To Becca re Mark's update

[Guest guest]

Becca,

Having that second opinion, AND one that supports your family doctor's

first opinion, really makes a difference. It finally gives some

validity to Mark's problems, and this news alone should have cheered

him up a bit. I know that when the Pancreatologist at Mayo supported

all the treatment and dx's of my GI in Savannah, I finally felt

confident that everything being done for me was being done correctly,

and this was most reassuring.

The Emory doctor was most correct in his advice about the difference

in digestion times with diabetes, and the increase in enzymes. I've

found now that my digestion activity can take as long as 6 hours, and

have had to make changes to my insulin injections to compensate for

this. I have to inject a portion of the fast acting insulin,

(Humalog), when I first start a meal, and then take an additional

injection of it 2 1/2 - 3 hours after a meal, to keep my blood glucose

within limits. The protein portion of my meal doesn't even start to

digest until 3 hours after I eat. I have found that my blood glucose

returns to normal after 2 hours, and then starts to climb back up as

the protein starts digesting. If I didn't inject again, my BG's would

climb back up into the 200's as a result.

I think your idea about a lap dog is great! That should keep Mark

entertained, and it is very comforting to have an animal to hold, pet,

train and care for. I really believe in pet therapy!

Cats work for me......lol!...but a dog works just as well. We have

both, so there's always either a wet nose or furry face wanting to

burrow on my lap. I've asked my husband for a West Highland terrier

for Mother's Day, our anniversary, my birthday or

Christmas......whatever occasion fits, but so far he hasn't fallen for

my pleas, darn!

I should think that Mark would enjoy having a small dog, and it would

help to get him off the couch and thinking about something else every

day, plus give him a good reason for exercise.

Thanks for sharing this update. I hope Mark is doing better, and

continues to have some relief.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

Southeastern Reg. Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.