Diabetes is a lousy disease!

I haven't posted much, but I have to vent! My husband (who was always a size 31/31, has gained weight recently. He's in a 33. Big deal. BUT...this last few months he has been feeling tired and grouchy. I attributed it to his work schedule and the fact that he works at Delphi and is losing his job soon. Last week he came home from work sick (2nd time in 30 years!). I told him I thought he may have diabetes, but he just growled at me and went to bed. He was up all night vomiting and had stomach pains. When he couldn't breathe anymore, he asked me to call the squad. He went into the emergency room with a 754 blood glucose level. His triglycerides were 2100 and his cholesterol was 601. He had pancreaitis, dehydration, and generally was a mess! He was in intensive care for 4 days. He now has to give himself insulin 4 times a day. I have no experience with diabetes (thank God), and I now understand how happy so many of you are when you get your sugar levels under control after surgery. I almost lost him and I will say that other than his family history, he has no other problems that would have predisposed to this disease. So, for those of you with diabetes, please take good care of yourselves. It ain't easy! On an up note, I have lost 3 pounds eating like he is. I was getting too fond of the sweets again! Deb

oh debbi that is scary. i hope he is healing at home now. all surgery wars aside, there are some people on the ds board who's spouses who weren't overweight but diabetic self paid for the switch part of the ds. they say it works. glad you are losing again, and i'm glad your husband pulled through. hugs, judi

I have indirectly dealt with this for the last 9 years. Both of my husbands parents have it. His mom is not bad, and we manage with her diet and pills. His dad was getting injections 4 times a day when he passed. It also led to having both legs amputated because he would not control his sugar levels. It slowly killed him. It was very sad thing to see. We monitor my hubby because 2 of his sisters and 2 brother now have to deal with it in varying degrees. It is very liveable. There are alot of options now available since the Atkins diet came on the scene. My thoughts are with you, Like us, it is a lifestyle change. Pam

Oh my goodness Deb! Thank the Lord that you got him to the hospital and determined what was wrong. Why are men sooooo stubborn? Sheesh! I have 2 brothers with diabetes and had gestational diabetes with my first child and my oldest brother didn't take care of himself and had to have a kidney transplant, has heart problems and lost his leg due to this horrible disease. When my other brother was diagnosed was when I said, "I'm not waiting any longer to get the ball rolling of this surgery." I'm glad to hear he's taking this serious and is changing his lifestyle and eating habits. Glad to hear it's benefiting your journey as well (way to find a positive) Love that kind of attitude! Pam

Deb, Good for you for loosing those 3 lbs. My scale died and I havent remembered to get new batteries for it. Thank God that you got him to the hospital. He may have gone into a diabetic coma had you not gotten him there. I was diabetic preop taking insulin 2x a day, 2 different types of insulin. As of 7 days post op, I no longer needed any diabetes meds! good luck to both of you. Jen

Wow talk about going through it. I'll say a prayer for him and your family. Congrats on the WL..

Deb, OMG what a scare!! I hope he is doing much better!!! Take care hunny!

thanks, everyone for your kind words. He is still very tired and frustrated that he doesn't feel better. He is a real over achiever and this has thrown him for a loop. We went to the doctor again today and they did more blood work. We go to the nutritionist next week, the same one I went to before my surgery. Maybe that will get us on the right track. god bless you guys and gals! Deb