IN LIFE AS IN THE DANCE : GRACE GLIDES

ON BLISTERED FEET.
---Alice Abrams

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Good News/Bad News!


It seems as though this year has been a year of change for lots of folks. My good friend has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, having none of the risk factors associated with Hep C. She will have to be on Prednasone for a year. Sarge Charlie has been fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, with much success, and now we're having a health scare.

After a whole year of waiting for hubman to be able to get Kaiser Permanente insurance (they told us we were a day late last year), he was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Since his layoff, 11/08, he's lost quite a bit of weight (30#), where I was expecting him to gain a ton from being inactive. As a parts guy he stayed in shape because of heavy lifting and being on his feet all day. But, there were other symptoms, such a being thirsty all of the time, and frequent visits to the loo. But both of us drink tons of water. It's very dry and dusty here, and during the cold weather, we have the heater on a lot. But I wasn't totally surprised by the diagnosis.

His blood glucose was 500 and it is supposed to be under 100 (70-90), so he's lucky the doc put him on meds and not insulin injections. Just one week of meds and no sugars, he's staying around 200+, and he obeys instructions to the max. Since he doesn't need to lose any more weight, I'm very conscious of what he can and can't have to eat. I'm just thankful that he's so eager to "get 'er done!" I have very little doubt, that within a few months time, he'll have it under control. That's just the kind of guy he is.

6 comments:

Linda said...

I think it's absolutely fantastic that Hubman is taking this seriously and not messing around with it; diabetes can get out of control way too quickly and if he wants to stay off of the insulin - and it looks like he does - then he needs to be careful what he eats and take the meds the doctor has given him. Sounds to me like he's doing a bang-up job of that already - good for him!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

good for him! it's hard to do too!

hugs, bee
xoxoxoxooxoxox

CrAzY Working Mom said...

Just like any other lifestyle changes it's tough at first but it'll be second nature in no time. :)

Traveling Bells said...

Hooray to both of you for staying on top of doing the right thing to keep hubman healthy and around for a long time! We all want that for sure.

Big hugs to you both...

Barb said...

My mother is able to manage her diabetes strictly by diet. She is a maniac about no salt, no fat, very little carbs, lots of vegetables. I wish I had that kind of resolve!

Good luck to your hubman. He sounds like he's got the right attitude!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ms. Gracie:

I am sorry to hear about your husband's diabetes diagnosis. I am thankful though that he saw his doctor and they have a diet and oral medication regimen that is working for him. I can imagine the initial jolt this diagnosis may have given. Yes - it is quite a life adjustment. However, a balance of diet, oral medications, and exercise can keep it in check. From your post, it sounds like he is progressing well. My hearfelt best wishes for his continued health. I have a feeling that you are a significant source of strength, support, and motivation for him.
My dad was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. We are really proud of how he adjusted his lifestyle. It was not easy to tell an older Japanese man that he was going to have to cut back on the amount of rice he eats! He has taken to the food and execise diet well. I am also amazed at the amount of restraint he has when he helps me at the bakery. Every now and then, I will bake some diabetes-friendly items for him, so he can have a treat.
Considering the news about your husband, I feel a little awkward about my next statement. I have posted on my blog some pictures of cakes that I recently made. You are more than welcome to visit and peruse.
My coffee break is coming to a close. I wish you and your husband all the best.

Levon