I'm tired of being diabetic!!!

[paddbear0000]

   After 24 years, I"M SICK AND TIRED of being diabetic!!! Lately, I've had no appetite at all. My blood sugars have been all over the place, crashing like crazy multiple times a day, then spiking up into the 200's, 300's and even 400's for no particular reason. I have been like this my entire diabetic life. I had an appointment at my endo's today, which did not go well, at all. Like usual, my doctor studied my blood sugar readings for like 20 minutes, trying to figure out a pattern to why this happens. We go through this every time and every doctor I've ever had has done the same thing, with no luck. Her response was--you need to eat more! I HAVE NO APPETITE!!! She had even just praised me for lowering my A1C (due only to the fact that my kidneys are failing and my insulin is working better) and she tells me to eat more! What about when my blood sugar is high??!! Agghhh!!! Can I not be diabetic anymore?     

[Joe Paul]

I'm with you on this. I been diabetic for 34 years now, so far the kidneys are the only thing thats let me down. My sugars too are all over the place, stress does it for me. I go for my transplant evaluation tomorrow, have decided to go for a pancrease too, like you said sick and tired of being diabetic. Have you considered going for a pancrease? Outside of a possible break from diabetes, the wait is shorter for a dual transplant, here in Pennsylvania is 3 years.

[paddbear0000]

Yeah, my neph actually talked to me about doing that last week. I'm a little nervous about it though as pancreas transplants are supposed to be fairly risky. I posted elsewhere about the issue I'm also having with him. My labs (as in laboratories) and doctor don't seem to agree on my percentage of renal function. I may be at 25% (as my doc thinks) or at 19% like several labs say.

[okarol]

My mom has recently been diagnosed as diabetic. I was wondering if anyone is using LANTUS - the long-acting insulin that is taken once a day. They say it works steadily and consistently to help manage blood sugar control around the clock. I am curious about how it compares to the typical short term/long term insulin commonly used in the past.

[Joe Paul]

My mom has recently been diagnosed as diabetic. I was wondering if anyone is using LANTUS - the long-acting insulin that is taken once a day. They say it works steadily and consistently to help manage blood sugar control around the clock. I am curious about how it compares to the typical short term/long term insulin commonly used in the past.

They had me on LANTUS, but put me on Novalin (long term) and Novalog (short term) ,  @ 4 shots daily saying its much better control than just the one shot. I take Novalin & Novalog, mixed am & pm, then Novalin on a sliding scale for lunch and supper. Be careful to monitor her blood sugars, I had problems with low sugars during the night while on the LANTUS

[Sluff]

You are singing my song Padddbear!! I stop taking all my diabetic meds and shots until I lose the weight I want to lose then I go back on them until I gain too much weight then I go off again.

[jbeany]

I'm on Lantus and Humalog both.  I love it - it's the only thing that's ever kept my sugar under control.  I take a small dose of lantus every night, and then do a Humalog bolus every time I eat.  I check my sugar every time I eat, and calculate how much insulin I need to account for the carbs I'm going to have.  I can also check after I eat or anytime I feel thirsty to see if my sugar is over 100 and take more humalog to adjust it back down.  My A1c runs between 5.8 and 6.3 most of the time.  I'm still considered a brittle diabetic, because my sugar tends to bounce for no discernable reason, but with the humalog and the lantus, it's under better control than it's ever been.  At least now when it bounces to 400 for whatever reason - I can fix it ASAP and not have the constant problems.

[paddbear0000]

You are singing my song Padddbear!! I stop taking all my diabetic meds and shots until I lose the weight I want to lose then I go back on them until I gain too much weight then I go off again.

THAT IS VERY, VERY BAD!!! You are killing yourself! I know that comment seems pointless now, but doing that causes complications, including in a coma from DKA!!! I would hope that someone has told you this. I did that as a teenager because I wanted to be thin, and am now in kidney failure as a result. It will further damage your kidneys. I also have nerve damage, gastropasesis and retinopathy because of my actions. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take your medication everyday!!!

My mom has recently been diagnosed as diabetic. I was wondering if anyone is using LANTUS - the long-acting insulin that is taken once a day. They say it works steadily and consistently to help manage blood sugar control around the clock. I am curious about how it compares to the typical short term/long term insulin commonly used in the past.

As far as Lantus, I used to take it. I'm now on a pump (the best thing EVER, in my opinion!). I found the Lantus to be a little less "even" than the manufacturers seem to think it is, and it didn't quite last the full 24 hours, so I would get rather high in the evenings (I was told to take it once a day, at bedtime). After a while, I started to divide the dose, and do half in the AM and half in the PM. It helped a lot. Doctors aren't quite onto that protocol yet, but I know of quite a few diabetics who do it and it made an amazing difference in their blood sugar levels (including mine).

[skyedogrocks]

I don't know personally, but my husband has been a Type I diabetic for almost 25 years and he just hates it too.  He didn't take care of himself for a long time and is paying for it now.  His feet have paid the price, he has almost lost his big toe twice due to infections, he also has neuropathy there.  His eyes have the eye disease, although not too bad (can't think of the name for the life of me) and his kidneys failed. 

The only thing that has worked for him was going to the Joslin Clinic here in Boston.  They are world renowned for their work.  He is on the sliding scale and uses Lantus and Novalog.  I want him to get the insulin pump so bad, but he is being headstrong with that.  He has his occasional highs and lows, but they aren't too bad.  Thankfully, the worst low he ever had was with me, I couldn't get his sugars up, his level was 35!!! .  The paramedics showed up right in time and were able to shock him out of it with a pure sugar injection.  We now have a couple of emegency needles to use in case that ever happens again.

I hate diabetes, it sucks!  It's a total silent killer if you don't take care of it.  Here is a link to the site locations:  http://www.joslin.org/USLocations.asp

I truly believe he would be dead if he hadn't gone to this place.  They have awesome endocrinologists, nephrologists, opthamologists, dieticians, etc.  They really turned his life around.  Perhaps you can try them?

I'm sorry you have diabetes and hopefully you and your doctor can come up with a great plan of action.

One thing that I do believe many diabetics don't do enough of is go to their Podiatrist on a regular basis.  Rob learned his lesson and now goes to his every other month without fail.  His feet are in such better shape now and he is also wearing the right shoes and they are stylish.  If anyone needs great ideas on diabetic shoes let me know, I have done tons of research and have lots of great sights.  He's only 38 so he didn't want the ugly "old man" shoes!

[skyedogrocks]

You are singing my song Padddbear!! I stop taking all my diabetic meds and shots until I lose the weight I want to lose then I go back on them until I gain too much weight then I go off again.

Sluff, I'm sure you know this and i don't mean to lecture, but you shouldn't do that.  It's very dangerous!!!!  This is the fastest way to losing limbs, eyesight and of course kidney failure.  It's important for you to take your medicine even if it makes you gain weight.  Over time you can work with your doctor and nutritionist on losing weight.  We want you around for a LONG TIME!!!  Take care of yourself my friend!   

[paddbear0000]

I truly believe he would be dead if he hadn't gone to this place.  They have awesome endocrinologists, nephrologists, opthamologists, dieticians, etc.  They really turned his life around.  Perhaps you can try them?

I go to the Joslin Center here in Dayton. And, yes, they are awesome! I love my doctor. Oh, and the word you were thinking of is Retinopathy. I had that a few years ago. I can't tell you how many laser surgeries I had to seal up my leaky eye vessels! I could drive to my retinologist's with my eyes closed! After about a year of fluid leaking, I finally started to get bleeding vessels. It was no fun trying to see around the black spots in my vision. I ended up , over the course of 8 months, having surgery on both eyes to have the blood removed and seal up the holes in my blood vessels. Thankfully, I haven't had problems since, except for problems seeing at night and a slight change in colors (related to the laser surgeries)! My retinologist jokes about my eyes--my microscopic pictures of them look like leopards! 

Sluff, I'm sure you know this and i don't mean to lecture, but you shouldn't do that.  It's very dangerous!!!!  This is the fastest way to losing limbs, eyesight and of course kidney failure.  It's important for you to take your medicine even if it makes you gain weight.  Over time you can work with your doctor and nutritionist on losing weight.  We want you around for a LONG TIME!!!  Take care of yourself my friend!   

Going on an insulin pump actually helped me lose weight. I was no longer eating all the time to keep up with my insulin. Also, being high, makes you hungary and eat more. When my blood sugars are anywhere over 180, I feel like snacking.

Sluff, we tell you all this, because we care about you!  My kidneys are failing, my feet are a little numb, I get shooting pains in my legs sometimes, I can't feel if my bladder is full, I can't feel anything during sex, I have slowed digestion which causes constant fullness and bloating and I can't see to drive at night--all because of diabetes and my stupidity when i was younger. I just turned 30. Please, I just tell you this because I care. I cry anytime I hear stories like yours.

 

[Rerun]

Sign up for a kidney-pancreas transplant.  One surgery does it all.

[paddbear0000]

Yeah, my doctor mentioned that, but I'm scared to death. I have another post about that--http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=5165.0

[boxman55]

My mom has recently been diagnosed as diabetic. I was wondering if anyone is using LANTUS - the long-acting insulin that is taken once a day. They say it works steadily and consistently to help manage blood sugar control around the clock. I am curious about how it compares to the typical short term/long term insulin commonly used in the past.

Okarol, I take 16 units of Lantus right before bedtime and then during the day a sliding scale of Novalog (fast acting insulin) at breakfast-lunch-dinner for awile I was on Lantus alone and if you truly watch what you eat and drink it works but with the Novalog if I eat something to sweet I can fix it right away....Boxman

[angellady07]

Paddbear, I'm sorry you are having to cope with diabetes. Wishing you better days ahead.

[Chris]

Little late in reading this one. But have you sought consult with another doctor. Some doctors just don't know what they're doing. I had one endo tell me that she would only put me on a pump after I had my kidney and pancreas transplant. WTF is the point of the pancreas transplant then I thought, so I got another doctor who looked at my readings, put me on a continuous glucose monitor, adjusted my sliding scale and put me on a pump after proper training. Seems I attract bad docs and nurses though, had one doc when I was younger  who didn't treat me for my high blood sugars  (before there ever was a sliding scale), ended up in the ER with and Intensive Care the same day after I saw him for hyperglycemia, dad got rid of his ass.  Had a nurse while in the hospital take a glucose reading at 3:30 and it was 230, called her back in an hour complaining how I felt, another reading was taken and it was 345, she then said wait till 6 pm for my insulin. I told her to call the doc. By the time my good nurse came on shift, I was about in a coma and taken to ICU. I haven't seen her since at the hospital, and I have been in the hospital plenty of times. Bad enough I have her name imprinted in my head for stupidity.

[Sluff]

Found a new doctor and had labs done today. This new diabetic doctor accepts my insurance. Will know more next week.

[goofynina]

Allrighty Sluff, and i hope you share them results with the rest of us, good or bad, you know we worry about'cha 

[Katonsdad]

I know this is an older thread , But I can take this thread and weave a coat .
I was a diabetic at 13 yrs old .  Just my luck .... Well the old body after a few years really quit on me.
Many eye problems . I had cataracts at 30 years old from to many laser surgeries ...but my eyes are still working .
I had a heart attack at 34 and a quad bi pass at 36 . i was going on dialysis at the same time . I am still going .
I was told by mu Neph to get a dual transplant and to WAIT FOR IT . Do not just get the Kidney wait for the dual .
I was on Dialysis for two years waiting and found out they lost the paperwork (Insurance company )  They started again
and I was on the list for 3 months and got the dual .  It was hard but you are already taking the immuno drugs so why
not take it for 2 organs .  I am still doing great and blood sugars stay around 80 .

Go for the dual and look into the insulin pump , my brother uses it and swears by it,

Katonsdad

[paddbear0000]

Katonsdad--Our story is a lot alike. I was diagnosed type 1 at 6. I've had tons of laser surgeries (plus a vitrectomy) in both eyes. Now, at 30, I need cataract surgery. I haven't gotten to dialysis quite yet, but that's right around the corner. And you better believe I'm trying for a pancreas/kidney transplant!

[Run8]

I think alot of our stories are the same. I was 8 and well i too am wait for a dual transplant. That there is my gold medal.

[KBB]

Sorry To Say This But You All Need to Get A Grip
Seriously. Im nearly 16 and have been diabetic nearly 13 years.
Diabetes, yea its stressful at times but its a condition you have to live with.
You have to either take tablets, inject, be on an insulin pump and check your bloods.
It aint the end of the world
I mean i think you can either sit here typing this feeling sorry for yourself or get on with your life.
Think yourself lucky you can walk, talk eat and drink. Aint like your in a wheelchair or dying or owt.

And sorry but i would NEVER get a pancreas transplant cos theres people who actualyl NEED it.
Diabetes can be annoying when you go high or low but you just need to get on with it and stop feeling sorry for yourself
Get a grip.

Kiri x

[okarol]

Sorry To Say This But You All Need to Get A Grip
Seriously. Im nearly 16 and have been diabetic nearly 13 years.
Diabetes, yea its stressful at times but its a condition you have to live with.
You have to either take tablets, inject, be on an insulin pump and check your bloods.
It aint the end of the world
I mean i think you can either sit here typing this feeling sorry for yourself or get on with your life.
Think yourself lucky you can walk, talk eat and drink. Aint like your in a wheelchair or dying or owt.

And sorry but i would NEVER get a pancreas transplant cos theres people who actualyl NEED it.
Diabetes can be annoying when you go high or low but you just need to get on with it and stop feeling sorry for yourself
Get a grip.

Kiri x

Kiri,
Everyone's experience is different. You're young, you still have not seen it all, even though you've been through a lot. Be sensitive to other patients.
Please make your FIRST post an Introducing myself post in the "Introduce Yourself" section. This is very important as we will get to know you as a person and not just as another patient. This is a requirement, you must post an introduction thread introducing yourself.

okarol/admin

[Chris]

And sorry but i would NEVER get a pancreas transplant cos theres people who actualyl NEED it.

Kiri x

Not sure what you mean by "NEED it", but you do know how a pancreas transplant goes right? And how the waiting list works?
Not all diabetics qualify for a pancreas transplant and the ones who do, do need it due to what diabetes has done to their body and other complications such as hypoglycemia unawareness. I respect your opinion that you do not want one, but don't judge others who do want one without knowing their history of their illness and how it has affected them and how the transplant process works.

[kitkatz]

Sorry To Say This But You All Need to Get A Grip
Seriously. Im nearly 16 and have been diabetic nearly 13 years.
Diabetes, yea its stressful at times but its a condition you have to live with.
You have to either take tablets, inject, be on an insulin pump and check your bloods.
It aint the end of the world
I mean i think you can either sit here typing this feeling sorry for yourself or get on with your life.
Think yourself lucky you can walk, talk eat and drink. Aint like your in a wheelchair or dying or owt.

And sorry but i would NEVER get a pancreas transplant cos theres people who actualyl NEED it.
Diabetes can be annoying when you go high or low but you just need to get on with it and stop feeling sorry for yourself
Get a grip.

Kiri x

Excuse me.  This is a dialysis support board.  We are here to provide support for one another and give each other space to breathe and live a life full of things besides dialysis.  Mainly we are here to remind each other that life goes on and things can fill it besides dialysis and being ill. Diabetes is often associated with dialysis. It is another disease some of our members have to cope with on top of having kidney failure.  It all sucks rocks in the end!

I hope you get what you need here.  Welcome the the IHateDialysis.com board.