This is my very first posting. I am very excited. I feel this entry is a wonderful beginning to this blog. This blog will encompass many topics anything from health and beauty to serious and at times controversial topics. My hope is that this blog will be haven for those that visit. You will soon see as topics are posted, why I want this blog to be a haven. Some discussions will be of comfort and of great help. I have experienced much in my short 38 years. My intent is to share my experiences as well as the wealth of knowledge that I have been blessed with and hopefully you learn a thing or two.
I am extremely blessed and I am very grateful for all that God has provided me with. My grandmother always said to me that God would never give more than what I could handle. To this date, I truly believe this. Despite hard and difficult times, each experience has provided me with incredible wisdom and growth. As I have experienced, I have learned, and as I have learned I have grown, and as I have grown, I have shared. Sharing is what this blog is all about!
In the spirit of sharing, I liked to discuss a topic that is rapidly becoming an epidemic in this country--Diabetes Type II. I have diabetes, I am NOT diabetes. This is an incredible statement, because from the moment I was diagnosed I BECAME diabetes. I was not just a person with diabetes, but rather I became the full blown reched disease! Diabetes consumed me physically and mentally to the point my health was in my opinion rapidly deteriorating. After six years or so of living with this disease, I came to a very drastic decision. At the time, it seemed drastic, today, it's not so drastic, but rather more realistic.
The moment, I was diagnosed, I started making changes. I was the ideal patient. I followed the regiment my doctors had prescribed. I followed a strict diet and exercise. So, why was my diabetes not getting better? I soon learned that it was not just about treatment, exercise and diet. I learned that my genetic predisposition and stress levels played a huge component. I found exercising increased my sugar, instead of dropping it. I learned that if I was stressed out my sugars went up. I found that if I did not get enough rest my sugar went up. I also found that as this was happening my weight and my blood pressure was also going up. But, wait! I was exercising and following a diabetic diet. And yet, I am gaining weight and my blood pressure is up!
I visited yet another Endocronologist seeking answers. Unfortunately, she really did not have anything new to say. Her best explanation to me was that science cannot offer me answers at this time. However, she explained studies are showing that bariatric patients were either no longer diabetics or their diabetes was becoming more and more controllable. Some patients after a significant amount of weight loss eventually were not diabetics anymore. I listened to this information, but was not ready to make such a drastic decision.
I returned to my regular endocronologist and continued with my treatment regiment making adjustments here and there. Eventually, my doctor advised that if my labs did not show a significant improvement on my next three month visit, we would have to consider insulin. I knew there would be no consideration, I would actually have to go on insulin. I knew going on insulin would mean more weight gain. My five foot three frame could not handle more weight. This much I knew. I left her office and went directly to my computer and started doing research on gastric bypass. I also attended open forum discussions, met with support group patients that had the procedure. I spoke with surgeons that performed this type of surgery. I found two surgeons with an impeccable record. These two surgeons offered a comprehensive program and took the time to answer my many questions. They reviewed my medical records and ordered comprehensive tests. After all the research, serious soul searching, and major prayer, I came to a decision. (Side note: Thank God for my husband! He was an incredible support to me. He never pressured me into anything, but rather allowed me to make my own decisions). I decided to proceed with the surgery.
I came through surgery wonderfully. After surgery, I adjusted very well to my new lifestyle. I am grateful that my diet was clean prior to surgery. The only huge adjustment was taking the time to chew food well, and slowing down and taking the time to eat my food instead of gulping it!--No more eating on the run. Two weeks before surgery, I had come off all diabetic meds, and I stayed off of them from that point forward. I am no longer a diabetic. I have lost over seventy pounds in nine months.
My journey with diabetes was a long and painful one. I can honestly say that it was a journey that I needed to take. I learned much about myself and about the kind of life I wanted to lead. I am a healthy physically fit 38-year-old woman. I am blessed without a doubt. God did not give more than I could handle. He also gave me a voice so that I may share my experiences with others.
If you have diabetes type II and are struggling with controlling it, please know you are not alone. There are others just like you. No, science does not have all the answers, but I believe answers will soon be available. In the meantime, I implore you not to give up. I am not suggesting to fight the disease, because I have found anytime you fight, something not so positive happens. Instead, I am suggesting that you make peace with diabetes. Do not become diabetes, but become who you truly are. Learn about your condition and what your body wants of you. Advocate for yourself at all times. If a medication does not sit well with you, then have your doctor work with you in finding one that will work. Do not let diabetes control you or your life! You have a say so, and you will always have a choice to view things in a positive light or not. However, I can tell you that viewing things in a positive manner definitely makes a difference. If you focus on the negative aspects, your thoughts and behavior will reflect this and soon you will find yourself in a pool of despair. Not only will you be in this pool of despair, but you will also be dragging your loved ones with you.
With that said, thank you for taking the time to read through this first entry. My sincerest hope is that you walk away having learned something new. Keep a positive outlook, you only have one life to live!
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