a little down
Hi everyone!!
I hope your holidays are going great. I am doing pretty good except for the
news I had at my doctor’s office today. It’s got me a little down and I was
hoping for a little info from the list. Why is it that a few numbers from a
test can change your attitude. I thought I was doing pretty good until I got
my test results. I had a 24 hour urine test for protein and creatine
clearance done and here are the results: serum creatine 1.6 ; total protein
1220 and creatine clearance 49. Every value is worse than the last time
tested. I should be used to it by now because I have battled the kidney
stuff for many years. I have had worse tests (serum up to 3.3 and protein
up to 14,000) too except for the cr. clearance. This is the lowest I’ve
ever been on that test. I usually tested around 70. Anyone been down this
road? What can I expect? What would help? I would appreciate any info.
My doc has me on the maximum dosage of the ACE inhibitor so not much to do
there. She didn’t seem too concerned and yet I think she just thinks I know
what is to come, but I really don’t know for sure the progression this
disease takes. What are the symptoms and how fast does kidney disease go?
Please help. Thank you. Well, sorry for the downer post. Merry Christmas
everyone… Love, Jeana Ü
July 29th, 2005 at 10:34 am
<< I hope your holidays are going great. I am doing pretty good except for
the
news I had at my doctor’s office today. It’s got me a little down and I was
>>
I have been fortunate not to have any kidney problems. With being diabetic
for 33yrs Im counting my blessings. Im sure Dr Jan will have an answer as
she is having problems in this area herself. Hang in there. Diabetes can
rear its ugly head and hurt us so your feelings are very normal for what you
are dealing with. Im sure Jan can give you some ideas on how to deal w/this.
I do care about you and pray you will be OK. Chrissy
July 29th, 2005 at 10:04 pm
Jeana,
Try not to overreact to the results of this testing session. Repeat again
soon, and do a micro-albumin as that is a better, newer kidney function
test. The serum 1.6 is not so bad, and the clearance is dependant on urine
output. The protein is high and I am assuming that is a 24hr urine protein.
Best of luck,
Scott
July 30th, 2005 at 6:09 am
Hi Jeana: listen, invest in a couple of texts that are excellent reference
materials, and something I think that all of us shou
July 30th, 2005 at 10:23 pm
Jeana,
About 6 yrs ago my kidney function was at 35%. I told my endo I wanted a
referral to a nephrologist. He looked a little hurt that I didn’t trust him
but I reminded him of the fellow who went to him and had to have his leg
amputated up to his knee, later to his thigh, then died. Dr. said, "I wish he
had come to me sooner." I said I didn’t want a neph to say that about me. My
function is now at 18% but I’m *MAD* that I just found out 1.5 yrs ago that
there is such a thing as carb-countin; I didn’t need to run in the 300s
everytime after a site change; that BGs are NOT for info only, you DO
something with the results. I have found out these things only since getting
on the ‘net.
July 31st, 2005 at 6:32 am
Hi Jeana: listen, invest in a couple of texts that are excellent reference
materials, and something I think that all of us should use to educate
ourselves - these are some of my study texts — :
1. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis andTherapy- 17th Ed.
(this is definitely written in medicalese, but not difficult to catch the
gist of the idea - about $35.00)
2. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests - Frances Fisbach
3. Clinical Guidelines in FamilyPractice ($60)
Barmarrae Books, Inc.
3017 NW 62nd Terrace
Gainesville,Fl 32606
You might be able to get better prices thru Amazon.com or ebooks.com.
The cheapest resource for information is www.diabeteswell.com
Its the best resource for the non-medical person and you can always try them
out for e-management as well. I’ve used it as resources for my patients
because no matter how much you ask questions, they always lead to others, so
it’s a good idea to subscribe to their E-news and get constant updates on
what’s new about all of us.
For all of us on the list - remember, as we’ve all met because of a miserable
metabolic problem, we’ve also all become friends to help each other along.
When we are determined to control our diabetes instead of it controlling us,
that’s the first step ( my pep-talk to you).
No matter how hard we work at the control, gotta stop feeling guilty about
numbers.
Need to look at the overall scope of things and learn how to help slow down
some of the damage the diabetes does to us.
Nutrition is definitely one avenue - Protein sparing diets to take the load
off the kidneys. Takes a bit of education, but isn’t difficult with a bit of
determination.
Drinking plenty of water.
I believe very strongly in nutritional supplements - Vitamin C, E, B6, B12,
Brewers Yeast (for the other B’s), Lecithin, L-Arginine, Folic Acid, and
give or take a few other trace minerals here and there. Generic vitamins
don’t absorb well, and with good nutrition, plus the antioxidants above, we
can certainly give ourselves a push along.
Taking a low-dose aspirin twice a day, plus your ACE Inhibitor and whatever
other meds you use to control hypertension which is also very important.
Diabetes and hypertension are good buddies.
Gotta be determined to keep those numbers below 130/80 or better.
Diabetes and hypertension both affect our blood vessels especially our eyes,
heart, and kidneys, then the rest of our bodies. Our central nervous system
(shoulder joints and low back forinstance), that’s why we end up with
neuropathy - so,
As damage progresses, we have our vision effected, are at risk for heart
attack, and microalbuminuria ( protein in the urine - tattle tale that the
diabetes is starting to effect the kidneys), joint problems, arthritis
(wonderful Aarthuritis [ouch!]), carpal tunnel, kidney stones, need I go
on??? I’m sure we can all talk about our wonderful aches…
You may want to ask your endo about changing your ACE inhibitor if it is not
achieving the goal of keeping blood pressure down to switch to one of the
newer ones.
It’s a combination of working on all areas that help to slow down damage.
Keeping glucose normal (75-110 mg/dL) or at least < 140 mg/dL 2 hrs after a
meal as a goal.
Talk to the nutritionist about a protein-sparing diet. They can help you to
help yourself.
Keep your chin up, kiddo. Look at the positives and set your goal on that
and not the negatives. We all meet our Maker someday…as long as that
Higher Power decides we stay, we stay, we live our lives the best we can,
and make a better way for the ones behind.
We’ve all made a conscious choice to make a difference for ourselves by
pumping. Now take a look at the other ways to help there.
I’m sure Jan ( Hi Jan! - Happy Snow!!! glad you got your new computer!!) will
tell you the same.
I’m studying for my final exam tomorrow - wouldn’t you know - Physical
Assessment no less., and Pharmacology over the weekend.
But I wanted to put my two cents in….don’t let numbers get you down Jeana.
Like I said, look at your successes and focus on those. Depression also
affects glucose control. Attitude can play a big role in how you keep
yourself.
I wish all you and your loved ones a Blessed, Joyful and Happy Holiday
season, whether you’re Buddist, Muslim, Brahman, Christian, Jewish, or just
plain old human, the joy of life….we’re all here to make a difference.
Joan :))))))
July 31st, 2005 at 12:13 pm
Jan,
When you say your kidneys are functioning at 18%, what test is that? Is
that the creatine clearance or something else? I know you’re on a list for
a transplant, right? Do you do dialysis? Just trying to figure out my
options. My doctor is an edocrinologist that specializes in diabetic kidney
disease. Is that what I need? What kind of advice does your doctor give
you. . I read alot of medical books but they don’t always give the real
world experiences. I want to hear from an actual person who has "been
there". Thanks for sharing, Love, Jeana Ü
August 1st, 2005 at 1:28 am
jeana,
good morning.i have had diabetes for 30 yrs and never had that test until a
yr ago.mine was
the macro something or nother.i dont remember the numbers. he put me on .10
of zestril,and
on my own i try to not eat much protein and limit my carbs as to not need
as much insulin,as i know later i will creep up with the dosage.But what i
want to say is after doing that for a yr,when
i had my last one done it was better.i can say i hate the fact that it
takes all my energy.i use
to kid myself and say that was my high #’s (which part of it was) but my av
blood sugars now are 5.8,i had gone to almost 11.(i had no count dr’s
regarding the diabetes for many yrs)i can tell
you this read ALL you can on your own and ask ?’s to anybody who will
listen.we can’t reverse
this i dont think but we can fight to keep it from progressing too fast.
sharon in va Pumper for 8 months
ps share anytime it is good for all of us.(my non diabetic family sometimes
can’t relate)thanks.
Hi everyone!!
I hope your holidays are going great. I am doing pretty good except for
the
news I had at my doctor’s office today. It’s got me a little down and I
was
hoping for a little info from the list. Why is it that a few numbers from
a
test can change your attitude. I thought I was doing pretty good until I
got
my test results. I had a 24 hour urine test for protein and creatine
clearance done and here are the results: serum creatine 1.6 ; total
protein
1220 and creatine clearance 49. Every value is worse than the last time
tested. I should be used to it by now because I have battled the kidney
stuff for many years. I have had worse tests (serum up to 3.3 and protein
up to 14,000) too except for the cr. clearance. This is the lowest I’ve
ever been on that test. I usually tested around 70. Anyone been down
this
road? What can I expect? What would help? I would appreciate any info.
My doc has me on the maximum dosage of the ACE inhibitor so not much to do
there. She didn’t seem too concerned and yet I think she just thinks I
know
what is to come, but I really don’t know for sure the progression this
disease takes. What are the symptoms and how fast does kidney disease go?
Please help. Thank you. Well, sorry for the downer post. Merry Christmas
everyone… Love, Jeana U
August 1st, 2005 at 5:43 pm
joan,
thanks for the name of the ref books,i have been thinking of which ones are the
best and i will
try those.Funny you mentioned Lecithin havent heard about that in yrs,i use to
take that yrs
ago.is that good for aches in the legs i can’t remember.i have a time with my
legs(esp once a
month).anything good for that other than an RX?i dont need anymore of those if i
can help it.
thanks,
sharon
Hi Jeana: listen, invest in a couple of texts that are excellent reference
materials, and something I think that all of us should use to educate
ourselves - these are some of my study texts — :
1. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis andTherapy- 17th Ed.
(this is definitely written in medicalese, but not difficult to catch the
gist of the idea - about $35.00)
2. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests - Frances Fisbach
3. Clinical Guidelines in FamilyPractice ($60)
Barmarrae Books, Inc.
3017 NW 62nd Terrace
Gainesville,Fl 32606
You might be able to get better prices thru Amazon.com or ebooks.com.
The cheapest resource for information is www.diabeteswell.com
Its the best resource for the non-medical person and you can always try them
out for e-management as well. I’ve used it as resources for my patients
because no matter how much you ask questions, they always lead to others, so
it’s a good idea to subscribe to their E-news and get constant updates on
what’s new about all of us.
For all of us on the list - remember, as we’ve all met because of a miserable
metabolic problem, we’ve also all become friends to help each other along.
When we are determined to control our diabetes instead of it controlling us,
that’s the first step ( my pep-talk to you).
No matter how hard we work at the control, gotta stop feeling guilty about
numbers.
Need to look at the overall scope of things and learn how to help slow down
some of the damage the diabetes does to us.
Nutrition is definitely one avenue - Protein sparing diets to take the load
off the kidneys. Takes a bit of education, but isn’t difficult with a bit of
determination.
Drinking plenty of water.
I believe very strongly in nutritional supplements - Vitamin C, E, B6, B12,
Brewers Yeast (for the other B’s), Lecithin, L-Arginine, Folic Acid, and
give or take a few other trace minerals here and there. Generic vitamins
don’t absorb well, and with good nutrition, plus the antioxidants above, we
can certainly give ourselves a push along.
Taking a low-dose aspirin twice a day, plus your ACE Inhibitor and whatever
other meds you use to control hypertension which is also very important.
Diabetes and hypertension are good buddies.
Gotta be determined to keep those numbers below 130/80 or better.
Diabetes and hypertension both affect our blood vessels especially our eyes,
heart, and kidneys, then the rest of our bodies. Our central nervous system
(shoulder joints and low back forinstance), that’s why we end up with
neuropathy - so,
As damage progresses, we have our vision effected, are at risk for heart
attack, and microalbuminuria ( protein in the urine - tattle tale that the
diabetes is starting to effect the kidneys), joint problems, arthritis
(wonderful Aarthuritis [ouch!]), carpal tunnel, kidney stones, need I go
on??? I’m sure we can all talk about our wonderful aches…
You may want to ask your endo about changing your ACE inhibitor if it is not
achieving the goal of keeping blood pressure down to switch to one of the
newer ones.
It’s a combination of working on all areas that help to slow down damage.
Keeping glucose normal (75-110 mg/dL) or at least < 140 mg/dL 2 hrs after a
meal as a goal.
Talk to the nutritionist about a protein-sparing diet. They can help you to
help yourself.
Keep your chin up, kiddo. Look at the positives and set your goal on that
and not the negatives. We all meet our Maker someday…as long as that
Higher Power decides we stay, we stay, we live our lives the best we can,
and make a better way for the ones behind.
We’ve all made a conscious choice to make a difference for ourselves by
pumping. Now take a look at the other ways to help there.
I’m sure Jan ( Hi Jan! - Happy Snow!!! glad you got your new computer!!) will
tell you the same.
I’m studying for my final exam tomorrow - wouldn’t you know - Physical
Assessment no less., and Pharmacology over the weekend.
But I wanted to put my two cents in….don’t let numbers get you down Jeana.
Like I said, look at your successes and focus on those. Depression also
affects glucose control. Attitude can play a big role in how you keep
yourself.
I wish all you and your loved ones a Blessed, Joyful and Happy Holiday
season, whether you’re Buddist, Muslim, Brahman, Christian, Jewish, or just
plain old human, the joy of life….we’re all here to make a difference.
Joan :))))))
August 2nd, 2005 at 3:24 pm
> For all of us on the list - remember, as we’ve all met because of a
miserable
> metabolic problem, we’ve also all become friends to help each other along.
Isn’t it sad to meet because of a disease, but our gain to know each other?
> No matter how hard we work at the control, gotta stop feeling guilty about
> numbers. Need to look at the overall scope of things and learn how to help
slow down
> some of the damage the diabetes does to us.
About April of ‘99 is when I got on the ‘net (48.5 yrs of DM) - until that
time I had been lead to believe I WOULD either die or have major complications
no matter what. I have since learned a test isn’t JUST for information, but
you DO something about it. That I can bolus a minute amount (I’m pretty
insulin-sensitive) to bring a somewhat high into a more normal range, and all
the other etc.
> Nutrition is definitely one avenue - Protein sparing diets to take the load
> off the kidneys. Takes a bit of education, but isn’t difficult with a bit
of
> determination.
> Drinking plenty of water.
Maybe it’s just because when my kidneys were functioning at 35% I was told to
drink only when I’m thirsty so as to not overwork my kidneys. Diseased kidneys
don’t want/need to work hard. I also belong to a kidney/pancreas transplant
egroup and some of them were/are limited to 4 cups a day. So there must be a
fine line when you do/don’t. I’m also limited on my potassium. AND Diet
Coke! - 8^(
I am taking a combination of 3 diff. kinds a day. Altogether I take 11 diff.
meds, a bi-weekly EPO injection of 8,800u, and Humalog via pump. I know many
people don’t want to add another med to their regimen, but if it gives you a
better quality of life, so be it. I knew a lady who was severely depressed
over the fact that she had to take a pill every day the rest of her life.
Well, I’d like to take *A* pill the rest of my life.
> I’m sure Jan ( Hi Jan! - Happy Snow!!! glad you got your new computer!!)
will
> tell you the same.
‘Tain’t a new one, it’s same ol’ repaired one. And, I’m having trouble with
something or other. I posted to this site yesterday and don’t see that it has
come through yet. I own a list and don’t receive some of those messages - have
to go to the archives to keep abreast of what’s happening. I also received 53
messages at once yesterday and they were all duplicates of what I already had
(triplicates?). The weather guy just said we’re expecting more snow, with ice
and/or sleet tonight! Enough!!! The snowplow went by and I’m housebound now -
can’t get out but I have what I need - and MY PC - otherwise I couldn’t get to
the library!! 8^)
August 5th, 2005 at 6:01 am
Thanks Sharon. You really helped me feel not alone in this. I am going to
tweak my diet a bit and maybe that will help. Could you (or anyone) give me
an example of the type of foods you eat. It seems now a days that there
isn’t much choice left. Most of the food I can think to eat has too much
fat, salt, sugar, protein, carbs, etc. What’s left? I need ideas…
Thanks, Jeana Ü
—– Original Message —–
> on my own i try to not eat much protein and limit my carbs as to not need
> as much insulin,as i know later i will creep up with the dosage.
August 6th, 2005 at 12:45 am
>Most of the food I can think to eat has too much
> fat, salt, sugar, protein, carbs, etc. What’s left? I need ideas…
In fact, that is just about all there is, just a matter of being creative
with various combinations of the above,
ah, and spices…give me reason to live.
Scott
August 6th, 2005 at 8:49 am
Jeana,
I have been having problems receiving messages and this one was posted at
12/14 10:30 p.m. and I just received it 8:50 p.m. 12/15 - didn’t know you
wrote this to me. My ISP did an upgrade between 12/11-12/15 and I just got 56
messages at once released to me. (Maybe it wasn’t egroups’ fault after all).
My hugsband’s employer is looking for a new ins. carrier and at present has no
contract, just a month-by-month basis. I wanted to go for an interview/listing
at Northwestern Univ. in Chicago but Humana is not on their plan. There is no
way we can afford 30% of $50,000-$500,000. Even 10% is WAYYYYY toooo much.
The coordinator at NWU said they haven’t done anyone over 55 either.
The advice I get is watch the potassium - have your level checked. Presently
(6 yrs) I am in the safe zone. As kidneys fail, the toxins are not peed out,
therefore potassium builds in the system and that regulates the heart rate and
can cause heart attack. I haven’t been able to give up my beloved mashed
potatoes, but have not had a whole banana since 8/1/94. I have a list of foods
and their amounts of P to keep a check on it. Kale has a whopping amount and I
didn’t give that up cuz I never ate it! Carbonated beverages are not good for
the kidneys and I was advised to eat more chicken and fish instead of red
meat. The water restriction is to not overwork damaged kidneys, but I don’t
know at what point that begins.
If your dr. specializes in kidneys, do dialysis patients see her, too? If not,
get the best at the endline who wants to prevent you from going that route.
The best drs have the most patients who die. Why? Cuz they wait until the last
minute to go to the best and can’t be saved.
If I think of anything else, I’ll post it.
Jan
August 6th, 2005 at 2:31 pm
Thanks Jan. That was a tremendous help!! Blessings to you. Love, Jeana Ü
August 6th, 2005 at 9:21 pm
i had a pt the other day who’s protein level in a 24 hr urine was 15,000
something. and she wasn’t even diab. she had eclampsia.
that was the highest i ever saw
Kathy
florida
mom to
Maria 21 graduate of the police academy
Jonathan 16 adhd bipolar
Veronica almost 15
Alisha 11 dx T1 2-2-98 pumping 1-6-00 add, depression, emotionally disabled
(Since dx of diab)
and grandma to
Paige 3
August 8th, 2005 at 9:35 am
Jeana said:
> I had a 24 hour urine test for protein and creatine
> clearance done <snip> creatine clearance 49.
Now that I have gone back to read what you said, your kidney function would be
at 49%. I forget if you are seeing a nephrologist, but if not - run, do not
stop and collect $200 (actually you might have to pay it). I started seeing a
neph at 35% and wish I had sooner. Also, YOU have up-to-date pump knowledge
going for you. I have just been getting pump educated since getting on the
‘net in spring of ‘99 after over 15 years of pumping and doing it wrong. Who
knows if I could be better off? Your goal is to maintain what you have and not
lose more function.(~_^) ( I like °Ü° better, but that’s yours)
August 8th, 2005 at 3:47 pm
Hmmmm…. What were ya doin wrong, Jan?
fp
August 9th, 2005 at 3:40 pm
Kathy, That’s near my highest. I went up to 14,000 when I was pregnant. I
had pre-eclampsia. Not fun. I’m glad it eventually came down. Before I
was pregnant, it was around 1,000. After pregnancy, I stabilized around
1,000. My second pregnancy I went up to 7,000. Much better but still a
high risk. After that pregnancy I went down to 1,000 again. Then I was put
on an ACE inhibitor (Altace) and my level went to 650. After a few years of
that it is now back up in the 1200’s even on the ACE. That’s why I was
getting discouraged. It seems different this time. Especially with the
clearance being lower. But I am not as worried as before because of all
your help. I will hang in there. Watch my diet better and get my A1c down.
Thanks everyone. Love, Jeana Ü
—– Original Message —–
> Kathy
August 10th, 2005 at 10:22 am
thanks for the name of the ref books,i have been thinking of which ones are
the best and i will
try those.Funny you mentioned Lecithin havent heard about that in yrs,i use
to take that yrs
ago.is that good for aches in the legs i can’t remember.i have a time with
my legs(esp once a
month).anything good for that other than an RX?i dont need anymore of those
if i can help it.
thanks,
sharon >>
Hi Sharon:
Lecithin is more for the brain function
L-arginine is GREAT for leg cramps…..whatever and however it works after
being on it for 3 days, I actually slept without being woken up with my
calves stiff as boards and my toes tied in knots. So, if nothing else, I’m
pretty religious about taking my vitamins. That list I gave is what I take
myself.
Dr. Prendergrast - Dr. Joe at diabeteswell.com is an endocrinologist in
Calif. He’s the first endo to set up a web site for patients to so
self-management of their diabetes.
I’ve found him and all his staff a wealth of information, and he’s the one
that recommended the Heart saver formula
Vit C 500 mg 2x/day
Vit E 400 IU 2x/day
L-arginine 1000 mg 2x/day
low dose aspirin (81 mg) 2x/day
All of us need at least 1 mg of folic acid every day
if you tend to be anemic, and you can take iron -
I find chelated or "Easy" iron sits on the tummy better. Have to be careful
cause it can cause constipation very easily.
Lecithin - 1200 mg daily
B-6 50 mg daily
Brewers Yeast - about 6 tablets give or take for the other B’s
Best way for any other supplements is to take a look at your overall dietary
intake.
Keep yourself a diet log for a week - just write down whatever you put in
your face and take a look at it at the end of the week.
If you look at the food pyramid - how does it fit in with your intake?
See how you can tweak it without eating like a crazy person.
As far as joint pains….depending on how "old" you are….I’ll be 53 next
month….worked hard to get there…No matter what, sometimes the creakies
let you know they’re there.
Aspirin works well, and doesn’t have the profound effect on our kidneys that
all the NSAIDs do - motrin, advil, ibuprofex, celebrex, vioxx……all keep a
diabetics kidneys from working well and can shut them down. So, tylenol or
aspirin are the easy choices, just using good judgement on when to take and
how much. Can cause stomach problems, bleeding ulcers….so using enteric
coated aspirin so it dissolves in your intestines is a good idea. It also
acts as a blood thinner, so if you are using the low dose for the Heartsaver
recipe, remember that when you take anything.
Happy Holiday!!! Joan :)))
August 10th, 2005 at 6:30 pm
Hi Jan:
Sounds like you may have corrupted some files….know how to do a scan disk??
Go to the Windows Help file and it will talk you through it….Joan:)))
August 11th, 2005 at 10:45 am
Hi Jeana:
I think your best bet is to register with diabeteswell.com patient management
program. They have a free trial period, and being that you’re in Alaska, it
will provide a better resource than just asking us what we do….our caloric
needs are different, so take a shot, they have nutritionist/CDEs on the
website who can help immensely in fine-tuning a nutrition plan just specific
for you…..Joan :)))
August 14th, 2005 at 6:27 am
hi jeana
yes i think the food is real limited too.i do alot better if i stick with:
chicken and lettuce is on top of the list.i try to jazz it up with
cucumber,pickle,a piece of crunchy bacon and a cherry tomato ,a few
coutons(i like the ceaser(sp)ones,and a couple
of bits of hard cheese,then i use about 2 tablespoons of salad dressing.for
breakfast i eat
yogert w/ wheat germ,or 1 slice cinn toast (not great for every day) and 2
scrambled eggs but
only using one yolk with a piece of swiss cheese over it.i do drink 2 cups
of coffee a day.i
drink ALOT of water,and i drink herb tea (i like the combo pack from
lipton)it has six flavors and
you get 3 of each.
boring so far huh?
dinner is my hardest because of the am high thing that is so easy if you
dont get that night meal
right.i can not eat protein at night or i pay BIGTIME.the "diabetes
resource center"in california
got me in touch with this tortilla factory that you can order the pita type
that is ok (i say ok)if
you like bread and again you can kindof (i say kindof) jazz up the taste a
bit.i hope this helps.
i find fruit is touchy with me.i love it but i have to bolus 2x as much for
what the lit states.
i love to bake and i get crazy this time of year.i made my pastor a coconut
cake and about
could have never gotten it to him.i love anything home made.there is also a
mag called "sucess
living with diabetes" which has some ok recipes.let me know if you need
anything.sorry so long.
hugs
sharon
Thanks Sharon. You really helped me feel not alone in this. I am going to
tweak my diet a bit and maybe that will help. Could you (or anyone) give
me
an example of the type of foods you eat. It seems now a days that there
isn’t much choice left. Most of the food I can think to eat has too much
fat, salt, sugar, protein, carbs, etc. What’s left? I need ideas…
Thanks, Jeana U
—– Original Message —–
> on my own i try to not eat much protein and limit my carbs as to not need
> as much insulin,as i know later i will creep up with the dosage.
August 14th, 2005 at 2:35 pm
jan
i know what you mean about those mashed potatos.i LOVE any potato.at my house it
use to
be how do i want my potato today,not if i want a potato.i even love how it
sounds.POTATO
(i know i am a sad case)
and finally to eat a tablespoon.PLEASE .potatos potatos how do i love thee.(just
let me count the ways)
i know that wasnt to me i hope you dont mind.have a Blessed Christmas.
sharon in Va (pumper for 8 months)30 yr diabetic
Jeana,
I have been having problems receiving messages and this one was posted at
12/14 10:30 p.m. and I just received it 8:50 p.m. 12/15 - didn’t know you
wrote this to me. My ISP did an upgrade between 12/11-12/15 and I just got 56
messages at once released to me. (Maybe it wasn’t egroups’ fault after all).
My hugsband’s employer is looking for a new ins. carrier and at present has no
contract, just a month-by-month basis. I wanted to go for an interview/listing
at Northwestern Univ. in Chicago but Humana is not on their plan. There is no
way we can afford 30% of $50,000-$500,000. Even 10% is WAYYYYY toooo much.
The coordinator at NWU said they haven’t done anyone over 55 either.
The advice I get is watch the potassium - have your level checked. Presently
(6 yrs) I am in the safe zone. As kidneys fail, the toxins are not peed out,
therefore potassium builds in the system and that regulates the heart rate and
can cause heart attack. I haven’t been able to give up my beloved mashed
potatoes, but have not had a whole banana since 8/1/94. I have a list of foods
and their amounts of P to keep a check on it. Kale has a whopping amount and I
didn’t give that up cuz I never ate it! Carbonated beverages are not good for
the kidneys and I was advised to eat more chicken and fish instead of red
meat. The water restriction is to not overwork damaged kidneys, but I don’t
know at what point that begins.
If your dr. specializes in kidneys, do dialysis patients see her, too? If not,
get the best at the endline who wants to prevent you from going that route.
The best drs have the most patients who die. Why? Cuz they wait until the last
minute to go to the best and can’t be saved.
If I think of anything else, I’ll post it.
Jan
August 15th, 2005 at 6:50 am
thanks a bunch joan!!!!
didnt know folic had anything to do with aneamia?hum.i do take pain
powder,that works ok,but
once a month i have to stop it(you know what blood thinners do to that) i’m
43.pre-mental.i
prob should not have gone off the Lecithin.you know alot girl.i feel
blessed to be here.i cant believe for 30 yrs i didnt hardly have a grip on
this.thanks again to you and all here.
sharon
thanks for the name of the ref books,i have been thinking of which ones
are
the best and i will
try those.Funny you mentioned Lecithin havent heard about that in yrs,i
use
to take that yrs
ago.is that good for aches in the legs i can’t remember.i have a time with
my legs(esp once a
month).anything good for that other than an RX?i dont need anymore of
those
if i can help it.
thanks,
sharon >>
Hi Sharon:
Lecithin is more for the brain function
L-arginine is GREAT for leg cramps…..whatever and however it works after
being on it for 3 days, I actually slept without being woken up with my
calves stiff as boards and my toes tied in knots. So, if nothing else, I’m
pretty religious about taking my vitamins. That list I gave is what I take
myself.
Dr. Prendergrast - Dr. Joe at diabeteswell.com is an endocrinologist in
Calif. He’s the first endo to set up a web site for patients to so
self-management of their diabetes.
I’ve found him and all his staff a wealth of information, and he’s the one
that recommended the Heart saver formula
Vit C 500 mg 2x/day
Vit E 400 IU 2x/day
L-arginine 1000 mg 2x/day
low dose aspirin (81 mg) 2x/day
All of us need at least 1 mg of folic acid every day
if you tend to be anemic, and you can take iron -
I find chelated or "Easy" iron sits on the tummy better. Have to be
careful
cause it can cause constipation very easily.
Lecithin - 1200 mg daily
B-6 50 mg daily
Brewers Yeast - about 6 tablets give or take for the other B’s
Best way for any other supplements is to take a look at your overall
dietary
intake.
Keep yourself a diet log for a week - just write down whatever you put in
your face and take a look at it at the end of the week.
If you look at the food pyramid - how does it fit in with your intake?
See how you can tweak it without eating like a crazy person.
As far as joint pains….depending on how "old" you are….I’ll be 53 next
month….worked hard to get there…No matter what, sometimes the creakies
let you know they’re there.
Aspirin works well, and doesn’t have the profound effect on our kidneys
that
all the NSAIDs do - motrin, advil, ibuprofex, celebrex, vioxx……all keep
a
diabetics kidneys from working well and can shut them down. So, tylenol or
aspirin are the easy choices, just using good judgement on when to take and
how much. Can cause stomach problems, bleeding ulcers….so using enteric
coated aspirin so it dissolves in your intestines is a good idea. It also
acts as a blood thinner, so if you are using the low dose for the
Heartsaver
recipe, remember that when you take anything.
Happy Holiday!!! Joan :)))
August 18th, 2005 at 3:37 pm
Footprints wrote:
Hi, I’m very new to the list and I wondered too. I was on a pump in the mid
80’s and I (and It) were a dismal failures. The nurses in the emergency room
kept saying "Here she is again." Looking back I can recognize some of the
problems. Diet was never mentioned. I checked my blood sugar fairly regularly
but not with the dedication that I now do. When my pump failed, I called the
company that manufactured the pump (now out of business) and reached a Psycho
freak who was so thrilled that there actually was a college named Bates that he
sent the replacement to the wrong address. Nobody had explained what to do if a
pump failed so I ended up in the emergency room with my blood sugar hitting
over 700. Thanks to the internet I’m much more aware. I’m now being urged to go
back to pumping and am having a hard time deciding.
Mary