My First Irreversible Complication
I have posted several times about my problem with dizziness. It started in the fall of 2008. After many tests it was finally decided in the fall of 2010 that it might be caused by my BP med. Taking half doses of that med helped my dizziness to some extent. Finally, my neurologist has diagnosed autonomic neuropathy. I have most of the symptoms that characterize that kind of neuropathy. My neurologist says it is rather common among long term diabetics. The symptom that bothers me most is a big drop in my BP when I change from a seated to a standing position. In the morning, until noon, it can drop 40 or more points when I stand up. It improves in the afternoon. My evenings are best.
My neurologist says there is no medication that has been found that will really help, so this is my first diabetes related complication that is irreversible. I have had other complications that were reversed by tight control, but this one seems to be here to stay. This problem has bothered me for more than two years. I usually stay in my recliner with my laptop in the mornings, when my dizziness is at its worst. Exercising and doing my chores after lunch is OK.
My newest project involves working out at a physical fitness club/gym for about one hour, three afternoons each week. Using many machines that strengthen my muscles is very useful, and fun. My upper body muscles have become weakened in the past few years, and my aim is to strengthen them, so I can stay in good shape. My treadmill is there for me other days each week. How else can I become the first person to live with diabetes for 100 years?
I told my wife that my physical fitness trainer is unattractive and all muscle. Actually, she is a twenty something, and cute as a button. Am I bad, or what?
I have lived with type 1 for 65 years and my health is very good. My autonomic neuropathy is not going to discourage me. I always have a very positive attitude about my diabetes, and life in general. You are stuck with me for another 35 years, when I will celebrate my 100'th anniversary with diabetes.
My neurologist says there is no medication that has been found that will really help, so this is my first diabetes related complication that is irreversible. I have had other complications that were reversed by tight control, but this one seems to be here to stay. This problem has bothered me for more than two years. I usually stay in my recliner with my laptop in the mornings, when my dizziness is at its worst. Exercising and doing my chores after lunch is OK.
My newest project involves working out at a physical fitness club/gym for about one hour, three afternoons each week. Using many machines that strengthen my muscles is very useful, and fun. My upper body muscles have become weakened in the past few years, and my aim is to strengthen them, so I can stay in good shape. My treadmill is there for me other days each week. How else can I become the first person to live with diabetes for 100 years?
I told my wife that my physical fitness trainer is unattractive and all muscle. Actually, she is a twenty something, and cute as a button. Am I bad, or what?
I have lived with type 1 for 65 years and my health is very good. My autonomic neuropathy is not going to discourage me. I always have a very positive attitude about my diabetes, and life in general. You are stuck with me for another 35 years, when I will celebrate my 100'th anniversary with diabetes.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on -
Ronald, you are on the right path to successful diabetes management. You will be fine. The lower blood sugar numbers, healthy food and exercise may completely reverse any complications that you may have now.
I love your comment about the dessert at restaurants, and at the gym too. Lol! I have never ordered a dessert when eating out during my 65 years of diabetes. There is no sense starting now at the gym, or elsewhere.
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Permalink Reply by MKsMom on -
Richard, the next time that giant elephant that sits on my chest when I get scared about my T1D's future comes for an unwelcome visit I'm going to think of you and imagine you scaring that giant beast away. (In other words, you give me optimism and hope). Keep up the good work!!! - Kristi
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Kristi, the only times I have been very scared with my T1 D were when two doctors in the 1970s told me that I would die before I was 40 years old. When I was in my early 50s and had no complications I stopped worrying about and have not worried since. That is why I gave my book the title "Beating The Odds". In modern times there are no more odds to beat. We have so much knowledge and great technology now that enables us to stay healthy and strong.
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Permalink Reply by SilverLining on -
Richard,
I am developing diabetes, but don't know what kind yet. I have been experiencing some periphereal neuropathy (stinging, burning, etc. etc,) all over body. I also have the BP problem. I don't know if it is related to the diabetes, or not, but it just came up 6 months ago along with the high blood sugar. Here is what I have been instructed to do: drink 64 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid a day, don't take caffeine, I also pour the salt on my food. That is what my cardiologist said to do. Some days when I haven't done all of these things, it is so bad that when I'm standing if I bend my head down just a little, everything starts to go dark. Also, on bad days when I go from sitting to standing and everything is going dark, I quickly lower my head/body back down. I am 46 and just beginning this journey; I also play racquetball and sometimes experience the darkness then too.
It sounds like you've done a great job all of these years staying on top of your diabetes...the exercise is GOOD and I don't know what to say about the trainer....I know you men are masters at telling us what we want to hear..My husband has perfected this too, but I know more than he thinks I do!!!! :):):)
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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SilverLining, BP problems are common among diabetics, and prediabetics. I am sorry to hear your BP problem is causing your dizziness. If you are taking a medication for the BP then it could be partially due to the medication.
Thanks for the suggestion involving no caffeine, increased salt and lots of fluid. Other people have suggested that I tense my muscles in my legs and buttocks as I stand. Apparently that forces the blood to rush toward the head and relieve the dizziness.
P.S. An optimist says every dark cloud has a silver lining. A pessimist says every silver lining has a dark cloud. I am an optimist. Your user name suggests you are an optimist too. Good luck to you!!
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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on -
I think that BP problems are pretty common in people without diabetes too!
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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Jacobs on
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Wow, Richard.
I have been reading your posts and get my inspiration from you. Thank you for being a beacon of light. I hope to read more of your posts.
Kathleen
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Permalink Reply by lisa c on -
Richard,
Did they ever suggest slight dehydration as a cause for the dizziness and positive tilit test on BP? I am having issues with the exact thing right now. My sodium was very low and I needed IV fluids to remedy. What BP med were you on? They said the Diavan may also be contributory factor. I have cut in 1/2. T1 40 years.
We are doing great!
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Hi Lisa, dehydration was never mentioned to me. Was it mentioned to you? My sodium is high, but not the bad. I was on Altace, and now Losartan for BP. My Losartan was cut in half too.
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