In the past week I have acquired a backlog of photographs which cover a series of different weather phenomena.
This pretty day occurred following what was predicted to be a significant snowstorm.
We got only 3 inches.
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Scarcely more than a dusting.
It was fortunate for us that we did not have a bad storm because life chose this moment to throw up a complication.
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Recently Grant’s vision became blurred. When it persisted I urged him to see the opthamologist but it was not until other symptoms worried him that he decided to see his GP.
Late next day a lab technician called with the alarming news that Grant’s blood sugar number was dangerously high and he should proceed immediately to urgent care.
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This involved a drive of some distance and it was getting dark so neither of us could drive.
Luckily our neighbour came to the rescue and they drove off into the night to spend some 6 hours in an emergency room, returning at 3am.
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Grant got home looking shell-shocked, with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
While not as dire as the situation could be, it was a shock to him and certainly a surprise to me.
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My aunt Kay was diabetic, as is my brother and I have known many diabetics, but I have never been on the scene when they were diagnosed.
Stressed-out, sleep-deprived and unwell, Grant was in rather a fog and there seemed to be an absence of instructions from the ER nurse.
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Grant made excuses for them saying it was not their job to offer guidance because they are too busy.
The latter is certainly true.
At least a prescription had been written.
In the morning, I went to collect it and picked up a kit for the daily blood test.
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It seems to me that since I last saw one of these kits, the apparatus has shrunk, like so many contraptions in this modern world.
Why? It is beyond reason to expect arthritic (or large male) fingers to manipulate those tiny test strips and apply the drop of blood just so.
It didn’t help that I managed to get the wrong strips for the monitor. Same brand, same colour…not right.
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Why, have different sorts?
Another trip to the pharmacy and finally the blood was tested.
This precipitated another outing to the local emergency clinic which fortunately was still open.
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It would have helped if Grant had been told not to expect immediate results from the medication. However, this physician doubled the dosage.
In the meantime, we’d done a trip to Hannaford’s in search of diabetic-friendly foods. Grant drove but couldn’t face going in, so off I went.
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A challenge.
To find suitable foods the man might consent to eat and to do this as quickly as possible so as not to keep him waiting, not that he asked me to rush.
My eyes can only process what is in front and unmoving, hence it was like walking into a kaleidoscope.
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Grant’s greatest worry was the problem with his eyesight. Internet searches alternately suggested the damage could be permanent, or maybe it would heal.
Monday being a public holiday, we had to wait another day before contacting the opthamologist.
This was a lot for a person to process, especially with a be-fogged brain.
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As it happened, I had an appointment myself on Tuesday and Grant said he would be able to drive but I wasn’t so sure and snow was predicted.
Cancelling was a possibility but that would delay treatment by several weeks. I decided I would drive if it seemed safe.
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It worries me being dependent on other people, but on Tuesday morning, I will admit I was relieved when Grant insisted on taking me.
In fact, because it was snowing, there was hardly any traffic and the roads were clear.
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Maybe, in a way, driving me to Clifton Park was a distraction for Grant after such a bad weekend.
Viewing the scenery is a snowstorm was different, this being the first time any of my many appointments has coincided with a storm.
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Luckily it only started snowing as we set out.
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It continued all day, but was not heavy.
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This morning came the very good news that Grant’s eyesight will recover although he will be needing new glasses once his situation has stabilised.
Additionally, the brain fog seems to be lifting and Grant was up to cooking curry this afternoon, with completely acceptable ingredients.
A good sign!
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It was very helpful that the medical centre got in touch yesterday to offer support and assistance which makes a big difference after a life-changing diagnosis.
So there are things to be grateful for.
I am sorry to hear that you both had a stressful few days, but things are getting better!
All the best,
Joanna
So happy that you and Grant are receiving some positive news, after this very stressful event.
Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Sending you both healing hugs.
Catherine
Thank you1
That’s a lot to be dealing with. All best to you both (and all)
Thank you Josie.
Despite everything, I wish you better health for this new year.
Thank you!
Why are we men so stubborn when it comes to consulting experts of any kind? (I don’t expect any answer!) I hope that Grant’s blood sugar is stabilised very soon and that there are no long lasting adverse effects. Love and hugs to you both with wishes of a healthy year ahead.
Thank you Peter!
Oh, I hate to hear that you and Grant have had such a terrible rough patch, and it seems everything is worse in January, when weather contributes difficulties. What a relief to read that things are improving.
My brother (age 66) has recently become an insulin dependent diabetic. It’s a scary condition, but manageable. You are both in our hearts during this difficulty. Better days ahead!
Thank you Anne.
Your story sounds so familiar Carolyn! About 7 months ago, Berto also started struggling with his eyesight (and other symptoms). After a doctor’s visit (which I insisted on), he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. He was given medication and had to test his sugar every morning and evening after meals. We adjusted his diet and after a month he went back to the doctor. Not only did his eyesight return to normal, but his sugar was also a whole lot better — between 6.5 and 7.0.
We now eat a lot more veggies during our meals. And for snacks, he eats biltong (like your jerky), unsalted nuts and blueberries. Chicken is also more on the menu (and less rice and potatoes). His sugar is now under control and he is only testing it in the morning. Once or twice a week he still eats some of the “forbidden” food (and then we can see the result of that on the sugar test), but this stabilises again after eating the right food. Oh yes, I don’t know if Grant loves fruit … but it’s something that also has a lot of natural sugar in it, so be wary of too much fruit.
Sorry for my long response, but I know that these things can come as a shock and then you’re almost in a frenzy. Good luck, I’m sure things will be better soon!
It was the last thing I expected but when Grant felt so ill, we were scared of something dire. Diabetes is serious but can be managed, so one has to accept it as good news. It’s just a very hard adjustment and trying to put together meals for a guy who always had a healthy appetite is hard. I feel bad for him as there are so many things now he can’t have. Once the blood sugar stabilises he’ll get into a routine I know but right now his numbers are way too high. I’m glad Berto has got it in hand.
That was also our reaction … rather diabetes than another (more serious) disease. Always something to be grateful for (even when your initial thought is that of shock).
My wife was diagnosed with T2 Diabetes some years ago. It took a while for it to stabilise on the medication, but for the past 3 years she has had no real problems. However, there is a lot of new information to take in when you are first diagnosed, and many new medical warnings and facts that can make you very nervous or afraid.
Fortuunately, Diabetes in the UK is considered to be a ‘lifetime condition’ by the NHS, so there has never been any prescription charge for the Diabetes meds or treatments. In Britain, there are societies you can join, like Diabetes UK. I found an American one online that might give Grant some useful information.
https://diabetes.org/about-us
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks Pete. Yes it is overwhelming and there is a lot of conflicting info…everyone thinks they are an expert! Fortunately Grant doesn’t drink or smoke and has always exercised. His downfall has been his sweet tooth. At Christmas I got a few of his favourites and maybe that was what finally tipped the balance! We’ll get there though.
Getting a serious diagnosis can indeed be a shock, but I’m glad that this is one that can be managed. In time, Grant’s condition will STABILIZE and things will get back to normal, albeit a NEW normal. He will require some education in the ways to manage diabetes. I don’t know if he could lose a few pounds or not, but sometimes that can be a tremendous help in lowering one’s A1c. Best of luck to both of you. It will certainly be a team effort to deal with this.