Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard157 on August 24, 2011 at 8:50am

Stuart, I do not ever have those thoughts, because I was diagnosed in 1945, when I was 6. My life befor diabetes is a very distant memory. I am doing well, and am healthy. Life is good!

Permalink Reply by Stuart on August 24, 2011 at 9:27am

Hello Richard:

I understand and admore your ability.

And yet I also understand where Gary seems to be as well... Do everything we are capable of doing, everything we know how and yet STILL "fail" by any standard you can think of because in spite of our very best, zealous efforts... we still get this crap, the complications, the problems.

Do absolutely nothing wrong... do everything right, and still "FAIL"... ugggh.

It is enough to sap the strength from any with heart. I wish I had an answer for him I truly do.... my hope is we (his peers & elders) can help him find courage, heart, laughter to continue the struggles that we all share. Any thoughts sire ???

Stuart
PS Heard ANYTHING from Brunetta at all? Tried emailing her and got nothing... am becoming "concerned".

Permalink Reply by Richard157 on August 24, 2011 at 11:37am

I haven't thought about Brunetta for a long time. She posted on dLife, is that right? I think there is a Brunetta on Facebook, I will look into that and see if she is there.

Permalink Reply by Stuart on August 24, 2011 at 9:35am

Gary, my answer would be the following.

You have any of us you can grab some coffee with once a month? Any you can grab a movie? There is a risk being told by white coats the "DO BETTER" blather can teach despair... IMV. The sentiment of clowns I did my best and this is what it got me... nada, all these stupid complications.

Does so called better maintainence REVERSE this stuff kiddies??? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... I hear your fatigue.

Ever had a diabetic vaccation brother?.

Permalink Reply by mary on August 24, 2011 at 11:01am

Stuart,

This was a lovely thread Stuart. Makes a person think and realize there is no set pattern with D. that works for everyone, yet we should be kind and compassionate with everyone regardless of how he handles his own diabetes. No stress should be put upon a person to "do it my way." it will make your life a breeze. Instead a simple, YMMV (your mileage may vary) shows, hey this worked for me, maybe it can work for you, or maybe take something from what I said and make your own tweaks for yourself.

I've had big D for 62 yrs., have not been an ideal student for most of that time, but have made a complete turn around in the last 30 years.

I'm not sure I'd know how to live without diabetes, but I'd sure like to give it a try. Yes, even a one weeks vacation would be heavenly.

Yes, I feel for Gary also. Sometimes there is too much information and a person loses the ability to track out which is good info. and which is not. The strain of having your "loving family doctor who takes care of you until you die" are over. Most docs have a follow the book only attitude (I understand that, no one wants to get sued). I guess its up to each of us to take what they say and run it through the sieve, take out the good stuff and leave the rest behind. Doctors are not flawless, some just cut through med school with low grades, lets hope Mr.Gary does not find one of those "doctors."

I have a friend who has had D. about as long as I have, and he went the pancreas and kidney transplant route. He was one of the first to have it done. His life is not good now, but at the time he wanted to be rid of the D. and have a life like everyone else had. He is now in an almost bed ridden state. I'd hate to tell all he is contending with now. He dreams of having a second transplant of both, but he is too sick for that. He barely makes it to dialysis. He recently had a heart attack. He spends about half a year in the hospital or nursing homes.

I am not complication free by any means, but I can still drive myself to the library and check out any book in the building. I can walk around the block without a wheelchair or walker. I have a lovely daughter and beautiful granddaughter.

I am thankful for what I have. I would not wish to have any other disease that may seem less trying, because I feel most comfortable with the disease that I already have. Other diseases just might be worse, who knows until you have it?

Although I am not a religious person I do thank my higher power whomever he/she may be for the life I've had.

Mary