hospital visit - again Update #27

[Scooter's Mom]

I just spent pretty much the last 4 days in the hospital... if you count Sunday at the ER.

I have a horrible kidney infection. Plus, we've discovered I'm diabetic. Lots of changes being made. *sigh*
It's scary but doable...

Anyone have advice for me?

[Freedom]

Hugs to you, Crystal!

Find and take a DOE class - Diabetes Outpatient Education. Have your husband attend with you. Insurance should cover it.

Take your meds, you will feel lots better once the kidney infection is healing, hang in there.

[Catty1]

HUGS. I have no advice except what Freedom said.

[Scooter's Mom]

It's a huge shock.
The only people I have known personally, very well, with diabetes... well, they're both gone because of the disease. I'm pretty frightened.

[Freedom]

That is why you need to LEARN about the disease. It CAN be controlled, and you can learn how to do that. It is a steep learning curve, at least it was for me, as I had never been taught anything about foods.

Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, diabetic. hosts "dLife" Sundays on CNBC 7:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM PT

She didn't think she would be Miss America - DONE!
Didn't think anyone would marry her - DONE!
Didn't think she could have a child - DONE!

http://www.dlife.com

[Freedom]

Are you back at work tomorrow?

If you are home, see if you can meet w/ nurse at your local senior center; she can direct you to places for info and support.

Here is a link to the American Diabetes Assoc:
http://www.diabetes.org/

Call them toll free 8:30 AM to 8 PM (eastern time) for support, they can help connect you up with support and training in your area: 1-800-DIABETES

As you gain information and knowledge, and learn how to control this, you will be less frightened.

[kitten645]

I was diagnosed boarder line diabetic years ago. Didn't surprise me as EVERY family member has it. I lost 60lbs and it's under control. You just have to get sick and tired of being sick and tired. That's the only diet I've known to work. I agree with educating yourself and learn to take care of yourself. Little things make a big difference. Don't eat anything white...sugar, flour, milk etc. Whole grains and nuts are great. I remember waking up one morning with my blood sugar so low I could barely crawl to the fridge to get a yogurt and shaking uncontrolably. It's scary but it's manageable which there are many diseases that aren't. Blood samples suck but it's the only way to see where you really are. Hugs to you. It sucks but it beats the alternative.

[Grace]

It's a huge shock.
The only people I have known personally, very well, with diabetes... well, they're both gone because of the disease. I'm pretty frightened.

Are you Type 1 or Type 2?

I was diagnosed with T2 almost 6 years ago, and am still around to talk about it I control with diet, exercise and one medication, Metformin.

I agree with the others - go to classes, you're seeing an Endocrinologist which is great, get a meter and test, test, test. That's the only way you will know how different foods affect you. The motto for diabetics is YMMV - your mileage may vary. Each of us reacts differently to different foods - what might be bad for me, might not cause you any problems. So testing will help you in that respect.

I highly recommend this book - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The...chen+e.+becker

[Alysser]

I don't have much advice either, but I am here if you need me. I know what it's like to be in and out of hospitals. Hope you get better soon You're a trooper for sure!

[Scooter's Mom]

The dr. at the ER told me returning to work Monday should be fine.
I can't do that without the paperwork filled out that HR wants from my family dr. Problem with that? The HR dept said on Tuesday that they'd get it sent out via overnight mail and I haven't received it! How am I supposed to get it taken to my dr. appointment tomorrow (sat am) if I don't have it? oh my gosh this is killing me. I was already pushing it by asking them to get it back to me so quickly. (without giving them 2 days to fill it out)

Work will NOT let me in the door without the papers and a release form.

this is a nightmare.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

The dr. at the ER told me returning to work Monday should be fine.
I can't do that without the paperwork filled out that HR wants from my family dr. Problem with that? The HR dept said on Tuesday that they'd get it sent out via overnight mail and I haven't received it! How am I supposed to get it taken to my dr. appointment tomorrow (sat am) if I don't have it? oh my gosh this is killing me. I was already pushing it by asking them to get it back to me so quickly. (without giving them 2 days to fill it out)

Work will NOT let me in the door without the papers and a release form.

this is a nightmare.

Is there anyway your HR dept could fax the paperwork directly to your doctor's office? My husband had to use FMLA time at his old job, and you're right, it's a nightmare.

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I don't have advice, but I it sounds like you've been given good advice by other members here.

[Scooter's Mom]

I managed to get ahold of the HR department. They emailed the paperwork to me. yay!
Now I just have to get hubby to print it at work and remember to bring it home.

[momcat]

There's one more thing to ask your doctor about, glucose tablets. They can be very helpful when your blood sugar goes low. They're not a substitute for your regular meal or snack but they will get your reading up until you can get to some food. I keep some at home, in my back-pack, and at my desk at work. You don't need a prescription for them and they can be found at just about every pharmacy.

[Grace]

There's one more thing to ask your doctor about, glucose tablets. They can be very helpful when your blood sugar goes low. They're not a substitute for your regular meal or snack but they will get your reading up until you can get to some food. I keep some at home, in my back-pack, and at my desk at work. You don't need a prescription for them and they can be found at just about every pharmacy.

And they come in yummy flavors