Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 - Welcome! Great Introduction!!!! Where abouts in the world are you?? I have to children: a girl, Jacqui, age 6 - HFA / a boy, Jeff, age 19 - the cause for the knots in my neck. You're going to fit in juuuuust fine here. Another insane Mom, Penny :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 In a message dated 2/1/2002 1:34:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, bedells@... writes: > Nicky - 28 mo.: Dx autism. B Sounds like you have a full crew there! I am also so I will now go as G to prevent confusion. I'm 's mom she is Nicky's age. She will be two in July. She was diagnoised in November and is an only child. My husband has after 6 months of therapy admited that she had a problem and is doing much better now. She's also one of those climbers. If you want to chat we're here for you. What state are you in? We're in PA and after her diagnoise everyone was pretty much falling overthemselves to help us. Have you applied for Medicaid? It will cover some things that insurance doesn't (ie. some therapies). There is a " loophole " that's what they call it here that will qualify you since he's got a diagnois. Have you done that? I've just finished all the paperwork recently... it took about 3 months. Best of luck G. Mom of 2 1/2 autism Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 > No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that is nuts, and I am just > trying to keep a grip on it. > Girl, are you ever in the right place!!! Jacquie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Welcome! My name is Jacquie H(so not to be confused with Jacquie). I am married to Jeff and have 2 boys Greggory 6 this moth and autistic and Alec 4 yrs and autistic and bp. You will love this group. I do! I am not posting alot lately as I have been very sick off and on since November. Glad you decided to join us. Jacquie H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 >>>No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that is nuts, and I am just trying to keep a grip on it. Bedell<<<< Hello B! I'm Tuna, married to Doug and SAHM to (7, ASD) and (3, NT). Welcome to our world, you'll fit right in! Tuna ===== " Reality is nothing but a collective hunch. " Lily Tomlin ______________________________________________________________________ Web-hosting solutions for home and business! http://website.yahoo.ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Welcome to the group. It sounds like you will fit in nicely here! ===== Ginger, wife to Jeff 14 ADD 9 Autistic 7 NT __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 , glad to have you. So, where do you live? Your synopsis in many respects sounds like my life, especially the part about you. But then, there are a few of us here that sound like that. The good news is that if you need to vent, or even just need to say PHEW, What A Day! We will understand because we live that life too. , SAHM, Married 15yrs , dh, d usually means dear although he is afflicted with occasional lapses , 14, best non dx is AS, offically dx'd with ADHD, OCD, TS, hyperlexic, NVLD Gail, 12, officially nonspectrum...., officially ADHD, OCD, Anxiety with Panic attacks, Written Language LD 9, Autism, TS, Cyclothymia (cyclical mood disorder but not BP) , 4, supposedly NT, SID and social/behavioral attributable to the sensory stuff 19mo, Developmental Delay - Speech Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Hi Mimi, I grew up in Long Island also. Just moved upstate in March. Helaina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Hi , Welcome..you'll fit right in! I'm Mimi, married to for almost 9 years, former legal secretary (in a distant past life..LOL) and now a sahm to Hannah, 7 1/2 (NT) and , 5 1/2, PDD. We live in New York on Long Island. has a significant speech delay and attends a special eds kindergarten where he is doing very well. He gets ABA, OT, speech therapy every day, and is using and mastering the PECS system of communication...he is finally starting to say more words and even simple sentences. And, his nickname is The Terminator..he loves to climb, jump, hop, etc..we have to keep our car outside of the fence because he will climb to the top of it..and it's a minivan. I look forward to getting to know you. You sound like you have your hands full! Mimi --- Roland and Bedell wrote: > Hello, I am new to this group, so I thought I would > introduce myself et al. > > List of characters: > > Nicky - 28 mo.: Dx autism. He's the one standing > on top of the shelving > unit, which he has climbed again, trying to do a > happy dance while he leans > over to hoot and squeal at the T.V. on the shelf > below him. He is almost > completely nonverbal, but he loves to cuddle and > kiss. Nicky is on the > gf/cf diet, doing ABA therapy for 1 hour a week > (that's all we can afford > and neither our insurance nor the early intervention > program in our area > will cover the cost), and will be doing speech and > OT as soon as there are > openings in the programs. > > Roland Jr. (aka Puck) - 3 1/2 yrs: Playing > basketball in the sun porch. He > has been a Jordan and basketball fan since > Xmas, when we refound > our old copy of " Space Jam " . He is a happy, > outgoing three year old. > > Robby - 11 years: Very bright young materialist. > He will probably grow up > to be one of those self made millionaires. Right > now he has to make do with > what we can afford, and he isn't particularly happy > about it, but is willing > to make the best of what he can get. > > A.G. - 13 years: Also very bright and very verbal, > but with extremely poor > social skills and a little bit clumsy. He is also > very impulsive and tends > to get in alot of trouble quite often because he > never thinks about the > consequences of his actions or words. I wonder > sometimes if he might not > have Asperger's, but there is no one in the area who > could diagnose it, and > I might just be paranoid, having read too much about > autism in general in > the last few months (since Nicky's dx). > > Roland Sr. - My dh. Is very angry that Nicky has > been " labeled " i.e. > diagnosed. Would like to convince himself that > Nicky is just a " late > talker " . Refuses to deal with A.G.'s behavior > problems because he feels he > has run out of ideas and patience. Is very stressed > out and worried that we > won't have enough money to get what is needed, so > works lots of overtime and > is completely exhausted by the time he gets home. > > Me! (aka Mom) - I used to be a SuperMom, but my cape > is still at the > cleaners because I can't afford to get it out right > now. Besides, they > couldn't get the stains out, the rips are beyond > patching, and it strangles > me every time Nicky uses it as a ladder to sit on my > head. Please excuse > the mess; I will get to it eventually, but it will > have to wait in line > behind the other messes that were there first. Just > a second while I get > the child off the shelves and aim his brother at the > hoop instead of the > window. Dinner will be late due to the fact that I > haven't gotten a chance > to get anything out of the freezer yet; I was at > another drs. appt for > Nicky, where he was being evaluated for the waiting > list for another type of > therapy. EIP called today to say that they think > ABA is unnecessary, even > though he is making good progress in it, while none > of their therapies have > even started; they are too backed up. Oh, and by the > way, the middle school > called to say that they are treating A.G. for minor > bruises and abrasions > again. It looks like someone beat him up again, but > he won't say so. > > No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that > is nuts, and I am just > trying to keep a grip on it. > > Bedell > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 welcome, wendy b! i LOVED your intro, very funny there is a mom who used to be on this list who also lives in ft. myers. she asked me to give you her email address- tindak@... " Help! Jane! Stop this crazy thing! " - Jetson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Welcome to the group, B. I am a SAHM to Ebony and . Step-mom to Nikki and Josh. Wife to Terry. Ebony is four years old. She has autism, ADHD, and is possibly bi-polar. It's good to meet you! Tamara --- Roland and Bedell wrote: > Hello, I am new to this group, so I thought I would > introduce myself et al. > > List of characters: > > Nicky - 28 mo.: Dx autism. He's the one standing > on top of the shelving > unit, which he has climbed again, trying to do a > happy dance while he leans > over to hoot and squeal at the T.V. on the shelf > below him. He is almost > completely nonverbal, but he loves to cuddle and > kiss. Nicky is on the > gf/cf diet, doing ABA therapy for 1 hour a week > (that's all we can afford > and neither our insurance nor the early intervention > program in our area > will cover the cost), and will be doing speech and > OT as soon as there are > openings in the programs. > > Roland Jr. (aka Puck) - 3 1/2 yrs: Playing > basketball in the sun porch. He > has been a Jordan and basketball fan since > Xmas, when we refound > our old copy of " Space Jam " . He is a happy, > outgoing three year old. > > Robby - 11 years: Very bright young materialist. > He will probably grow up > to be one of those self made millionaires. Right > now he has to make do with > what we can afford, and he isn't particularly happy > about it, but is willing > to make the best of what he can get. > > A.G. - 13 years: Also very bright and very verbal, > but with extremely poor > social skills and a little bit clumsy. He is also > very impulsive and tends > to get in alot of trouble quite often because he > never thinks about the > consequences of his actions or words. I wonder > sometimes if he might not > have Asperger's, but there is no one in the area who > could diagnose it, and > I might just be paranoid, having read too much about > autism in general in > the last few months (since Nicky's dx). > > Roland Sr. - My dh. Is very angry that Nicky has > been " labeled " i.e. > diagnosed. Would like to convince himself that > Nicky is just a " late > talker " . Refuses to deal with A.G.'s behavior > problems because he feels he > has run out of ideas and patience. Is very stressed > out and worried that we > won't have enough money to get what is needed, so > works lots of overtime and > is completely exhausted by the time he gets home. > > Me! (aka Mom) - I used to be a SuperMom, but my cape > is still at the > cleaners because I can't afford to get it out right > now. Besides, they > couldn't get the stains out, the rips are beyond > patching, and it strangles > me every time Nicky uses it as a ladder to sit on my > head. Please excuse > the mess; I will get to it eventually, but it will > have to wait in line > behind the other messes that were there first. Just > a second while I get > the child off the shelves and aim his brother at the > hoop instead of the > window. Dinner will be late due to the fact that I > haven't gotten a chance > to get anything out of the freezer yet; I was at > another drs. appt for > Nicky, where he was being evaluated for the waiting > list for another type of > therapy. EIP called today to say that they think > ABA is unnecessary, even > though he is making good progress in it, while none > of their therapies have > even started; they are too backed up. Oh, and by the > way, the middle school > called to say that they are treating A.G. for minor > bruises and abrasions > again. It looks like someone beat him up again, but > he won't say so. > > No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that > is nuts, and I am just > trying to keep a grip on it. > > Bedell > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 > welcome, wendy b! i LOVED your intro, very funny there is a mom who used to be on this list who also lives in ft. myers. she asked me to give you her email address- tindak@... < oops, forgot to attach this... gina, 30, ny, single crazy mom to... kailey, 7.8, autistic and then some trevor, 2.0, speech delay " Help! Jane! Stop this crazy thing! " - Jetson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Hi B. Welcome to the group. Lori intro Hello, I am new to this group, so I thought I would introduce myself et al. List of characters: Nicky - 28 mo.: Dx autism. He's the one standing on top of the shelving unit, which he has climbed again, trying to do a happy dance while he leans over to hoot and squeal at the T.V. on the shelf below him. He is almost completely nonverbal, but he loves to cuddle and kiss. Nicky is on the gf/cf diet, doing ABA therapy for 1 hour a week (that's all we can afford and neither our insurance nor the early intervention program in our area will cover the cost), and will be doing speech and OT as soon as there are openings in the programs. Roland Jr. (aka Puck) - 3 1/2 yrs: Playing basketball in the sun porch. He has been a Jordan and basketball fan since Xmas, when we refound our old copy of " Space Jam " . He is a happy, outgoing three year old. Robby - 11 years: Very bright young materialist. He will probably grow up to be one of those self made millionaires. Right now he has to make do with what we can afford, and he isn't particularly happy about it, but is willing to make the best of what he can get. A.G. - 13 years: Also very bright and very verbal, but with extremely poor social skills and a little bit clumsy. He is also very impulsive and tends to get in alot of trouble quite often because he never thinks about the consequences of his actions or words. I wonder sometimes if he might not have Asperger's, but there is no one in the area who could diagnose it, and I might just be paranoid, having read too much about autism in general in the last few months (since Nicky's dx). Roland Sr. - My dh. Is very angry that Nicky has been " labeled " i.e. diagnosed. Would like to convince himself that Nicky is just a " late talker " . Refuses to deal with A.G.'s behavior problems because he feels he has run out of ideas and patience. Is very stressed out and worried that we won't have enough money to get what is needed, so works lots of overtime and is completely exhausted by the time he gets home. Me! (aka Mom) - I used to be a SuperMom, but my cape is still at the cleaners because I can't afford to get it out right now. Besides, they couldn't get the stains out, the rips are beyond patching, and it strangles me every time Nicky uses it as a ladder to sit on my head. Please excuse the mess; I will get to it eventually, but it will have to wait in line behind the other messes that were there first. Just a second while I get the child off the shelves and aim his brother at the hoop instead of the window. Dinner will be late due to the fact that I haven't gotten a chance to get anything out of the freezer yet; I was at another drs. appt for Nicky, where he was being evaluated for the waiting list for another type of therapy. EIP called today to say that they think ABA is unnecessary, even though he is making good progress in it, while none of their therapies have even started; they are too backed up. Oh, and by the way, the middle school called to say that they are treating A.G. for minor bruises and abrasions again. It looks like someone beat him up again, but he won't say so. No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that is nuts, and I am just trying to keep a grip on it. Bedell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 nice to meet you. It sounds like you have a lot on your plat, something we all can identify with. It will take a while for your DH to accept the dx. I think in some ways it is harder for men to come to terms with the reality. Not that it is easy for us mothers. You will find that you are not alone now that you are here. CHRIS and Parents of: Sully 10-94 (AS) Chenoa 6-96 (NT Mild Speech Delay) Trevayne 3-98 (PDDNOS, Significant Speech Delay) and set 12-99 (Significant Speech Delay) intro Hello, I am new to this group, so I thought I would introduce myself et al. List of characters: Nicky - 28 mo.: Dx autism. He's the one standing on top of the shelving unit, which he has climbed again, trying to do a happy dance while he leans over to hoot and squeal at the T.V. on the shelf below him. He is almost completely nonverbal, but he loves to cuddle and kiss. Nicky is on the gf/cf diet, doing ABA therapy for 1 hour a week (that's all we can afford and neither our insurance nor the early intervention program in our area will cover the cost), and will be doing speech and OT as soon as there are openings in the programs. Roland Jr. (aka Puck) - 3 1/2 yrs: Playing basketball in the sun porch. He has been a Jordan and basketball fan since Xmas, when we refound our old copy of " Space Jam " . He is a happy, outgoing three year old. Robby - 11 years: Very bright young materialist. He will probably grow up to be one of those self made millionaires. Right now he has to make do with what we can afford, and he isn't particularly happy about it, but is willing to make the best of what he can get. A.G. - 13 years: Also very bright and very verbal, but with extremely poor social skills and a little bit clumsy. He is also very impulsive and tends to get in alot of trouble quite often because he never thinks about the consequences of his actions or words. I wonder sometimes if he might not have Asperger's, but there is no one in the area who could diagnose it, and I might just be paranoid, having read too much about autism in general in the last few months (since Nicky's dx). Roland Sr. - My dh. Is very angry that Nicky has been " labeled " i.e. diagnosed. Would like to convince himself that Nicky is just a " late talker " . Refuses to deal with A.G.'s behavior problems because he feels he has run out of ideas and patience. Is very stressed out and worried that we won't have enough money to get what is needed, so works lots of overtime and is completely exhausted by the time he gets home. Me! (aka Mom) - I used to be a SuperMom, but my cape is still at the cleaners because I can't afford to get it out right now. Besides, they couldn't get the stains out, the rips are beyond patching, and it strangles me every time Nicky uses it as a ladder to sit on my head. Please excuse the mess; I will get to it eventually, but it will have to wait in line behind the other messes that were there first. Just a second while I get the child off the shelves and aim his brother at the hoop instead of the window. Dinner will be late due to the fact that I haven't gotten a chance to get anything out of the freezer yet; I was at another drs. appt for Nicky, where he was being evaluated for the waiting list for another type of therapy. EIP called today to say that they think ABA is unnecessary, even though he is making good progress in it, while none of their therapies have even started; they are too backed up. Oh, and by the way, the middle school called to say that they are treating A.G. for minor bruises and abrasions again. It looks like someone beat him up again, but he won't say so. No, I'm not as nuts as I look. It's my world that is nuts, and I am just trying to keep a grip on it. Bedell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Hi ! I seem to have not received your intro, but luckily it was still attached to a response I read. I love your sense of humor! It sure helps one maintain sanity, doesn't it? I think you might be right in suspecting A.G.'s issues. Although they do say it's not unusual to have others in the family with characteristics if one child has autism. A lot of us have now become suspect of our husbands! Anyway, my brother's son is Aspergers, his daughter is LD, my two son's are both autistic but high functioning and very verbal (creates it's own set of problems though). By the way, my oldest was non verbal until around 3 to 3 1/2, and by 5 had an accelerated vocabulary. Welcome aboard. I think you'll fit right in! Sue in Michigan, Mom to , 11, HFA, ADD , 8, HFA, ADD AIM ID: smg5862 ---------------------------------------------------- Sign Up for NetZero Platinum Today Only $9.95 per month! http://my.netzero.net/s/signup?r=platinum & refcd=PT97 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2002 Report Share Posted February 1, 2002 Welcome , I am mom to three year old twin boys Mark and . Both are on the spectrum. Look forward to getting to know you. Cori P.S. My grandmother lives in Fort Meyers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2002 Report Share Posted February 2, 2002 Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. This community already feels, umm...right. Like it fits. B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2002 Report Share Posted February 2, 2002 , could you tell me her name? B > > welcome, wendy b! i LOVED your intro, very funny > there is a mom who used to be on this list who also lives in ft. myers. she asked me to give you her email address- tindak@a... < > > > oops, forgot to attach this... > > gina, 30, ny, single crazy mom to... > kailey, 7.8, autistic and then some > trevor, 2.0, speech delay > > " Help! Jane! Stop this crazy thing! " - Jetson > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2002 Report Share Posted February 3, 2002 : Wow! Great introduction. Your family has some similarities to mine. I have five kids: Enrique, 15, AS; , 12; Sophia, 8; Putter, 6 on February 13, moderately autistic; and Robbie, 3. My oldest did not get a dx until he was fourteen although, like you, I kept suspecting things, but he functioned. Gradually, starting around twelve, he began a slow decline that has left him almost unable to leave the house, filled with phobias and OCD. If there is anyone knowledgeable about AS in your area, I'd be tempted to look into your hunch. I wish I had sooner because my son no longer functions and adolescence is hard on AS kids. But of course your husband is having trouble dealing with Nicky's dx so getting another one would not exactly contribute to marital harmony... My husband, from whom I am separated, is probably as AS as Enrique. You'll hear more about him. Salli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2002 Report Share Posted February 5, 2002 Hi Salli! I know we have just met, but I wanted to thank you and Putter especially for saving my sanity a few months ago. Confused? I'll explain. Nicky isn't the first autistic child in my family. When I was growning up I had a cousin named Pat who was autistic. We only saw him on holidays, but I was terrified of him. He was much larger than I was, and the only times I saw him were when he was in complete meltdown, so what I saw was the equivalent of dropping a fullgrown terrified gorrilla into the room with me. I don't mean any offence to anyone, least of all my cousin, but no one explained autism to me at the time. I'm sure the truth was that he was as scared as I was, but a five year old has trouble understanding that on their own. Anyway, skip ahead about 32 years.....Nicky was regressing fast when I happened to see a documentary about autistic kids. My first thought was that I recognized the gesturing, the facial expressions, and other things I just couldn't put my finger on. They looked like Pat; until the next day when I realized that they looked even more like Nicky. I pushed him through the peds office, demanding a referral, got one to the EIP, who referred him to a place called Eden Center for Autism. I must have been blue from holding my breath through the CARS eval. When it was done, he had scored a 41.5, which they told me was severe. Okay, now I was freaking out. The child that looked like a child, but was really an animal was no longer in my past - my son was becomeing him (once again, no offence intended; this is simply the thoughts that ran through a panicked mind.) I was losing my son right before my eyes. Even though the therapist who had evaluated him said that he had some really strong things going in his favor, and that this wasn't an official dx, all I could think was that I was watching him disappear. Fortunately for me, one of the things that therapist gave me was a web address to what she said were stories about " a real autistic little boy and his mother. " Want to guess who's stories they were? It took a few days before I came out of my blue funk enough to be curious about the address she had given me, but I am very glad that I did. I sat down at the computer at about 10:00 p.m. and read and reread your Putter stories until about 3:00 a.m. In them I met an autistic child that, unlike the scenario I had made out of childhood memories of a relative I saw rarely and at the worst moments, was still your son. He hadn't eventually disappeared. He loved, he got frustrated, he laughed...like a little boy. And, I thought if yours could, mine could too. In all reality Nicky was never as severe as I remember Pat as being. Pat probably wasn't as bad as I remember him; the only times I saw him were at big family gatherings. Most ASD kids don't manage those very well. I know Nick doesn't. That doesn't mean that there is no hope for him, however. He's a beautiful little boy with a marvelous personality, and no one can take that away from him or me. That's what you and Putter taught me, and I am very grateful to the both of you. As a matter of fact, Nicky had a followup CARS eval last week. He scored a 31. B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 In a message dated 7/17/02 11:09:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time, sarahsong@... writes: > Thanks for any help you folks can give me, I am.. as I'm sure you've all > experienced.. a > little shell shocked right now. He's not even 30 years old. My best advice is to get some good education, quick... and together. As much as you want to help, it will be HIS responsibility, ultimately, for his own health. You can help... but he needs to know what is going on and what is required for keeping his blood glucose in check. Call your local hospitals and look in the yellow pages under Diabetic Centers and find one that offers classes to help you learn about the basics of Diabetes and also they will help you with recipes. We can help too... but you need an expert in the field to give you a good foundation to start with. I went to Joslin Diabetes Center at the hospital back here and my insurance paid for the whole thing... and it's not a good insurance at all. They said most insurances will because people usually do better when they know what they are dealing with and how to treat it. Know that you aren't alone. We are here for you and will walk with you through this. I had lost a little weight before I was diagnosed but went on the food plan Joslin gave me... but found I had to cut my carbs back some and try to eat as low-glycemic as I can. By low-glycemic I mean I eat brown rice, not white... sweet potato, not white... and sprouted grain breads (very high fiber) instead of white bread that has almost no nutritional value and these are the foods that our body processes slower so it is not as hard on diabetics... But that is just me. I drink a LOT of water... which I hate. But I do it and it helps. And I walk on a treadmill after every meal... which I also hate, but I do it. Shock is the first reaction of a lot of people. It was for me. I was told in October that I may have a problem and to come in for a A1c test... I went in May. I was in denial for quite a while. Gained a LOT of weight in that denial period too out of fear that I would never get anything good to eat again. Tell your husband that isn't true. You can eat some good things... just in moderation. You will learn how to do this... and remember this... a lot of the problems of Diabetes can be reversed by changing how you eat and live... with diet and exercise. My friend Alice was in the 300s 10 weeks ago and had trouble even being able to read or focus with her eyes. It had had an effect on her eyes before she even knew she had it. But in 10 weeks that has reveresed and she is back at work and doing very well. She has lost weight and is doing great. By what I understand, the neuropathy is not reversable... But blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol and blood glucose levels can normalize most of the time if we do what we need to do. So be encouraged. And my advice is to not put off getting some education. Shirley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 , Show this to your husband. Diabetes has a very few serious short-term complications but has several long-term problems that could greatly impact his quality of life and result in death. Diabetes means that the amount of sugar in the blood is too high. It could be too high because the pancreas has stopped working, or that the insulin it secretes is insufficient to do its job of controlling sugar in the blood, or that something else (like the liver) is interfering. Diabetes is treated with testing, logging, diet, exercise, medications, insulin, and sometimes surgery. Testing is the first step. Your blood test has confirmed the news. Now you'll be in charge of testing. To test, you'll be taught how to prick your finger to get a drop of blood and test it in a small meter. It takes less than a minute. The finger prick is controlled by a mechanical lancet that can be adjusted to the point where it doesn't hurt or just barely hurts but still gets blood. I don't feel about half of my finger pricks. Keeping track of his readings and activities is important. He should keep a little notebook and write it all down. He'll find this also helps keep his plan on track. The good news is that the days of bland foods are over. Your husband will be surprised to learn that diabetes just forces someone to have a simply " proper " diet rather than a strange bland one. If your husband already has a proper diet, there will be little to change. If not, the diabetes will be a great reason to get one. In addition to diet is the component of exercise. It's hard to say what to do first, but I've found controlling my diet is easier on the days that I exercise. The right amount and type of exercise is up to your husband, as long as it gets him pumped up for 30 minutes to an hour, 3 to 5 times a week. I started by walking the dog, now I'm in the gym. I was the typical couch potato, but now I actually miss it if I don't go. The diet and exercise often brings about weight loss. In the most common form of diabetes, weight loss and lower blood sugars can go hand in hand in some people. Diabetics that were once overweight can now tolerate a meal or two a week of ANY food and not harm their sugar readings. Drugs and insulin lower blood sugar. They may be used to supplement a diet and exercise, many have found them to be temporary, while others take them permanently. A considerable number of diabetics take no medicine, another fraction take only pills, and the rest take injected insulin. Unlike the diabetes of yesteryear, the insulin is frequently mechanically and painlessly injected. Too much sugar in the blood damages the body. If your husband doesn't control his diabetes, there probably won't be an immediate result. But in a few years, his toes and feet may start to tingle and go numb -- eyesight may fail -- blood pressure rises -- hands may ache -- he may require dialysis -- he may even need help digesting your food. Most diabetics have found one of these diabetes-caused complications before they found out they had diabetes! Because the feet go numb, he may injure his foot and not know it -- bringing about terrible complications leading to amputations. The multiple and severe long-term effects of diabetes result in death. The good news is that testing has proven that controlling blood sugar stops, and frequently reverses, this damage. Diabetics with good blood sugar control can lead an otherwise normal and healthy life. Diabetes is not a scam to get him to eat healthier and exercise. It's a disease. Many people with obesity, high blood pressure, or heart disease do not have diabetes. On the other hand, many completely healthy people do. So even though it's not his fault, he's the only one that can take responsibility for his life and take his medicine. This includes going to the doctor, going to the eye doctor and the foot doctor, going to a diabetes educator who will teach all of the above over several weeks, and a nutritionist (unless the diabetes educator does this too). It also means continuing to live his life to the fullest -- go ahead and reject bland, boring foods but find the right way to have the foods he likes. He can call me if he has questions... . Better yet, introduce him to this group. There are too many freaking wimmen in here anyway. <big fat grin> Robb Topolski http://www.singcerely.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 Hi , When I first found out I was diabetic, I was working graveyard shift, then was transferred to swing shift. It is not easy at all to work strange hours, sleep strange hours, and maintain this diet. I was told to eat at the same time every day, and that just made matters worse. I am just telling you what happened to me, so dont get scared okay????? Finnally I couldnt take it anymore, I was diabetic, in a job I hated, unable to control it, and I had a nervous breakdown and now I am considered by the state I live in to be totally and completely disabled. Okay, here is my advice. Make sure that your husband feels good emotionally. It sounds alot like he was like me when I found out. At first I accepted it, and ate what I was supposed to, thinking this is no big deal. I followed the " proper " diet for three months, then I just started not caring. For two years now I have eaten anything I want, have not exercised, and just thought " nothing is going to happen to me " . Guess what, I was wrong. Without going to much into it I am having health problems and now am back on the diet, and am struggling with exercise. The problem is now I am falling into depression again, and all I want to do is sleep and be alone. This is really hard to accept for some people, especially when you are so young. I dont know if you work or not, but if you do not why dont you do what I do? My husband works very strange hours and I keep the same hours he does. I cook the proper food and I eat only the portions I am allowed and he eats the rest. The key is finding good tasting recipes, and believe me there are thousands of recipes on the internet for whatever diet you choose to be on. This sounds like it is going to be a challenge for you. I know my poor husband cant win...if he tells me I cant eat something I get really really really ANGRY, like " how dare you tell me what I can and cant do " and most of the time he just lets me do what I want, but I see it in his face that he is worried about me and what is going to happen. It is a delicate balance, just be there for him! Good luck, Susi D wrote: Hi folks. A couple of weeks ago, my husband had a full blood panel run.. this is not an uncommon thing, as he has high blood pressure, and they like to keep an eye on things. But then the Doctor called and said he had very high blood sugar.. in a 'diabetic pattern' (Anyone able to explain that?) and that he wanted my husband to come in and talk with him. My husband sort of went into denial.. who can blame him.. decided that since it took them three tries to get enough blood, that he was stressed, and that's why the levels were high. Well we went and had another test.. and the Doctor called and told me last night that my husband has diabetes. I nearly had to force hubs to call and make an appointment to talk with the Doctor tonight. Can any spouses give me advice? And what sort of questions should we ask the Doc? I'm terrified that my husband will put his health in serious risk by ignoring this for too long. When we went grocery shopping and I tried to refuse carbs and sugars.. he said he'd rather die than eat bland foods forever. Does anyone know where I can find some TASTY diabetic safe recipes? I've never cooked and we are both total sugar addicts. Neither of us exercise, he sits at a desk job all night and I sit at a desk all day goofing off. And does anyone work nights and sleep days? I have no idea how to adjust things so we can eat at the same time every day.. he doesn't even sleep at the same time every day! Thanks for any help you folks can give me, I am.. as I'm sure you've all experienced.. a little shell shocked right now. He's not even 30 years old.. -- ~Jadzia D in Littleton, Colorado. Owned by: The pooches: da Pug, Tinimir the Pembroke Corgi, And Cari, the " Golden Corgi " The kitties: Tikki, black DSH, and Chance, black DSH. See critter pictures here: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery.fcgi?username=sarahsong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2002 Report Share Posted July 17, 2002 In a message dated 7/17/2002 11:58:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time, megarobb@... writes: > Show this to your husband Hi Robb, This was a great message. Thank you for posting it. Eunice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2002 Report Share Posted July 19, 2002 sjgrace@... wrote: > > My best advice is to get some good education, quick... and together. As much > as you want to help, it will be HIS responsibility, ultimately, for his own > health. You can help... but he needs to know what is going on and what is > required for keeping his blood glucose in check. Call your local hospitals > and look in the yellow pages under Diabetic Centers and find one that offers > classes to help you learn about the basics of Diabetes and also they will > help you with recipes. > So be encouraged. And my advice is to not put off getting some education. > > Shirley > Okay.. sorry trimmed most of this.. my head is swimming, been a bad week all around.. We went to the doc.. and his numbers were.. um, 250+ I think, and 13.0.. I guess his last blood test was 290+ and 13.2, so a little better for some odd reason this time. Doc put him on meds, one 4mg Avandia a day.. anyone have any experience with this stuff? Doctor is also going to figure out what our insurance will cover and find us a class, or series of classes. Our insurance told us they'd pay for ONE class in a LIFETIME. Better hope we don't get anything else that requires education, eh? I really don't know what we can do right this moment. We're flat broke until pay day and the house is still filled with JUNK. I don't cook, he doesn't cook, we're in deep trouble. <G> Thanks for the help everyone! -- ~Jadzia D in Littleton, Colorado. Owned by: The pooches: da Pug, Tinimir the Pembroke Corgi, And Cari, the " Golden Corgi " The kitties: Tikki, black DSH, and Chance, black DSH. See critter pictures here: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery.fcgi?username=sarahsong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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