Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hi Carla I was diagnosed as type 2 at the end of 2001, actually on New Year's Eve and spent the first week of 2002 in the hospital due to infected foot ulcers. I use the Prodigy talking meter. Ruth will, I'm sure, tell you more about that meter. Good luck to both you and your husband. Becky in Ohio _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Carla Kay Etheredge Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 12:10 AM To: blind-diabetics Subject: hello, an intro Hello group members, My name is Carla, and my husband was just diagnosed yesterday with type 2 diabetes. He is totally blind, and I am a low partial. This was pretty shocking to us both, him especially as he thought their was something else wrong with him, thus the reason for the doctor's visit. It's definitely a big change for him, as his big thing will be having to give up regular pop, and of course cutting back on his intake of food. I am not diabetic yet, but probably have the potential to be as I'm heavier and all. Diabetes also runs in my family, as my mom was type 1, and was diagnosed when she was 5 years old . So, I've got plenty of experience, and I've also worked with people that are diabetic as well. So, this isn't totaly a surprise to me on what to do as a diabetic, but for my husband it's a big change for him. He's also not really fond of sticking himself to check his sugar, but he said he'd try to do it. I don't blame him, it's kind of annoying, but it's for the best. So, the doctor gave us a glucometer, however it doesn't talk. I'm going to have to help him test, until we can find a talking meter. That is my first question to the group. Where can we find a talking meter? Second, how do we order more testing strips for the meters? The meter they gave us from the doctors office is an Accu Check Compact Plus, and it has the lil drum of test strips. I'm not sure, do we call the manufacturer of the meter, or are these things found in the pharmacy area over the counter? The other question I have is related to pop. I know their are all kinds of diet pops out there. He cannot drink much diet pop though, because he has scar tissue from a bladder blockage surgery he had when he was three, so if he drinks too much diet pop, it makes him burn when he voids. So, he's wanting to try Coke Zero, and also is wondering if they make that in a caffeine free Coke Zero? He cannot have caffeine late at night as he is an insomniac. Yes, lots of medical stipulations here already, lol. So, if anyone can help us with these questions, we'd appreciate it. I'm also looking forward to meeting others with the same condition, and am glad their is a support group out here for those who are blind and visually impaired. Take care, \\ Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Myspace: http://www.myspace. <http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty> com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hello Becky, It's nice to meet you as well. Sorry you had to spend your new years of 2002 in the hospital. That would not be very fun. Do you have a lot of foot problems? Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hi Carla Yes, my main diabetes related complication seems to be recurring foot ulcers. I have worn a special boot and special orthopedic shoes with custom made inserts, and nothing seems to help permanently. I've been in the hospital and on IV antibiotics several times over the past seven years. My most recent problem is not only an ulcer on my right heel, but a condition called Charcot foot which is very painful and actually causes your feet or foot to deform. Right now I am off work and have been for almost eight months now. I hope to be going back soon, but I imagine foot pain will be a constant part of my life now. At least my blindness was caused by being born with glaucoma, so I don't have to worry about that particular complication. Becky _____ From: blind-diabetics [mailto:blind-diabetics ] On Behalf Of Carla Kay Etheredge Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 1:48 AM To: blind-diabetics Subject: Re: hello, an intro Hello Becky, It's nice to meet you as well. Sorry you had to spend your new years of 2002 in the hospital. That would not be very fun. Do you have a lot of foot problems? Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Myspace: http://www.myspace. <http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty> com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Carla, Welcome to this group. People here are very informative and knowledgeable. I'm here because Dennis is diabetic. I can't answer any questions except to tell you Dennis gets his testing strips at the pharmacy. Sometimes they don't have them so they have to be ordered. Good luck to both of you. Connie hello, an intro Hello group members, My name is Carla, and my husband was just diagnosed yesterday with type 2 diabetes. He is totally blind, and I am a low partial. This was pretty shocking to us both, him especially as he thought their was something else wrong with him, thus the reason for the doctor's visit. It's definitely a big change for him, as his big thing will be having to give up regular pop, and of course cutting back on his intake of food. I am not diabetic yet, but probably have the potential to be as I'm heavier and all. Diabetes also runs in my family, as my mom was type 1, and was diagnosed when she was 5 years old . So, I've got plenty of experience, and I've also worked with people that are diabetic as well. So, this isn't totaly a surprise to me on what to do as a diabetic, but for my husband it's a big change for him. He's also not really fond of sticking himself to check his sugar, but he said he'd try to do it. I don't blame him, it's kind of annoying, but it's for the best. So, the doctor gave us a glucometer, however it doesn't talk. I'm going to have to help him test, until we can find a talking meter. That is my first question to the group. Where can we find a talking meter? Second, how do we order more testing strips for the meters? The meter they gave us from the doctors office is an Accu Check Compact Plus, and it has the lil drum of test strips. I'm not sure, do we call the manufacturer of the meter, or are these things found in the pharmacy area over the counter? The other question I have is related to pop. I know their are all kinds of diet pops out there. He cannot drink much diet pop though, because he has scar tissue from a bladder blockage surgery he had when he was three, so if he drinks too much diet pop, it makes him burn when he voids. So, he's wanting to try Coke Zero, and also is wondering if they make that in a caffeine free Coke Zero? He cannot have caffeine late at night as he is an insomniac. Yes, lots of medical stipulations here already, lo. So, if anyone can help us with these questions, we'd appreciate it. I'm also looking forward to meeting others with the same condition, and am glad their is a support group out here for those who are blind and visually impaired. Take care, \\ Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Welcome aboard Carla. A lot of information is available here to help your husband. Does your husband have a screen reader and does he use the computer? hello, an intro Hello group members, My name is Carla, and my husband was just diagnosed yesterday with type 2 diabetes. He is totally blind, and I am a low partial. This was pretty shocking to us both, him especially as he thought their was something else wrong with him, thus the reason for the doctor's visit. It's definitely a big change for him, as his big thing will be having to give up regular pop, and of course cutting back on his intake of food. I am not diabetic yet, but probably have the potential to be as I'm heavier and all. Diabetes also runs in my family, as my mom was type 1, and was diagnosed when she was 5 years old . So, I've got plenty of experience, and I've also worked with people that are diabetic as well. So, this isn't totaly a surprise to me on what to do as a diabetic, but for my husband it's a big change for him. He's also not really fond of sticking himself to check his sugar, but he said he'd try to do it. I don't blame him, it's kind of annoying, but it's for the best. So, the doctor gave us a glucometer, however it doesn't talk. I'm going to have to help him test, until we can find a talking meter. That is my first question to the group. Where can we find a talking meter? Second, how do we order more testing strips for the meters? The meter they gave us from the doctors office is an Accu Check Compact Plus, and it has the lil drum of test strips. I'm not sure, do we call the manufacturer of the meter, or are these things found in the pharmacy area over the counter? The other question I have is related to pop. I know their are all kinds of diet pops out there. He cannot drink much diet pop though, because he has scar tissue from a bladder blockage surgery he had when he was three, so if he drinks too much diet pop, it makes him burn when he voids. So, he's wanting to try Coke Zero, and also is wondering if they make that in a caffeine free Coke Zero? He cannot have caffeine late at night as he is an insomniac. Yes, lots of medical stipulations here already, lol. So, if anyone can help us with these questions, we'd appreciate it. I'm also looking forward to meeting others with the same condition, and am glad their is a support group out here for those who are blind and visually impaired. Take care, \\ Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Welcome Carla and husband! The best talking met out there is the Prodigy Voice. It is completely accessible for the blind; I am getting one-to update the previous one the Prodigy Autocode. Testing is your husband's best friend. If he tests 2 hours after eating it will tell him how the food he ate worked on his body. For instance if he eats potatoes with is dinner and 2 hours later his BG is elevated, that tells him that potatoes are too much carb for him (the amount matters too). Your insurance should pay for the mter and strips. Your doc will have to prescribe them. If you have MiediCare, there are several companies that handle it; you just call someonw like Libertaty Mutaul or Advantage Medical and they will contact the doctor and get the prescription for the meter and strips. To tell you the truth, Carla, no sodas are good for a diabetic-including diet ne. this is because of the other stuff that soda is made of such as psosphoric acid and the amount of sodioum in a=diest sodas. An occasional soda (idet will not hurt, but if he drinks lots of it, it is not good for hima s a diabetic or for his bladder! I am type diabetic since the age of 22 months-I am now 65. How is your mother? I am freom California. hello, an intro Hello group members, My name is Carla, and my husband was just diagnosed yesterday with type 2 diabetes. He is totally blind, and I am a low partial. This was pretty shocking to us both, him especially as he thought their was something else wrong with him, thus the reason for the doctor's visit. It's definitely a big change for him, as his big thing will be having to give up regular pop, and of course cutting back on his intake of food. I am not diabetic yet, but probably have the potential to be as I'm heavier and all. Diabetes also runs in my family, as my mom was type 1, and was diagnosed when she was 5 years old . So, I've got plenty of experience, and I've also worked with people that are diabetic as well. So, this isn't totaly a surprise to me on what to do as a diabetic, but for my husband it's a big change for him. He's also not really fond of sticking himself to check his sugar, but he said he'd try to do it. I don't blame him, it's kind of annoying, but it's for the best. So, the doctor gave us a glucometer, however it doesn't talk. I'm going to have to help him test, until we can find a talking meter. That is my first question to the group. Where can we find a talking meter? Second, how do we order more testing strips for the meters? The meter they gave us from the doctors office is an Accu Check Compact Plus, and it has the lil drum of test strips. I'm not sure, do we call the manufacturer of the meter, or are these things found in the pharmacy area over the counter? The other question I have is related to pop. I know their are all kinds of diet pops out there. He cannot drink much diet pop though, because he has scar tissue from a bladder blockage surgery he had when he was three, so if he drinks too much diet pop, it makes him burn when he voids. So, he's wanting to try Coke Zero, and also is wondering if they make that in a caffeine free Coke Zero? He cannot have caffeine late at night as he is an insomniac. Yes, lots of medical stipulations here already, lol. So, if anyone can help us with these questions, we'd appreciate it. I'm also looking forward to meeting others with the same condition, and am glad their is a support group out here for those who are blind and visually impaired. Take care, \\ Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Myspace: http://www.myspace. <http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty> com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hi Becky, Well, that does sound painful, that foot condition you were mentioning. Chris's thoughts were the same, at least he won't have to worry about blindness from the diabetes, lol. I have foot problems too, but mine are related to Psoriatic Arthritis. I have arthritis in my foot, which eventually may result in bone fusion surgery in that foot. I am working on getting an insert for my shoes, we just haven't had the money for it yet. I hope you can get bakc to work sooner than later, with the foot problems too. Take care, Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hi Connie, Wow, we're on yet another group together! we have something in common though, both our husbands are diabetic. *smiles* This sounds like a good place to be to get support. Thanks for the info on the strips. We're working on getting some today actually. Hugs, Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 actually, we both have a computer, and use screen readers. However, my computer is down due to a hard drive crash, so I have to use his right now. He is slowly learning the computer, and so he isn't online all the time like I am. He's learning how to get around his computer, but its a slow process. A lot of times, we work together on going through email and stuff. Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 Hello , Well, thank you for the info. My next question was going to be about if Medicare pays for anything like the meter and strips. I guess we'll be making some phone calls tomorrow, smiles. I think I read about the protogy meter you mentioned, last evening when I was on maxiaids.com. Is their a thing where you can adjust how hard the thing pokes you? He's not real thrilled about the whole sticking himself, and he likes it on a 2 instead of a5 like our friend who is diabetic. It's a tough thing giving up pop, but we both really need to do that because we drink way too much of it. I'm from Nebraska, and am almost 30 on the 29th of this month. Unfortunately, my mother passed away, what would be 15 years ago, this february. she had Lou Gherrigs Disease as well. My mother didn't take as good of care of herself as she could, and had a lot of trouble keeping her sugars in control. She was insulin dependent, as she was a type 1 from the age of 5. She had a tough time one year in particular that I remember, I was around 10 or so, her doctor switched her insulin from the beef and pork crystals to the humilin, and it threw her system all out of wack. I would wake up many mornings, and she'd be in a diabetic insulin reaction at least two and three times a week. It took a lot for my Grandparents and I to help take care of her when she was like that, and it took a lot of time for us to help her get that in control. I think it took her at least a year for her to get it back in check. Good to meet you. Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I hate those computer crashes. It is good that you and he are reading those email messages together. It is a good way to learn. You can always read a message and ask a question even if you have the other person type the question or answer. Re: hello, an intro actually, we both have a computer, and use screen readers. However, my computer is down due to a hard drive crash, so I have to use his right now. He is slowly learning the computer, and so he isn't online all the time like I am. He's learning how to get around his computer, but its a slow process. A lot of times, we work together on going through email and stuff. Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 Carla, The lancing devices have ways of adjusting how far the needle sticks you. Because I have ben doing BGs for so many yeas and I do about 6 a day, I have to have mine set on 5, but a newbywould not need such a high number, I'm sure! Re: hello, an intro Hello , Well, thank you for the info. My next question was going to be about if Medicare pays for anything like the meter and strips. I guess we'll be making some phone calls tomorrow, smiles. I think I read about the protogy meter you mentioned, last evening when I was on maxiaids.com. Is their a thing where you can adjust how hard the thing pokes you? He's not real thrilled about the whole sticking himself, and he likes it on a 2 instead of a5 like our friend who is diabetic. It's a tough thing giving up pop, but we both really need to do that because we drink way too much of it. I'm from Nebraska, and am almost 30 on the 29th of this month. Unfortunately, my mother passed away, what would be 15 years ago, this february. she had Lou Gherrigs Disease as well. My mother didn't take as good of care of herself as she could, and had a lot of trouble keeping her sugars in control. She was insulin dependent, as she was a type 1 from the age of 5. She had a tough time one year in particular that I remember, I was around 10 or so, her doctor switched her insulin from the beef and pork crystals to the humilin, and it threw her system all out of wack. I would wake up many mornings, and she'd be in a diabetic insulin reaction at least two and three times a week. It took a lot for my Grandparents and I to help take care of her when she was like that, and it took a lot of time for us to help her get that in control. I think it took her at least a year for her to get it back in check. Good to meet you. Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Myspace: http://www.myspace. <http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty> com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@ <mailto:cketheredge%40inebraska.com> inebraska.com Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 thanks patricia, i'll pass this along to him. Carla Kay Etheredge cketheredge@... Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/prayingkitty MSN: cketheredge@... Yahoo: prayingkitty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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