'm wrong, but I keep getting these vibes that > > > what you really, really HATE is being at the mercy of the medical [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > > Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that. DUH--Missed this line--just read the preceding paragraph. Obviously, I'm not over it. ;-)
> Oh yeah, me too! In fact, I'm so weirded out by it, I try to find a > female doctor if I can.
> Best regards, > Michelle C., T2 > diet & exercise Jackie Patti - 23 Nov 2007 15:58 GMT >>> Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that. > > DUH--Missed this line--just read the preceding paragraph. Obviously, > I'm not over it. ;-) >> Oh yeah, me too! In fact, I'm so weirded out by it, I try to find a >> female doctor if I can. Someday I'm gonna get the nerve to ask one of them *why* they wanted to be a gynecologist.
Maybe I'll feel better about it all, but maybe I won't. ;)
 Signature http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/
Alice Faber - 23 Nov 2007 16:08 GMT > >>> Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that. > > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Maybe I'll feel better about it all, but maybe I won't. ;) Every time I hear of a male gynecologist, I remember the boy in my sixth grade class who announced that he wanted to be a gynecologist so he'd get to look at lots of naked women. I know (hope) he grew up, but still...
 Signature "[xxx] has very definite opinions, and does not suffer fools lightly. This, apparently, upsets the fools." ---BB cuts to the pith of a flame-fest
Michelle C. - 23 Nov 2007 18:09 GMT > >>> Eh... the undiginified bit is... I'm so over all that. > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > --http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/ Oh my, that is a hysterical thought! If you ever get the nerve to ask, tell us what s/he says.
Best regards, Michelle C., T2 diet & exercise
Julie Bove - 20 Nov 2007 20:52 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment > tomorrow, I was somewhat perturbed. <snipped but read>
Sorry to hear that.
W. Baker - 20 Nov 2007 20:54 GMT : OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I : was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment : tomorrow, I was somewhat perturbed.
: I was also getting weaker and less able to do things and it just started : to seem like I was going backwards. By the end of the week, I started : getting depressed - feeling like my recovery was stalled.
: Probably just a bug, but it was discouraging.
: So yesterday, I had an appointment with a gynecologist and it just blew : me away completly and I am now having a meltdown. Males can quit : reading here if they are easily squicked. ;)
: I'm overdue for a Pap and a mammogram, but the main reason I was going : in was cause I had an ultrasound back in August and they saw : adenomyosis, which is endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall.
: The main reason I had the ultrasound was cause I had a period in July, 3 : years after my last period and I'm therefore presumably postmenopausal : so not supposed to have periods. Frankly, I thought the internist was : overreacting, I had the CABG in June and figured my body had just : generically been shocked or something. I didn't think a period was a : big deal, in fact, I didn't even mention it to the internsit, Steve did.
: After the ultrasound, I looked up adenomyosis and it said it didn't need : treatment if it was asymptomatic so I didn't think it mattered much and : wasn't hurrying about it.
: The gyn says it's a big deal. Says the internist was negligent in just : doing an ultrasound, that I need an endometrial biopsy. He says that : the main reason women don't die of uterine cancer is because they know : to check after the one primary symptom, which is unexpected bleeding.
: I had cervical issues in my thirties. I had a bad Pap smear, a bad : follow-up biopsy, then a LEEP surgery in a doctor's office with a bit of : cervix removed. The following year, I had a repeat, bad Pap, bad : biopsy, outpatient surgery through a hospital gyn clinic with a bit more : cervix removed. At the time, I was been told it was HPV-caused cancer.
: My new gyn says it wasn't cancer, says if it was cancer, they'd have : done a hysterectomy. I distinctly remember being told it was cancer, : when I freaked out about the second surgery, one nurse told me I'd *die* : without it. So I dunno what the hell that means.
: I also remember the biopsies hurt like hell. I'd been told they : wouldn't and that I could drive myself. Since I was a single mom of a : small child, I went ahead and did so. I barely got myself home and : then spent several days in bed in pain due to cramps. So the biopsy : wasn't nearly as "not a big deal" as they had said.
: I have this biopsy scheduled for Dec 17th. It's an endometrial biopsy, : which I presume means they are going through the cervix to get some : stuff from the uterus itself. I can't see how it'd be *less* of a : problem than a cervical biopsy, so expect I shouldn't try to drive : myself. Since Steve is on the road, I guess I'll take a cab. No big : deal.
: Unless I fail the biopsy, in which case this guy is gonna wanna yank my : innards out. That should really jumpstart my recovery, having another : major surgery.
: I am starting to believe that I'll never feel good again.
: The gyn also said it was very unusual for them to see adenomyosis on an : ultrasound so he wants the report. He also wants me to track down the : old medical records from when I did or didn't have cervical cancer, : which was almost 15 years ago in another state.
: I know doctors who overdo hysterectomies are a possible problem, so : dunno if this guy is right or not. I know I can Google and learn gobs.
: OK, I already knew about diabetes. I learned about insulin when I first : got home from the hospital. Then I read and studied up on heart : disease. Then I began reading about endocrine disorders and I'm not : done with that study yet. Right now, my overwhelming feeling is that I : do NOT want to learn about uterine cancer.
: I left the gyn's office and went for an unscheduled grocery shopping. I : bought all frozen crap: cheese sticks, breaded chicken strips, pizza : rolls and garlic bread, decided that stuff didn't look unhealthy enough, : so added a Pepperidge Farm chocolate farm layer cake. I had a big pity : binge for myself last night. There's still gobs of leftover junk here; : I could start my own chapter of the ADA. ;)
: I haven't decided anything for today yet - if I'm going to keep being : stupid or get back on track. I've been up for 4 hours and haven't : eaten, measured my bg, bp or temperature, taken any Lantus, or my other : meds, nada. I just had a cup of coffee and several phone conversations : with hubby. I've missed the Y and ought to grocery shop for : Thanksgiving too today, but am not feeling much like it.
: I haven't begun calling around to track down all these medical records : yet either. I'm not entirely sure if I give a damn. My body seems : damned determined to f.ck me over, no matter what I do, so I'm not sure : if I wanna fight anymore.
: I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a : diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine : while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable : anywhere near me. jacki,
i can't help you much with your many issue, but I can say, dump on us here as much as you need to. That is what friends are for. others may be along with actual advice, but I do have smypathy for ou.
When is Steve gettign home? I think ou shoul n't be alone right now, but need some kind of shoulder to cry on. have ou any friends nearby or other family to lean on pysically till Steve gets home?
Wendy
antmeeter@yahoo.com - 20 Nov 2007 22:38 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment > tomorrow, I was somewhat perturbed. <Crumple>
'Sound like you're having a rough week and sorry for that. One thing that helps me get through tough times is to remember this: a century ago I wouldn't have lived this long, this well, or this "rich" (relatively speaking). You have conditions for which there are largely remedies. A hundred years ago, you would have been finished a long time ago. I try to be mindful of this and use my "extra" time well.
All The Best ant
Alan S - 20 Nov 2007 22:51 GMT <snipped but read>
Hi Jackie
I can't offer anything but the thought that someone cares from half a world away. And I know you're too strong to give in to a pity party. You will overcome and you will make the right decisions.
Best wishes.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia.
Oleg Lego - 20 Nov 2007 23:19 GMT >I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a >diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine >while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable >anywhere near me. Bummer, Jackie.
Hang in there, though, and try to get back on track, just in case you'll be around for the next few decades, m'kay?
 Signature Larry, T2, Saskatchewan, Canada. DX 24 Aug 07. D&E Metformin 2000mg, Ramipril, Simvastatin Last A1c 8.1 (at DX)
Nicky - 20 Nov 2007 23:21 GMT >I'm overdue for a Pap and a mammogram, but the main reason I was going >in was cause I had an ultrasound back in August and they saw >adenomyosis, which is endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall. Jeez. Glad they caught it. And I don't like the thought of that thing being in you and not fully identified - so although the biopsy thing is a total pain, I'm glad you're getting it done!
I'll think about you on the 17th; sending you good vibes...
Nicky. T2 dx 05/04 + underactive thyroid D&E, 100ug thyroxine Last A1c 5.6% BMI 25
Gantlet - 20 Nov 2007 23:34 GMT > I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a diet > of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine while > chain-smoking Sounds like the advice on the ADA's page. :).
Just make sure you use your meter to make sure you get healthy amounts of hot fudge coffee and smokes :).
but seriously doing what you said would be a gamble. you may first end up with diabetic complications much worse than anything you already have experienced - before what ever it is that you are afraid of dieing of.
when things get tough the tough get going.
Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! And it isn't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough... [thinks hard] the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go! [runs out, alone; then returns]
I hope everything works out for the best and you get your mind at a pleasant place.
 Signature Tom
www.TomsDiabeticDiary.com
Chat in peace with other diabetes at the American Diabetes Associations Web Site. http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=amdiabetesz&redi rCnt=1
Information You Can "Trust" From Your American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Information on Specific Types of Fat. http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodlabel/specific-fats.jsp
Cheri - 21 Nov 2007 00:18 GMT Gantlet wrote in message ...
>Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over >when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! Exactly when did the Germans bomb Pearl Harbor though? Just curious. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife Tom. :-)
Cheri
Kurt - 21 Nov 2007 00:44 GMT > Gantlet wrote in message ... > >Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was > it over > >when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! > > Exactly when did the Germans bomb Pearl Harbor though? Hey Cheri, have you ever seen the movie "Animal House" with John Belushi? If not, rent it this weekend. It's quite funny...and you may just have the answer to the question you posed to Tom.
Kurt P.S. After reading about your planned laid back Thanksgiving plans I got real jealous. :)
Cheri - 21 Nov 2007 01:21 GMT Kurt wrote in message <2a96fd0e-29e5-4e1f-b128-
Hey Cheri, have you ever seen the movie "Animal House" with John Belushi? If not, rent it this weekend. It's quite funny...and you may just have the answer to the question you posed to Tom.
Kurt P.S. After reading about your planned laid back Thanksgiving plans I got real jealous. :)
____________________________
No, I've never seen that movie, but I heard it was gross, with a lot of man/child bathroom humor etc. I did really like JB though. I thought he was great in Continental Divide, and Blues Brothers. BTW, I am pretty jealous of your Thanksgiving plans too. I have a feeling you have great parties. Me, I have a very small house, and at Christmas there will be 20, that's way more than this house can handle, but somehow we manage. :-)
Cheri
Gantlet - 21 Nov 2007 16:21 GMT On Nov 20, 4:18?pm, "Cheri" <gserviceatinreachdotcom> wrote:
> Gantlet wrote in message ... > >Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was > it over > >when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! > > Exactly when did the Germans bomb Pearl Harbor though? Hey Cheri, have you ever seen the movie "Animal House" with John Belushi? If not, rent it this weekend. It's quite funny...and you may just have the answer to the question you posed to Tom.
Kurt P.S. After reading about your planned laid back Thanksgiving plans I got real jealous. :)
I dont know about the recommendation Kurt. I will still watch the movie but the real magic it holds is that I seen it when I was younger. I can still remember watching it with my 5 room mates in a 3 story house that was very much like animal house. the back door was never even attached and the top floor was off limits to those still able to walk and their was always a party going on. I moved in when I was about 16 years old. good people I miss them all especially those that didnt make it this far.
 Signature Tom
www.TomsDiabeticDiary.com
Chat in peace with other diabetes at the American Diabetes Associations Web Site. http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=amdiabetesz&redi rCnt=1
Information You Can "Trust" From Your American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Information on Specific Types of Fat. http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodlabel/specific-fats.jsp
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 17:30 GMT > I can still remember watching it with my 5 room mates in a 3 story house > that was very much like [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > 16 years old. good people > I miss them all especially those that didnt make it this far. My husband lived in a place like that for years when he was young... they called it Hawthorne House. Far as I can tell, it was one big party.
He says you couldn't ever have a cold beer. If someone walked in with a case, everyone snagged their share and hid it in their bedroom closets. You couldn't leave beer in the fridge or it'd disappear.
 Signature http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/
Gantlet - 21 Nov 2007 16:17 GMT > Gantlet wrote in message ... > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Cheri when someone is depressed the first thing I try to make them do is smile and everytime I think about Bluto from the movie animal house I smile. http://www.survivinggrady.com/bluto.jpg
 Signature Tom
www.TomsDiabeticDiary.com
Chat in peace with other diabetes at the American Diabetes Associations Web Site. http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=amdiabetesz&redi rCnt=1
Information You Can "Trust" From Your American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Information on Specific Types of Fat. http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/foodlabel/specific-fats.jsp
Gantlet - 21 Nov 2007 16:23 GMT >> Gantlet wrote in message ... >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > and everytime I think about Bluto from the movie animal house I smile. > http://www.survivinggrady.com/bluto.jpg lol... that is supposed to be.
when someone is depressed the first thing I try to do is make them smile.
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 12:04 GMT >> I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a diet >> of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine while >> chain-smoking > > Sounds like the advice on the ADA's page. :). I forgot about the orgy... it can't all be food. ;)
They're gonna *hate* me at the hospice. ;)
> I hope everything works out for the best and you get your mind at a pleasant > place. Thanks for the support, Tom.
 Signature http://www.ornery-geeks.org/consulting/
Gantlet - 21 Nov 2007 16:35 GMT >>> I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a >>> diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > I forgot about the orgy... it can't all be food. ;) we like to use the word - toga party. it helps when inviting guests.
> They're gonna *hate* me at the hospice. ;) I am sure they will. :)
>> I hope everything works out for the best and you get your mind at a >> pleasant place. > > Thanks for the support, Tom. Kurt - 21 Nov 2007 00:42 GMT > I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a > diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine > while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable > anywhere near me. Sorry to hear you got stuck riding the emotional roller coaster in Diabetesland. Plus the other things you're going through all add to the scary ride. This disease, compounded with other problems, can be a pretty big burden to carry and unfortunately there are days like the one you seem to be going through. But the one constant thing I hear from diabetics I meet in person is, if they are in pretty good control, they feel they are much healthier than if they would never have gotten diabetes. That is to say that the disease has motivated them to want to achieve the best health possible and it is something they do every day in a proactive manner. Yes, there are bad days but try to remember all the other days when you are on top of things. That's got to count for something...and it should!
Hope things turn around for you.
Kurt
zob - 21 Nov 2007 01:53 GMT >I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a >diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine >while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable >anywhere near me. You're on this earth for a reason, kiddo. Do you know that since my heart attack and angioplasty lastmonth that you are the only person that I've spoken with that has been able to relate to what I went through and give me helpful advice?
I know how you feel though; after going through a major stoke 10 years ago, working a stressful job, never getting ahead financially because of medical bills, losing most of my lifelong friends because I wasn't able to go out and do the things we used to do together ... and then to have this latest medical crisis set me back again even further... it would be easy to just give up. But I'm not put together that way. I get mad, and fight my way though. The older ayou get though, the harder it gets to do that. You get tired, and tired of fighting, I understand.
Everybody is different. As for me, if given only these choices, I'd rather adapt and adjust to the changes and have a long life rather than give up and die early. There are still too many things that I want to see, do and experience while I'm here. It may not be the same things that I thought I'd do 10 or 15 years ago, but it really is amazing how we can adapt to lifestyle changes when we really want to or have to.
You hang in there. Ths sun will come out tomorrow.
Evelyn Ruut - 21 Nov 2007 02:09 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 96 lines] > chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable anywhere near > me. Jackie,
I am overdue for a pap myself, and getting ready to finally go in a week or so. A couple of years after I had my last period I suddenly got a period too. OB/Gyn went nuts wanting to do all that same stuff yours recommended calling it "post menopausal bleeding". I ignored him and didn't do it. Guess what? Nothing happened. That was over 13 years ago. Hormones are a funny thing. They can and sometimes do go wacky. It turned out that mine did that one time, and it was just a fluke. I am not advising you or anything like that... follow your own instincts. It is probably better to go and find nothing, than to not go and have it turn into something serious. Anyway, hugs to you and I hope it turns out to be nothing at all.
 Signature Best Regards,
Evelyn
RodS - 21 Nov 2007 04:52 GMT Jackie can I give you a great Australian word for times like this
*BUGGA*
Now repeat a few times, then have whatever you want to eat for the day but take yer pills and tomorrow's another day. Hey you have a hubby and kids now who is gunner wash all them clothes and iron them and well you see what I mean. Do you do windows? Now seeing as I haven't given up smoking yet I'll blow some smoke in your general direction yer east of me right? I have a problem tho seeing as you're still in yesterday for me you gota tell me what time you gunner be awake.
(- -) =m=(_)=m= RodS T2 Australia
<all read but some not understood> I am male after all :-)
> I told hubby if I am gonna die any damned way, I want to go out on a > diet of hot fudge sundaes washed down with coffee with *extra* caffeine > while chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable > anywhere near me. Alan S - 21 Nov 2007 06:17 GMT >Jackie can I give you a great Australian word for times like this > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >smoking yet I'll blow some smoke in your general direction yer east of >me right? I'll pretend I didn't read that:-(
> I have a problem tho seeing as you're still in yesterday for >me you gota tell me what time you gunner be awake. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >RodS T2 >Australia This may clarify Rod's meaning a little:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Y3AsZ19Hc
or (not a good copy, I'd appreciate a link to a good one) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwWMDpGrf0o
My favourite ads:-)
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. -- http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts
RodS - 21 Nov 2007 07:34 GMT >> Jackie can I give you a great Australian word for times like this >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > or (not a good copy, I'd appreciate a link to a good one) > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwWMDpGrf0o That's the one I was thinking of, I love the dog :-)
> My favourite ads:-) > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com > Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts Frank t2 - 22 Nov 2007 00:34 GMT "Alan S" <loralgtweightandcarbs@gmail.com> a écrit ...
>>Jackie can I give you a great Australian word for times like this >> [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > My favourite ads:-) Bugger ........... Alan ....
You missed this one (probly the first ?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gypURd_IGE0&feature=related
Alan S - 22 Nov 2007 01:53 GMT >"Alan S" <loralgtweightandcarbs@gmail.com> a écrit ... >> [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > >http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gypURd_IGE0&feature=related To be honest, I don't recall it. Possibly not shown in my area, which didn't have many Maccas at that time.
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia. d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter. -- http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts
Nick Cramer - 21 Nov 2007 05:54 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment > tomorrow, I was somewhat perturbed. [ . . . ]
Hi, Jackie. Doesn't sound like you've been dealt the best hand at the table!
Attitude is the best weapon in your arsenal. Everbody gets in a funk once ina while. Snap out of it! f.ck it! I'm gonna die with my boots on and they'll have to pry my gun from my cold, dead fingers!
Knowledge is power. Check on the gyn's record. If you end up trusting him, follow his advice. If not, find another one, but don't go doctor shopping in hopes of finding one who tells you what you want to hear. Track down those medical records. Research uterine cancer. Take your meds on time. Check you BG, BP and temp. Keep records. This is a game you want to win!
Take care,
 Signature Nick. Support severely wounded and disabled Veterans and their families! I've known US vets who served as far back as the Spanish American War. They are all my heroes! Thank a Veteran and Support Our Troops. You are not forgotten. Thanks ! ! ~Semper Fi~
hemyd - 21 Nov 2007 06:55 GMT > OK, last week, my readings went wonky for no particular reason. Since I > was trying to get a thorough set of readings for my endo appointment [quoted text clipped - 96 lines] > chain-smoking and no one had better dare bring a vegetable anywhere near > me. Jacki,
I wish I could offer some constructive advice other than offer sympathy. I had my wife Linette read your post. Her words: "you had crap doctors before, but you might have good ones now. Do what's necessary. Maybe have the hysterectomy and be done with it (again - my wife's words)" I agree with other posters - don't commit suicide by eating just yet. Don't toss it all in. It's not a nice way to go.
I am hoping Quentin Grady reads this. I am hoping he provides some input, even if he's unfamilliar with your problems, as indeed I am.
Henry Mydlarz (with apologies if I said something wrong or insensitive).
Andy - 21 Nov 2007 11:35 GMT > I am starting to believe that I'll never feel good again. Jackie,
Like others, i can't really speak much to what you're going through. But we're here and we certainly don't want to see you feel bad. So, chin up and bugga (whatever that means :) and remember that a path of a thousand steps is formed by placing one stone at a time. Nothing is too big to handle if you just take it step by step.
A
 Signature Andy T2 dx 7/2007; D&E, 500mg Metformin 1/day DX A1C: 13.2%, no new A1C yet, BMI 31 (and dropping)
Argue for your limitations and you get to keep them.
Loretta Eisenberg - 21 Nov 2007 15:17 GMT Jackie, you certainly are being wrung out to drive. I am so sorry that you are feeling depressed amongst your physical ailments
There is nothing I can say that will make you feel better, but I will keep you in my prayers.
Here is what I just found that works for me. My plate is also full but I decided to learn how to knit. When a person is knitting the only part of the brain that is really functioning is concentration on the stitches. I has taken away a lot of stress for me.
I am lucky I found knitting.
I hope you can find something that helps you
Loretta
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 16:43 GMT The endo appointment went well. It was a two-hour appointment! They love my records and think my control is great and are massively impressed with me. ;)
They're testing me for antibodies as they do think I may have T1 also. I told them about my no-insulin experiment a while back, that I do think my pancreas is still somewhat functional. Their main reason for being suspicious is that I developed T2 too young, but they also don't like that I have thyroid antibodies.
They also took blood to run thyroid and adrenal panels. And I've got an ACTH test scheduled too as the endo said that'd be most indicative of nonclassical CAH. Given that I had thought that myself, I was relatively impressed.
They checked my feet thoroughly. Felt up my liver as I feel something weird in there every so often. Took very kewl pictures of my retinas to send out to an opthamologist.
They gave me a new meter and a script for about a bazillion strips! They said a *minimum* of 6 times a day and they'd write the script however I want as I can test as much as I like. Woohoo! I HAVE A DOCTOR THAT ACTUALLY WANTS ME TO TEST MY BLOOD GLUCOSE!
I have a script for Symlin too - they thought that was a great idea for me. They said I was an ideal candidate since I already test so much.
They also suggested I was a good candidate for a pump. They had a brochure about the OmniPod pump. It's a *much* simpler pump than all the inserts and such with normal pumps, plus it's waterproof. You just sort of stick the pump on and you never even *see* the needle and it has a separate remote control where you can adjust the insulin and get your bg readings! Cheaper than regular pumps too, it costs around $800 and my insurance would cover it. They basically said they'd prescribe it anytime I want, let them know. They also have a "camp" coming up in May to teach people to use it if I want to go. Or anytime before or after, they think if I want it, I should have it. I told them I'll Google and get back to them on it. I'll probably talk myself into it rapidly, as with the Symlin I'll be up to 8 shots a day, not including finger-poking.
I have an appointment with a nutritionist. I told them upfront that I wasn't gonna be gungho about the nutrionist if they were gonna push an ADA diet at me, that I low-carb. They're kewl with that.
I had it suggested during conversations there with the nurse practitioner and the educator who was telling me about the pump that maybe I should go to medical school. ;)
They wrote me three-month scripts for the Symlin, Lantus and Novolog (switching from Humalog since it's non formulary with my insurance) with a year's worth of refilles. The only disagreement we had was in my pile of scripts, someone snuck a script for Zocor in there. I told them I won't have it filled until someone does research about how statins effect endogenous steroid synthesis. That's one of the times I got told I should be a doctor. ;)
Hell, the cardiologist is OK with me not being on a statin. My LDL is 59! I can't see the statin at this point.
But I'm really too busy being impressed to be terribly annoyed over the one thing. This is the most thorough anyone has ever looked at diabetes - and after YEARS of being sort of semi-accused of being a bit anal about the whole thing, it's darned nice to have someone think I'm doing mostly the right stuff.
I have to go in for lipid and metabolic panel on Friday; internist had already prescribed that.
And I have another appointment with the endo in two weeks once all the blood work is back and to see how the Symlin is working.
Apparently, having a doctor pat me on the head and tell me I'm a good girl has greatly improved my mood. ;)
That and just deciding to postpone all the worry about gynecological stuff. I'm not going to think about that until I have to. I have decided my previous thinking, that it is nothing, is probably accurate.
I talked to Steve afterwards and he was dispatched straight home from the Pittsburgh delivery, so he'll be here in a few hours. I have time enough to get grocery shopping done and drop off my scripts.
Our Thanksgiving menu: turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes (for him), roasted green beans, pumpkin custard (for me), pumpkin pie (for him), sugar-free whipped cream, champagne.
If I need to binge later, the turkey is a 20-pounder so that should keep me busy. ;)
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Susan - 21 Nov 2007 17:48 GMT > Apparently, having a doctor pat me on the head and tell me I'm a good > girl has greatly improved my mood. ;) [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > If I need to binge later, the turkey is a 20-pounder so that should keep > me busy. ;) Jackie, thank goodness for all the good news and brighter perspective!
One caveat: make sure you familiarize yourself with ACTH testing, which should be at 4 pm, preferably, but can also be run at 8 a.m. No one ever does it right unless you bring them the Mayo or Labcorp procedure, they're not familiar with it.
It must be drawn into a chilled tube, the last one drawn so it doesn't sit there, placed *immediately* into a refrigerated centrifuge, then frozen right away. If there's no refrigerated centrifuge, they should only spin it for 7 minutes, then freeze immediately.
ACTH is secreted in brief pulses, and lasts only minutes in the bloodstream, so getting it captured is quite a crapshoot, requiring many tests, or around the clock testing the way Ludlam does it at Swedish in Seattle.
Good luck, sounds like you have good allies, though Zocor for someone with LDL of 59 is a scary mistake, you're not likely to let anything like that slip by you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan
P.S. I had numerous cervical and uterine abnormalities and biopsies in the past, and no cancers, so there!
Jackie Patti - 21 Nov 2007 18:07 GMT > ACTH is secreted in brief pulses, and lasts only minutes in the > bloodstream, so getting it captured is quite a crapshoot, requiring many > tests, or around the clock testing the way Ludlam does it at Swedish in > Seattle. No, it's the other one... where they give you ACTH and measure your cortisol afterwards.
That's why it made sense to me, to see if my adrenals are working properly since I suspect CAH. If it is nonclassical CAH, my ACTH should be normal, but my response should be weak.
> Good luck, sounds like you have good allies, though Zocor for someone > with LDL of 59 is a scary mistake, you're not likely to let anything > like that slip by you. Heh. They just want *everyone* on the damned statins. I swear.
> Happy Thanksgiving! You too!
> P.S. I had numerous cervical and uterine abnormalities and biopsies in > the past, and no cancers, so there! I've heard that from a number of folks and am starting to think like I did originally... so I had a period. Big deal.
As if having my chest split open wasn't a bit of a shock to the system. Whatever.
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Susan - 21 Nov 2007 18:12 GMT >> ACTH is secreted in brief pulses, and lasts only minutes in the >> bloodstream, so getting it captured is quite a crapshoot, requiring [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > No, it's the other one... where they give you ACTH and measure your > cortisol afterwards.
> That's why it made sense to me, to see if my adrenals are working > properly since I suspect CAH. If it is nonclassical CAH, my ACTH should > be normal, but my response should be weak. But it doesn't tell you that; I have some abstracts I'll send you. My results on that test were perfectly normal because it tested my adrenal reserve, but I had almost no daily adrenal function at the time, my a.m. cortisol was 1.5 and I was clammy, weak, nauseated and desquamating. It's a lousy test of actual adrenal *function.*
>> Good luck, sounds like you have good allies, though Zocor for someone >> with LDL of 59 is a scary mistake, you're not likely to let anything >> like that slip by you. > > Heh. They just want *everyone* on the damned statins. I swear. The fact that they can rx such a potentially harmful drug to someone with adrenal probs and *before* testing, suggests you have to be very vigilant with them, that's a big, BIG oversight.
> I've heard that from a number of folks and am starting to think like I > did originally... so I had a period. Big deal. > > As if having my chest split open wasn't a bit of a shock to the system. > Whatever. Welp, it's always something, eh?
Susan
Jackie Patti - 22 Nov 2007 11:42 GMT > But it doesn't tell you that; I have some abstracts I'll send you. My > results on that test were perfectly normal because it tested my adrenal > reserve, but I had almost no daily adrenal function at the time, my a.m. > cortisol was 1.5 and I was clammy, weak, nauseated and desquamating. > It's a lousy test of actual adrenal *function.* You know, I'm not actually sure what test they're doing. I had *seven* pages of printed notes prior to this appointment, so I didn't get everything entirely clear. Good thing I'm going back in two weeks.
Meanwhile, I will pick up the Symlin tomorrow and start experimenting with that. It occured to me today that... they "forgot" to tell me to cut my insulin bolus in half.
Granted, I mentioned I'd already read the full prescribing info, so they may have assumed I already knew about it. But given that's the primary "side effect" of Symlin, hypos due to not cutting the insulin dose, seems like someone should've mentioned it, eh?
I do think I've fallen into the hands of some pretty clueful folks at this endo's office, but one still has to pay attention.
>>> Good luck, sounds like you have good allies, though Zocor for someone >>> with LDL of 59 is a scary mistake, you're not likely to let anything [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > with adrenal probs and *before* testing, suggests you have to be very > vigilant with them, that's a big, BIG oversight. Yup.
Though sometimes I think it'd be easier to be a more trusting patient than I am. ;)
>> I've heard that from a number of folks and am starting to think like I >> did originally... so I had a period. Big deal. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Welp, it's always something, eh? For now, it's not something I'm thinking about. I'm gonna keep focusing on the endo stuff. Symlin first. Maybe thyroid or cortisol later. A potentially kewl new toy if I go to a pump.
One thing at a time ought to keep me from getting overwhelmed.
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Susan - 22 Nov 2007 15:24 GMT > You know, I'm not actually sure what test they're doing. I had *seven* > pages of printed notes prior to this appointment, so I didn't get > everything entirely clear. Good thing I'm going back in two weeks. It's likely an ACTH or corticotripin stim test, and mine was normal while I was in severe adrenal crisis:
: J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1996 Jan;81(1):285-90 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
The potential for serious consequences from misinterpreting normal responses to the rapid adrenocorticotropin test.
Streeten DH, Anderson GH Jr, Bonaventura MM
Department of Medicine, State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Despite unequivocal published evidence that patients with subnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function may respond normally to ACTH, such normal results are still considered reliable indications of unimpaired HPA function. This view was tested in four patients with clinical features suggesting corticotropin deficiency, in whom cosyntropin (0.25 mg, i.v.) raised serum cortisol above 560 nmol/L (20 micrograms/dL) at 1 h. All four patients had subnormal responses to metyrapone and excellent persistent improvement during subsequent glucocorticoid therapy. Serum cortisol concentrations 1 h after cosyntropin treatment in these patients closely resembled cortisol concentrations 1 h after uncomplicated cholecystectomy in six other patients. However, the rapid ACTH test in the patients with hypopituitarism failed to indicate whether more prolonged stimulation by ACTH or their endogenous stress would stimulate the normal continuing rise in serum cortisol, which reached 1358 +/- 170 nmol/L (+/- SE) 5 h after the incision in the cholecystectomized patients. As the three hypocorticotropic patients who were recognizably stressed had unstressed serum cortisol levels despite persistent adrenocortical reserve (shown by their ACTH responses) and recovered during glucocorticoid therapy, the ACTH test, if interpreted to indicate normal HPA function, would probably have had disastrous consequences. We conclude that a normal response to the rapid ACTH test can be dangerously misleading, particularly in incomplete ACTH deficiency states.
Comments: Comment in: J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1996 Nov;81(11):4176
PMID: 8550765, UI: 96142001
And this:
: J Endocrinol Invest 1982 Jul-Aug;5(4):259-61 Related Articles, Books Plasma cortisol response to ACTH does not accurately indicate the state of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Reschini E, Catania A, Giustina G
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function was studied in 55 patients with various pituitary disorders. In particular, the consistency between the responses of plasma cortisol to exogenous ACTH and to insulin hypoglycemia was investigated in 5 patients in whom cortisol response to insulin was absent; four of these patients showed a cortisol response to ACTH of variable degree. These 4 patients had surgical or functional hypothalamus-pituitary disconnection and showed a preserved cortisol response to lysine va
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