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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: lizzybugsmommy
Date: 07-07-2006, 12:09 AM (1 of 16)
I went to th dr friday with complaints of stomach ache. I knew it was the cyst on my overies again 5th time this year.I had to go to new dr. because old one moved out of town. He was generally nice but I had the kids with me and they were awaful. How can you expect two three year olds to be good for 3 hours? The nurse and another dr made rude comments about the way they behaved. First of all I did not feel well, I couldnt find a sitter, never can with my two. I went in told dr what was going on he said ok gave me antibotics and then said he was going to do some test. So he did the test and he says I am diabetic. I say ok where do we go from here. He says go to the web and get diet. I still have not found exactly what he is talking about after several calls. I keep getting alot of conflicting info.Help if you can please. The next few days he put me on metformin. well sugars have been between 40 and 140 after two hours eating. Is this right? I have been exercising have had no carbs and am so worn out from all this stress. Shouldnt this dr have given me a specfic diet to go by and tried exercise and diet before putting me on meds? Has anyone else had this happen or know what I should do. I am so confused by every thing I have been reading. I am even thinking of seeing another dr. I hate to because I will have to go through all of the junk of test again. I hate needles. I know I have lost around 15 pounds just in the last week from eating nothing but veggies and water.Sorry I have gone on and on I was just hoping for advise.
Thanks Catherine
Catherine

http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A0E42A2C202&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW




Husbands gone fishing..... I've gone fabric shopping
User: lizzybugsmommy
Member since: 05-20-2006
Total posts: 207
From: Sherri
Date: 07-07-2006, 12:35 AM (2 of 16)
OK as far as I know for type 2 diabetes (which I am guessing is what you have) there is no special diet. Just eat well and eat healthy. Avoid simple sugars (like sugar, regular pop, desserts, candy, jam and honey)
but not complex carbs (like rice bread pasta etc). The most important thing is to get healthy as quickly as possible and stay that way and your diabetes may actually take care of itself. I am Hyperglcemic (almost diabetic) and I don't need to worry about it unless I am not eating regular healthy meals. My husband thankfully knows that when I say I need food it means now and usually shoves a granola bar in my mouth.

These websites might help you.

http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/overview.jsp

http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/type2.asp
My website
User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357
From: Sancin
Date: 07-07-2006, 12:39 AM (3 of 16)
Catherine - I am so sorry this has happened to you. I was in my own drs office quite a few years ago while the receptionist was ordering some pretty powerful news and tests to a young mother, with 2 very young children - for all of them and in all parts of town, The mother then asked, in a daze, the receptionist if she knew where the bus stop was. I was so incensed I told both the Dr and his assistant they should be ashamed of themselves to think the mother was able to do anything other than breathe at that point.

In your situation you should look for a diabetic support group near you. Check phone book, posters around town, everyone you know. There may be a diabetic clinic through your public health or closest hospital outpatient department who will assist you. Your pharmacist should also have some literature. Many physicians take the perspective that the patient needs to self manage their disease but don't think beyond that point. Most of these clinics or departments have diet and self care books and the good ones have classes and one to one assistance. You shouldn't have to go through this alone. I can imagine how your mind must be working.
Is there anyone else on this list nearby who can do some searching for Catherine?
Take care - this too shall past.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-07-2006, 07:00 AM (4 of 16)
People ask serious health questions on these boards and I say "Go to a doctor for health advice, not the sewing web site."
If you are still asking these questions after seeing the doctor, maybe you might want to find a doctor you can trust. It sounds to me like you were treated poorly. It sounds like someone just wanted to get your kids out of there and still take your money.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: LauraM62
Date: 07-07-2006, 08:44 AM (5 of 16)
Okay I am borderline type 2 diabetic, found out about 2 years ago. I have actually done really well, have held off this inherited thing for more years then most in my family! My doctor has allowed me to stay off the pills if I can keep my sugars down on my own with diet & exercise. I have to go in every few months for blood work to check if I am doing it, or if my body has decided it isn't good enough. What I am surprised is that he didn't give you a breakdown of foods to eat & not to eat! For instance I am not allowed more the 50 grams of sugar per day from anything! Then there are carbs - yes I do have to count the carbs because they do turn to sugar in the system, but then we also have to watch the fats. He gave me a listing of my food range he need me to be in. At Diabetic.Org look at the food pyramid, they show you how we have to account for our servings. He should have provided to you info on how many servings of each group you are allowed, my doctor did for me, as I was greatly reduced on carbs too. I found that keeping a food diary helped me keep track of my servings, to make sure I was getting what I needed. If you are tired it sounds like you aren't getting enough proteins, and/or enough of a balance in your diet. I went through that in the beginning too. It is hard to learn the proper balance to the diet. I also went to some classes, cooking classes, in information classes. Just letting you know I'm there with you! :wink:
LauraM
SW Indiana

If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003
Total posts: 246
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-07-2006, 08:46 AM (6 of 16)
I had a similar experience recently with a doctor, and was almost rushed into a medication I had a gut feeling was not right for me.

Talking to everyone here can make you feel better, and can give you the push/confidence to do what needs to be done. Thats how it worked for me. I was in an area I had no expereince about, and looking it up on the web can be scary - too much information. And, I knew we had some nurses on the boards, as well as someone else with the same issues I was going through.

If your gut is telling you to see another doctor, I say do it. A second opinion is worth it's weight in gold. I would know - my new doctor is fantastic, and has me scheduled for diagnostic surgery before she will put me on any medications. (she even called the "other" doctor unprofessional, and a quack, lol)

I really hate when doctors don't take the time to give their patients everything they need, whether it is personality, comfort, or the correct diagnosis.

We are people too! We have feelings! We just want to feel better - and they should make it easier, not harder.

My prayers will be with you, please update us on what you decide to do, or if you find support. Until then, I am positive we here would all offer our support in any way we can.

Blessings to you, and check my signature line for something you can repeat to keep you going, if that works for you, like it does for me.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006
Total posts: 257
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-07-2006, 12:25 PM (7 of 16)
Your frustration tells me that you are on the right track already. Check with your local hospital--or ask the nurse at the doc's office--for a dietician to meet with you and go over dietary guidelines. Many hospitals offer classes for diabetics, and some will even include a trip to the grocery store to help you read labels and suss out what foods will do you more harm than good. I have recently emerged from a 2 year spell of going to ding-bats for medical care, feeling sheepish about going for a second opinion and frustrated about not getting what I needed from them. When I broke free and started to see better docs, I expressed what a relief it was to be in professional and capable hands. The receptionist asked me, "Do you know what they call the guy that finished last in his class?" (it's "Doctor," unfortunately) It is very easy to fill out a form requesting that your medical records, lab reports included, be sent to another doctor. It's done all the time. Then, when you arrive for your consultation, the new doc will already have a ton of labs to review and can sit back and look at the big picture and help you get where you're going. It is exhausting, but you are your own best advocate.
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
From: Patty22
Date: 07-07-2006, 12:37 PM (8 of 16)
Finding a registered dietician may be a big help for you, especially if you can find one that specializes in diabetic maintenance programs. You can check, and most insurance companies will cover this expense. If you call your local hospital or medical society, I am sure they will be able to direct you to the proper help. Is there a local chapter of the American Diabetes Association near you? Otherwise, go to the URL that Sherri gave and write them. There may be a mentoring program in your area.

Ask your doctor to refer you to an endocrinologist who will be your primary physician monitoring your blood sugar levels and if you need medication.

Diabetes research is VERY promising. I'm also very supportive of stem cell research and the hope that one day diabetes will be a disease of the past - like polio.

YOU need to become a strong advocate for your health. Insist when you don't understand something the doctor is saying that you do not leave the office until your questions are answered. If necessary, bring a friend or family member with you to be another set of ears. Educate yourself! No doctor is going to care as much about you or your well being as yourself!

I think little tykes are extremely intuitive beings. When parents aren't well or stressed, they sense something is wrong and just aren't able to verbalize their fears. When you are feeling better I hope your little ones will also sense relief.

((((((hugs))))))))))
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: esrun3
Date: 07-07-2006, 09:54 PM (9 of 16)
Hospital or dr's office should be able to hook you up with diabetic teaching. If that isn't available, ask him to call and set up home health care for you for the diabetic teaching as well as someone to teach you how to properly do blood glucose testing, etc. Did your dr. do a fasting blood sugar? Did he do an A1C? You should know these values. He can't just take your blood sugar in the middle of the day and declare you are diabetic. Also, if you can, you should see an endocrinologist not a family practice guy for your diabetes.
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-08-2006, 03:14 PM (10 of 16)
My Dear Mom used to have to go back to the Dr every time she went for a physical to be re-tested because they suspected she had diabetes.. It took me being there one night when she had a regular drs. appointment the next day to spot why this happened every time.. She got nervous about going to Dr. and pigged out on Reeses PNut butter cups.. Of course, this messed her tests up the next morning.. When I told her, she also told the Dr. and he was so releived.. He told Mom , she had been a worry to him for 3 years about this showing up and then disappearing.. My Mom did not usually eat candy very often, only before Drs. appointments.. LOL..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-08-2006, 10:41 PM (11 of 16)
Been there.....done that...I'm borderline Type II also. The Dr SHOULD have
scheduled you for MORE testing...fasting blood, etc. He should have TOLD you about the meds, he should have TOLD you about a diet and exercise, INSTEAD of meds. ( I don't take any...you CAN manage on your own with diet and exercise, NO MEDS.)
The Dr should have TOLD/SCHEDULED you for Diabetic class. (they have them in the hospital..2-3 times a week...they are FREE).
If your blood sugar is only 140 and is borderline, meds are NOT always needed.
If I were you. (and I am, in a way...) I'd see another Dr. Don't let yourself be fooled by the 'Dr' in front of his name...there are just as many Dr's who are jacka**'es and can't be bothered to treat you well, as there are Dr's who actually are KIND and treat you like a PERSON.

I spent 5 yrs going from Dr to Dr with weird symptoms...I was told I was insane, I didn't know what I was talking about, people don't HAVE symptoms like that, etc....went to a PA (physicians asst.) I spent 30mins telling him how I felt, he LISTENED and sent me to be tested for Lupus...that was 22 yrs ago...I'm forever grateful to that man...(I have lupus...but I'm lucky and don't take meds for that either...much to the delight/consternation of my rheumatologist..she's a winner too..I'd rather see her 7 days a wk, than see my regular Dr once a yr. (my regular AF Dr is a non-listener and if I could change who I see...I would...but you have to have a good reason for changing Dr's with the military...and I've changed so many times, since I've been here, that they won't change them for me anymore....I 'turned in' 4 Dr's...one made me sit in his office while he told me what a sh*t my husband was and that he was going to see that he got a reprimand, my husband made an appt for me and the med tech who answered the phone got snotty, so I turned them both in...the med tech got sent somewhere else and the DR got the REPRIMAND. I turned in one for doing genetic testing on me without my knowledge or consent. I turned another one in for making me answer triganomitry questions, BEFORE he knew what I was in there for...I didn't do trig in HS, so he got mad. I turned in another one for yelling at me, he told me I was an idiot and should keep my mouth shut, I didn't know anything. All I did was tell him Congratulations on his retirement from the AF.)
I've been seen by a lot of weirdo's and can go on and on...but I'll stop here...

I know you all think I'm telling 'stories' but I'm not...it's the truth...my husband, sister and neighbor think I should write a book about my weird life and all the 'stuff' that's gone on in it...It would probably take more than one book and be a series...I'm thinking 6 might do it...or 7... :bg: :bg: :bg:
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: ricstew
Date: 07-09-2006, 07:24 AM (12 of 16)
sorry if im intruding I was just cruising the board and read your post.

but a doctor cant diagnose diabetes from a single test in his office! Im assuming it was a finger prick test? What about a fasting glucose test and then a full glucose tolerence test IF that test comes back high? Theres other stuff that needs to be doen before he can give a diagnoisi of diabetes either type one or two.......

thats just not feasible.........diabetes is a complex chronic condition that needs careful managment.........not pushing out of the office door!

I really think you need to see another doctor without the kids.......its your health at risk........and diabetes can be very complicated.

Cheers
Jan

sorry forgot.........i got hot under the collar when i read your post but I am a nurse that works in pathology! I do diabetes testing all day every day! ( as well as other stuff!)
User: ricstew
Member since: 06-29-2006
Total posts: 18
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-09-2006, 07:54 AM (13 of 16)
I'm really glad Jan posted her message. I knew someone here would know the medical end of this, first hand.

Great advice!

We are all so blessed to have each other . . . I keep that close to my heart, everyday.

I pray that each and every one of us has the happiest and healthiest of days we possibly can, for as long as we can. Life is too short otherwise.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006
Total posts: 257
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-09-2006, 07:30 PM (14 of 16)
Jan thank you for posting that information. I read the same kind of posts everyday and I hear people, in my office and my church saying the same thing. Oh, the doctor says I'm not diabetic, my blood test came back normal. Why would a competent doctor not know that he has to do more than a small blood test of finger prick in his/her office to detect diabetes or hyperglycemia, either one. I also have people tell me they're hyperglycemic when they are in the process of stuffing their face with doughnuts and soda for breakfast. I just look at them and say, oh yeah, right. I was hospitalized in 1984 because I had a 6-hours glucose tolerance test and the doctor got so alarmed when he saw the results he hospitalize me immediately, thinking I must have a tumor on my pancreas or something. I was in the hsopital for a week and went through every test they could think of before I was actually diagnosed as being hypoglycemic and was promptly scheduled to meet with a nurse from the local Diabetes Center to develop a diet for me which I was on for several years. As I've gotten older, I've gotten much better about knowing when and what I can eat that will trigger episodes for me even now. Doctors scare people out of their wits without being sure that what they are saying is the exact case.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Sherri
Date: 07-09-2006, 08:35 PM (15 of 16)
And then after you do the whole big 6 hour test you have to try and get everything squared away with diet or meds etc and some of them will make you do the stupid thing again. Just to see if everything is under control.

Me personally I manage with diet. Very little sugar, very regular meals and exercise and haven't actually passed out since highschool. Did have some problems with pg and dizzyness. I even manage to eat a little bit of sweets but I have like one small thing and then no fruit, juice or other sweets for a few days.

Definitely get a second opinion.
My website
User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357
From: ricstew
Date: 07-10-2006, 03:25 AM (16 of 16)
that Drs think they are gods........and that the rest of us mere mortals will do as we are told.........well I for one like to be well informed.......its my health, my family and my money that pays them!

I have a chronic condition that cause severe arthritis ( im 45 btw ) and I know more about it than my Dr.......but my Dr knows I know more than her! and there fore will listen to what I want to do with my meds etc. My Dermatoligist is the same...it took me years to find a good one and I wouldnt part with him!

We as patients need to be more informed about our own health and we need not to be intimidated by Dr's. They put their underpants on one leg at a time the same as the rest of us!

cheers
Jan :wink:
User: ricstew
Member since: 06-29-2006
Total posts: 18
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