I'm still here...

I have to first say thank you to some people who pushed me to update my profile and come back to the living... I have had a very rough past three months and basically dropped off the face of the internet. The end of March, I was hospitalized once again for my asthma. Like the last time, my blood glucose levels went whacky from the prednisone... but this time, my numbers did not return to normal afterwards and in April I was officially diagnosed insulin dependent diabetic. I have been struggling to get used to this new regimen of 7 tests a day, 5 shots a day, and counting carbs in order to get my numbers under control. For weeks, I had bgl's in the 300-400 range and it was scary and I felt like crap. In the midst of this, I went for a weigh in. I'm now 10 pounds heavier than when I first weighed in October and hearing that the Hashimoto's disease and insulin therapy are why doesn't make it any easier. I cannot have this surgery until I lose the now 30 pounds and Dr. Aranow is not backing down on that. I'm gaining weight on 1200 calories a day and I just feel like I am completely worthless. The "good" news is that after seeing an endocrinologist, my sythyroid was increased and I learned how to adjust my insulin according to the carbs I am eating and I am now on day 7 of numbers close to and within the normal range (highest being a 129, lowest being 110) so I may finally have that worked out... and pray something kicks in so I can lose the weight so I can have my surgery.

Hi Fawn, Welcome to Ct Message Board We are here to listen your vent, support you, and give you some advices. I am Dr Aranow s patient too. He is great doctor and is accepting to have his deaf patient (ME). There are not many doctors who are not comfortable to have deaf patient but Dr Aranow made me feel comfortable and wants to help me. He do not mind to have an interpreter while we talked about this surgery. I read your profile and you went through alot but look on bright side you will be on your way to join us on the losing sides soon. Wew have to think positives instead of thinking negatives. Hang in there ! I will go group support next monday and hope to see you there email me if you want to talk private here is my email [email protected] I will keep you in my prayer May God bless with you Kathy K

Sorry to hear you have had such a rough time of it these past few months. The weight gain is normal with the prednisone. I don't know if anyone told you this, but that drug makes you crave carbs. I'm sure now that you're counting carbs for your diabetes, the weight will start to come off. It's good to see you posting again. Lean on us for all the support you need. Maggie

Hi Fawn, Glad to see you back! I'm very sorry to hear about the health issues you're facing. I am happy to hear that you've gone an entire week of normal-range numbers! That is a positive to focus on. Please remember we're all here for you, use this board to vent, scream, share, laugh and cry. We all care and will be looking forward to hearing ther next chapter of your journey. Your friend, -Deb

Welcome back! I'm happy to see you back here. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time of it. Perhaps having your insulin levels stabilize and having the increased Synthroid will help you in your quest to lose that blasted 30 lbs. Don't you wish we could wave a magic wand and take care of these problems? Keep coming here & talking. These folks will help as much as they can, if only to relate to your difficulties, give you a place to vent, or offer some advice. God bless, Kathy F.

Welcome back Fawn. We missed you. I'm sorry to hear about all that you're going through. I'm sure you must be stressed to the max! I know it's tough and very discouraging when you can't loose weight on 1200 calories a day. I've been there! Here's some things to think about... -Try doubling your water intake. It really helps you body let go of the lbs! -Try adding ANY form of exericse (I do mean ANY- dance around your house, walk, swim, whatever) into your life 3x a week for at least 30 minutes. It will also help reduce your stress. -Keep a food diary. It helps you to look objectively at the balance of food you're eating. And, in the long run, you can bring it to the dietician to have her see what you've been doing. Dr. Aranow doesn't mess around...he's definatley strict on his requirements- and with good reason. But, he's not totally unreasonable. Have you asked for another dietician's appointment to discuss your progress (or lack there of)? Show that you're doing your part, no matter what. It will help. Good luck to you! Hang in there. Setbacks are so discouraging, but you can get through this. If anything, I hope this helps to further your resolve that you really do NEED this surgery. best, Lisa C

Welcome back, Fawn!!! I'm glad your back. Right now you need all the support you can get and this is the place to get it. There are a lot of people who care about what you're going through and are here to support you. Even though you've been given another hurdle to jump over and you'll do just fine and soon will be with the rest of us on "the other side". You've given many of us courage to go on and it's been well appreciated. Hang in there and never give up!!! Take care of yourself first and the rest will follow. Things will work out before you know it. Continue to keep in touch!! Lucy

Hi Fawn, I am soooo sorry to hear about all the problems you have been experiencing. Please, please keep the faith. Things will turn around for you. Listen to Lisa's advice, keep a food diary, talk to your dietician or nutritionist and sit down with the doctor and explain what has been going on. We are all praying for you and keeping good thoughts. Linda