65, just diagnosed with Type 2, doing well on low carb and glucose monitoring.
I live in a place where quality health care is limited; I think doctors here don't tell you anything because they think everyone is below average intelligence. Which I am not so I read and read, and try to come to some sensible understanding. Two months ago I was told I was a diabetic, given a monitor with no instructions, and told to come back in 3 months after another A1c test. I also received a 30 minute lecture on the wonders of noncarb dieting. After reading Glucose sugar 101 (great book), I really started to understand what was happening to my blood sugar. It was really helpful to me because it was a reality check and I could control the numbers if I ate properly. (that is me - that is not necessarily everyone).
Things are generally going very well. My biggest problem is the lack of support from my husband. I am really disappointed. when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery, I read a lot, was very supportive, asked questions, etc. But my husband doesn't want to talk about my diabetes, does not want to change the way he eats (he is very obese), and is thoughtless at times when suggesting we all stop and get dessert somewhere. Yesterday HE called my doctors office, and he got ticked off that I was using more than the 30strips a month the doctor has automatically supplied. I was somehow not following doctor's orders and I hadn't told him - what did I think I was doing blah blah blah. Of course he goes to McDonalds every morning for breakfast.
It is my body. I am taking care of it. My extra strips cost less than his daily Micky D's breakfasts.
Got that off my chest!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by christy on -
Hi, you might want to think about coming down to either Chesapeake or Norfolk VA for your endocrinology needs. I work in healthcare and worked in Chesapeake and we would get a LOT of patients from NC in our office, basically for the same reasons you listed. Just lack of decent health care to choose from. It would be a bit of a drive, but I think well worth it to get a good endo who can manage you well and work with you.
Sorry for the lack of support from the husband. That has to be more fustrating than anything.
You have found an amazing site here for support. Glad you joined us.
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Permalink Reply by OBX OMA on -
Hi. When does one decide to go to an endocrinologist? my current doctor is internal medicine/family doctor. I don't mind the drive. We go to Norfolk for anything that requires better medical care than we can get here. My husbands urologist, both of our eye doctors, my dentist, and my gyn and surgeon. I will ask my gyn for a referral - he is my favorite.
I've been married for a long, long time. My husband is a good person. We don't have a lot in common but his inability to support me in this - hard to process and figure out how to deal with it without getting to emotionally overwraught.
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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I certainly agree. Me personally I'd recommend seeing a Endocrinologist pretty much right away, simply because Diabetes can be really a complicated disease and everyone varies a lot in how best to manage, how to treat, etc. I've noticed a lot of times its just beyond what an internal medicine/family practice Dr can manage successfully, and a lot of times the ones who do are behind in the most up to date ways of treating this. My endo is really good and is part of Sentara Medical Group if you want a name. There are two doctors and a CDE in the practice. Also they have Sentara MyChart. Not sure if you are familiar with that or not, but its a great way of maintaining contact with your provider in between appts as well. Let me know.
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Permalink Reply by OBX OMA on
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Christy,
Sounds good. If you don't mind. Doctors in Elizabeth City all have the same problem. I know best. I know best for everyone. And do not use the Internet. Beach doctors aren't much better and they are limited.
Chesapeake, Norfolk, Va Beach, doesn't much matter. Once you've drive an hour another 15 minutes either way doesn't make much difference. Besides gives me an excuse to go to the big city.
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Permalink Reply by christy on
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Here is the link for contact information to my Endo's office. Just disregard the bit about urgent care, lol that doesn't apply to the endo office.
http://www.sentara.com/HospitalsFacilities/SentaraMedicalGroup/Endo...
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Permalink Reply by OBX OMA on
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Thank you Christy - definitely will do this. May wait a month to go back to my current doc. I was hoping to find a doctor for all seasons. Looking over the info, I think it will be helpful because of some other meds I take for other parts!
N
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Permalink Reply by BadMoonT2 on -
Way to take charge OBX OMA. Just wish more health care providers would provide the simple instruction so that others could do what you have done.
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Permalink Reply by Teena on -
Hi there OBX OMA and welcome!
Great work on taking charge of your body.
The psychology of people in dealing with certain health problems are rather complicated and sometimes unpredictable. There are some, like you, who may realizes that it should be acted upon and there are some that may feel invulnerable thus being defiant or indifferent. Sometimes the more we force the issue...the more unwilling one can be. Baby steps...a few tips: its wonderful that you are leading by example! Eat healthy, and encourage exercise and activities. Household members "get used" to daily routine when they see it everyday. Another is education, education, education...maybe try sharing some "diabetes info with your hubby (little by little, like healthy advantages and diabetes complications...not a whole encyclopedia!). Some people act differently on an issue simply for the fact they have little understanding or knowledge on it. Another is encourage doing things and activities together...maybe shop grocery stuffs together or walk together...
It is understandable that family support is important to us. Right now, I think you are on the right track on taking care of yourself. Molding a disposition takes time and patience. But when somebody cares... I'm sure there is some sort of willingness there :) I wish you all the best!
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Permalink Reply by OBX OMA on
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Teena,
After 40 some years of marriage, I have come to acknowledge the only person you can change is yourself. There is a difference between caring and playing the role of caretaker. I know you mean well, but we have real differences in our relationship and his responses are a reflection of those issues. I am not forcing him to do anything. He eats breakfast at McDonalds every morning. He drinks 3-4 cokes a day. He will not walk. The only veggies are corn and peas, which I always serve with red meat and potatoes.
I was doing okay with that until he started telling me what I could or could not do about monitoring. - and I was not being rational.
Teena, thanks - I know it is complicated - and so do you. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
N
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Permalink Reply by OBX OMA on
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Things are better .. i'm still stressed but we are speaking. thanks for your prayers. I've said a few too!
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Permalink Reply by furball64801 on -
You will hear its your diabetes but your husband sounds like he is selfish, I might be wrong but if I am I am sorry. Your doing great you would be surprised how many type 2s never hear reduce there carb intake. I learned this 27 yrs ago by testing, self taught if you may.
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