High Blood Sugars before Surgery

I had labs done yesterday in peparation for my surgery on 9/25/08.

I got a semi-nasty phone call from a nurse at my doctor's office because my fasting blood sugar yesterday was over 200.  I'm really angry because nobody told me it had to be in control before surgery... not that I want it to NOT be in control but I have to be honest... I have been trying to enjoy some foods I know I may never eat again after surgery.  I feel like crying. The nurse was so rude... I'd call and make  complaint about her but I'm afraid I might have to see her again.  She spoke to me like I was a child.  grrrr!  So now I have to run to my primary care physician who doesn't have a clue as to how to control my blood sugars.  My point in going is just to get a new RX for insulin and the last time I wanted another insulin RX she wouldn't give it to me.  Damn!!!  I know she will now because it's really urgent.  I will have to go back on insulin for the next three weeks as well as changing my eating and upping my exercising.  That's the only possible way I can get the numbers down before the 25th.  I'm so angry.  You're on an insulin IV anyway when you get to the hospital I really don't get why this woman was such a bag about it!  Or am I wrong? 

If I sound like a crazy person, I'm just going through so many emotions right now.

 

I certainly understand your emotional response.  Nurses ought to be sympathetic and helpful, not like Nurse Ratchett!

Most surgeons will not operate if your diabetes is not relatively well controled because that would interfere with healing, and you want everything that you can find to go your way with healing.  Try a modified Atkins diet for a few day, mostly all protein and some salads and low carb veggies, and you ought to be fine ina few days if you can exercise some.

Good luck!

That is my plan.  I'm going to get back to eating the way I know I'm supposed to, as few carbs as possible, exercising, and I'm going to use insulin.  Nothing against my primary care physician but I have been successful in getting my numbers down on my own, without her help in the past so I can do it again.  

Now I am scared that I won't get them down fast enough and I see my surgeon on Monday and I'm just not in the mood for being scolded again!  I don't want lectures.

So if I'm in control when I get to the hospital, why do I have to be on an insulin IV and constant finger ***** testing... I was told they will do it every hour for 24 hours, even wake me up.  Why would I need that if I'm in control?

Diabetes is a damn crazy disease.  I personally hate it, having had type II for over ten years.

Lots of things can set it off, surgery being one of them.  Also, for reasons that one can hardly fathom, you'll be on an IV that has pure glucose in it.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

That's funny.... pure glucose?  Oh my goodness.  

I've been a diabetic for 5 years now and have had my ups and downs.  I've had really good control and then ..... really bad control.... it's one big reason for having this surgery.  I hope it helps.

How about you?  You've lost a bunch of weight.  Has it helped with the blood sugar control?

Cinnamon Oil drops really work. Give them a try for 2 weeks and you'll see a HUGE difference! I was told to take 5 drops under the tongue (burns but worth it!) twice a day but I increased my dosage to 1/2 dropper 3 x's s day and WOW what a difference. Meds are dramatically lower. I was taking about 300-500 units of 70/30 insulin and 120-150 units of R. Now I have to watch for low blood sugars. Give it a 2 week trial and let me know what the outcome is. I finally ended up taking 1/2 dropper in 1oz of water or under my tongue and both are fast absorption.

Thanks Sal! That's pretty interesting because I had heard similar things from other people... in fact my weight loss doctor told me that my blood glucose did not matter at the time of surgery because they put you on insulin anyway.  I don't see how it could be so high when you're not eating for a week or two or three... I mean I know you are getting some calories and carbs but still. Today I saw my surgeon and he never said a word about my blood glucose number so I'm still going to monitor and work on getting it down but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.  I'm glad to hear that you did so well... I would have had a hard time biting my tongue too.  haha  

I guess they like to see us in good control for some months prior to surgery... as above it will help in the long-term to avoid complications but I suspect it's also indicative of a certain level of committment to self-care. Nice compliant patient...
But for the day of the surgery itself, I expect they would actually prefer it to be higher, for a safety margin... especially with the fasting involved.

As for that Nurse's attitude.... she needs to drop it..! stop being so judgmental... try being a bit more constructive..!

Well if you're anything like me just the stress of thinking about big surgery sent my readings high no matter what I did...

I'm glad he didn't mention it - you don't need something else to stress over as well!

sal

Thanks for this posting.  I am going for my surgeon consult on the 22nd and taking blood work Monday 1/12/09.  I have been not patient compliant with my sugar and know my numbers are going to be off the charts. I to have been goofing off since it will be my last meals in this fashion.  I am really happy about most of the changes.  Glad ya surgery was a success and look foward to joining ya on the losing bench.