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 -
Terrie, your seat will be next to my wife and me.
BTW, I know you have my number....you were not thinking about giving my wife a call, were you?
LOL!!!
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on -
Aw thank you Richard. That's Sweet. It would be my Honour. :)
I had you squiming there for a minute eh? :D After this long, I'm sure that you know that I don't tattle. (Unless it's Really Good stuff and I ask permission first. =) ).
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Robert, I wish I could do a marathon. I guess I will stick to my gym.
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Permalink Reply by Johnben. on -
Well,well, 35 years you say? I be there in only 19 years you know. However I cannot do any training with those machines anymore. Walking after the stroke I have had is much more difficult. But we walk when we can. My heart attack slowed me down, but I try to ignore all the negative aspects of diabetes but always watch for sudden lows in blood sugar, That is a absolute MUST.
Good story Richard.
JB.
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Hello John Ben, thanks. It is good to hear from you!.
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Permalink Reply by Kelly WPA on -
I will be interested in hearing more about your adventures with the autonomic neuropathy. I have been told that I probably have that. My main problem is the same as yours – BP. I want an invitation to that party also!
You better hope that your wife doesn’t decide to join your class – you are going to be in trouble!
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Kelly, my wife is not interested in the gym. She is so active at home and in the neighborhood, she does not need exercise machines. There is never an absolute certainty about the AN, but all evidence points to that.
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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All of my friends are invited to my party!!!
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Permalink Reply by Kelly WPA on
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Let's hope she stays active and doesn't decide to pop in! The more I read about it, the more I am convinced that is my problem also. One thing they said is that your pupils are slow to dilate. When I was at the eye doctor last year, he told me that about me. I did not realize that was a problem related to AN a the time. I will bring that up with him when I see him again.
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Permalink Reply by Jag1 on -
Sucks and I'm sorry to hear this. It seems reasonable to me that exercise may improve this, so exercise seems like a good prescription (especially given the view at the gym!) I would work in leg exercises too since the dizziness is caused by leg muscles not contracting (smooth not skeletal, but leg muscles still) - assuming Dr. approval of course. Have you given rowing a try? Most gyms have a Concept 2 or equivalent rowing machine, and they usually don't have a wait to use them. But they are an *excellent* full body workout - upper body, legs and back will all get a good workout - I highly recommend it.
Bernstein has some good recommendations too LINK HERE - special stockings may help?
And of course there's always the solution favored by teenagers (think of your former students) - your blood pressure doesn't normalize until noon? - NO PROBLEM - just sleep until noon every day - PROBLEM SOLVED!
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Permalink Reply by Richard157 on
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Good ideas jag, thanks! Half of my exercises are for my legs. Each of 4 machines exercise different leg muscles. Four machines for my arms and three for chest, back and ab muscles. My trainer is not having me doing rowing yet, but she says that will come later. I have noticed my grip is improving a lot.
I cannot sleep after 8 AM while in bed. Eight hours is my limit at night, however, while at my laptop, here in my recliner, I frequently doze. I don't feel guilty either. Lol!
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Permalink Reply by Ronald Coleman on -
I was just Diagnosed as Type 2 a Month ago. Thanks for your story. It shows a lot of strength and hope. I go back to the doctor on the first of Febuary and have to talk to him about the possibility that I too am suffering from effects of neuropathy. I get extreme headaches that usually begin in my sleep. They pound three or four times a week. I am also having a lot of kidney pain and my testing my BP at home is showing some alarming signs that it is too high even though I've cut way back on the salt and started taking a Potassium Suplement to improve it. But I plan to live a Long and Healthy life even with this desease. If anyone told me a month ago that I wouldn't eat a candy bar or a snack cake or desert of any kind for a full month I would have told them they were nuts but It's been a month and four days and to be quite honest I dont miss it as much as I fear the loosing of my legs, My Sight or My Life. Like you I'm going to beat this Desease to a pulp and show it who is the Boss. Oh and Big Smiles. I haven't had a reading on my monitor over 120 in the past fourteen days! I am all smiles over that. About broke my arm patting myself on the back! as for the twenty sumthin trainer. Hey that's great Cardio. She will keep your heart racing! Just remember When your married it's like having Diabetes. We can look at the Desert Menu but just don't order nothing! LOL.
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