I don't really know where to start...so I am writing this as it comes, just to get you in the picture, of where I am at and why you haven't heard from me for a bit
Right!
You know I have been feeling under the weather for a long time now and you know my Mum's bones had been wearing out what with the shoulder scan she had had...well! for our Anniversary, we decided to go away for the weekend to an old haunt in France, we went on the Friday till Monday...only a little break, but such a lovely one! and very deserved after 25 years of Marriage!
When we arrived home, after a delay at the Eurotunnel, it was dark and I had to load everything that we had bought into the House...our phone had died and we hadn't charged it up, being that we were on our way home...The home phone was ringing as soon as I opened the door...Rosie was on the other end of the phone and was rather distraught! she had been trying to get hold of us all day...Apparently my Mum had been taken into hospital...her hip had gone! and she was in extruciating pain...she has always had artificial hips, being the first woman to ever undergo a hip replacement due to the fact she was born like it and not through Arthritus...both her replacements have been in now for about 30 years and we knew one day this would happen....
Meanwile....
There was a letter on the mat asking me to come back for an URGENT blood test...I had already had one before we went on holiday and now this!...could it get any worse! lol!
To cut a long story short!
Mum is now in REHAB and I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes! What Fun!
REHAB! lol! I know we make jokes of it...its like she is in the hospital with all the drunks and druggies...but seriously, she is being assessed in this hospital, receiving physio to get her back to normal, so hopefully she doesn't have to have another hip replacement...which at 82 I am a bit weary of...On Monday I am going over to her house, with the occupational therapists to see what she will now need to help her get mobile in her apartment...luckily she is on the ground floor.
As to me! Its hard! Rosie also has Diabetes, she was diagnosed when she was 8 and now she is 19...I don't know whether you agree with me but I believe a SHOCK can bring certain illnesses on...Doctors say that Diabetes and Cancer and other not very nice ailments can lay dormant in our bodies...and I believe that a SHOCK to the system can bring it on! I have discussed this with quite a few people now and it all seems, that they too, have had a shock, before they were diagnosed with their illness...Rosie had had a terrible accident just before her diabetes was diagnosed...what do you think?
Moving On!
I have always had a sweet tooth and have probably eaten sweet things every day of my life! so I know I have not done myself any favours! My blood sugar was 19 and then the second blood test was 14 (average blood sugar is 4-8)...is it a wonder that I felt tired all the time with all that sugar in my blood! I don't know why I didn't realise sooner...but what with my menopause symptoms, I just bagged them all together!...It wasn't until I got the terrible thirst that I thought something was wrong!
I have been two weeks on the tablets and already I am starting to feel much better...still a little tired and my eyes are very blurry...but I am to wait before I order new glasses, because hopefully they will get better in time.
CONCLUSION
Don't go on Holiday! lol!
No seriously! HELP! I am a sweet toothed woman, having to cut down her sugar intake BIG TIME!..I also have to loose some weight..(that has come as no surprise!)
I have been put on the tablets anyway, without a 'trial run', or a 'phone a friend'
So I need sweet recipes with no sugar!
I need Diet tips for a very hungry woman that is missing a sweet treat!
Its a vicious circle!
Also It would be nice to hear your experiences with regard to diet, diabetes or both...it can be our little club ;)
I will be adding recipes that I like here on my blog, so a little help with that would be brilliant...if you would like to submit one, I will credit you...
I am also compiling the caravan peeps...so if you have enquired about featuring your caravan on my blog...don't despair...I am gradually getting back to my old self and will be in touch soon.
If you have made it all the way down here...you deserve a medal ;)
I love you all
Right!
You know I have been feeling under the weather for a long time now and you know my Mum's bones had been wearing out what with the shoulder scan she had had...well! for our Anniversary, we decided to go away for the weekend to an old haunt in France, we went on the Friday till Monday...only a little break, but such a lovely one! and very deserved after 25 years of Marriage!
When we arrived home, after a delay at the Eurotunnel, it was dark and I had to load everything that we had bought into the House...our phone had died and we hadn't charged it up, being that we were on our way home...The home phone was ringing as soon as I opened the door...Rosie was on the other end of the phone and was rather distraught! she had been trying to get hold of us all day...Apparently my Mum had been taken into hospital...her hip had gone! and she was in extruciating pain...she has always had artificial hips, being the first woman to ever undergo a hip replacement due to the fact she was born like it and not through Arthritus...both her replacements have been in now for about 30 years and we knew one day this would happen....
Meanwile....
There was a letter on the mat asking me to come back for an URGENT blood test...I had already had one before we went on holiday and now this!...could it get any worse! lol!
To cut a long story short!
Mum is now in REHAB and I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes! What Fun!
REHAB! lol! I know we make jokes of it...its like she is in the hospital with all the drunks and druggies...but seriously, she is being assessed in this hospital, receiving physio to get her back to normal, so hopefully she doesn't have to have another hip replacement...which at 82 I am a bit weary of...On Monday I am going over to her house, with the occupational therapists to see what she will now need to help her get mobile in her apartment...luckily she is on the ground floor.
As to me! Its hard! Rosie also has Diabetes, she was diagnosed when she was 8 and now she is 19...I don't know whether you agree with me but I believe a SHOCK can bring certain illnesses on...Doctors say that Diabetes and Cancer and other not very nice ailments can lay dormant in our bodies...and I believe that a SHOCK to the system can bring it on! I have discussed this with quite a few people now and it all seems, that they too, have had a shock, before they were diagnosed with their illness...Rosie had had a terrible accident just before her diabetes was diagnosed...what do you think?
Moving On!
I have always had a sweet tooth and have probably eaten sweet things every day of my life! so I know I have not done myself any favours! My blood sugar was 19 and then the second blood test was 14 (average blood sugar is 4-8)...is it a wonder that I felt tired all the time with all that sugar in my blood! I don't know why I didn't realise sooner...but what with my menopause symptoms, I just bagged them all together!...It wasn't until I got the terrible thirst that I thought something was wrong!
I have been two weeks on the tablets and already I am starting to feel much better...still a little tired and my eyes are very blurry...but I am to wait before I order new glasses, because hopefully they will get better in time.
CONCLUSION
Don't go on Holiday! lol!
No seriously! HELP! I am a sweet toothed woman, having to cut down her sugar intake BIG TIME!..I also have to loose some weight..(that has come as no surprise!)
I have been put on the tablets anyway, without a 'trial run', or a 'phone a friend'
So I need sweet recipes with no sugar!
I need Diet tips for a very hungry woman that is missing a sweet treat!
Its a vicious circle!
Also It would be nice to hear your experiences with regard to diet, diabetes or both...it can be our little club ;)
I will be adding recipes that I like here on my blog, so a little help with that would be brilliant...if you would like to submit one, I will credit you...
I am also compiling the caravan peeps...so if you have enquired about featuring your caravan on my blog...don't despair...I am gradually getting back to my old self and will be in touch soon.
If you have made it all the way down here...you deserve a medal ;)
I love you all
Sorry to hear all of this. What a rough situation. I know though you are a tough and feisty person that WILL get through this. My father had this diabetes and we found a workable game plan with tasty goodies for him to eat so he didn't feel left out. I want to encourage you there are tons of websites with great food ideas for those with diabetes. Your ship isn't stuck in the mud so to speak, you are just going to have to navigate your life journey a little differently. I will keep Mum in our prayers. And happy Anniversary too. That is wonderful! Yay!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Debbie
Oh gosh, Happy, it's not raining but pouring for you and yours! So sorry to hear, but as usual, you have put a pragmatic and stoic slant on things! I have, as it happens, just ordered a book of treats with no sugar, so when it comes I will cherry-pick some delish examples for you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about this my friend. As for treats there is that other area you must watch out for not just the sugar alone but the grains, and other high carb foods which turn into sugar when they hit the blood. You will have to learn about all these to keep track of. I'm sure you can find out from your doctor or there are lots of books out there. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI had diabetes when I was pregnant with my son. It was like having a 2nd job! The key was PROTEIN! You will make it! Hope your mom recovers soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard time you've had of late. What's that saying, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade, or something like that. A family member was diagnosed last year with diabetes. It's been a steep learning curve for her, but she's coping well, and finding it easier to deal with. Best wishes to your family, and that things improve for you all. Your blog is wonderful, so here is a hug from me.... x
ReplyDeleteWendy x
Whew! What a time you're having. I am so sorry that you're going through this (have a feeling it will make you more amazing though!) - what a lot of stuff to deal with at once. My mama has just gotten over 6 weeks in rehab (ha ha) for a back operation and it's been difficult days as she gets stronger and stronger. Take some time for yourself, get educated about diabetes and keep on being awesome. Your blog rocks and you continually inspire me to continue forging my little path through the blogosphere! Hug. Blessings. Beck x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you have had so many problems to overcome since coming back from a lovely holiday. Hope your Mum is feeling better very soon. I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 8 and my father in law was recently diagnosed type 2. I would recommend that you eat tinned peaches in juice - they are so sweet but relatively low in sugar. Fresh strawberries (very low in sugar), dried fruit (in small portions). Plain chocolate has less sugar and apparently takes longer to digest than milk chocolate. Try to eat sweet things after eating a mail meal so they are mixed in with the slow release carbs like potatoes and rice. After doing a bit of research in the supermarket, I have discovered that arrowroot biscuits are the lowest in carbs, mainly because they are so thin! Hope you work things out and settle into a good eating plan. Let me know if you have any questions, I'm no expert mind you! xx
ReplyDeleteHope your Mum is doing ok. i agree holidays are bad for you, we once went away leaving grown up kids at home, got a call one morning 'dont worry the fire brigade have gone now!' Daughter was cooking her boyfriend breakfast and set the cooker on fire and ruined my mosaic tiles that I had just finished!!!
ReplyDeleteMy Mum found out she had diabetes in her 70's and removed all but basic food from her diet, got her sugar in order then started adding things bit by bit till she had a good balance, lost 3 stone and is 82 and as fit as a fiddle. Look forward to your recipes hugs Vix
Sorry cant help with the sugar thing and though I have dieted successfully over the last few months I fear my regime would probably not suit your needs. I am sure there will be loads of offers of help though and so I will do the one thing I certainly can and that is to send you all huge hugs and wishes that things will improve even if it may seem slow going. Xx
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed about a year ago and it was very scary, you are totally right! I am a sweets lover too and it has been really hard, but I will say the good thing is the less sugar you eat, the less your body craves. I have learned that it's not just about what says "sugar free" because those still have a TON of carbs usually. It's about what is LOW CARB cuz carbs are processed as sugar...yada...yada...yada...you know all that, I'm sure SO... for me what has really helped is eating less carbs not just eating less "sugar" I don't eat anything that has white granulated suger. I will eat things sweetened with honey or agave nectar, but that is just from time to time as a sugar treat. There are TONS of sweet recipes made with Splenda or Truvia that are great, just google it, tons and tons out there. Carb Smart bars are ice cream bars that only have 5 net carbs a piece and they are GREAT when I need something ice cream-y. You can get them in the grocery store or Walmart. The good thing about being diagnosed for me was that I learned how to control my sugars just by what I put in my mouth and with exercise. I would say in the beginning I was checking my sugars every half an hour and always after i ate to see how different foods affected me, now I know that there are things that I just can't eat anymore if I don't want to end up on insulin. It has made me realize how reliant my body is and how much I was trashing it. So glad that you have an answer to what has been causing you to feel yucky, I wish you all the luck, but I'm sure you will be great.
ReplyDeleteI am sending good thoughts your way and hope you are all doing better soon. It's tough enough to be dealing with one person in the family being very ill but all of you have some really difficult health issues to manage.
ReplyDeleteIn our community there is an amazing diabetes clinic and the lady who runs it knows more about this condition than some of the doctors. Find a support group or some classes in your area and you will be amazed at how many people have it and how much help it can be.
{{{Hugs}}} to you and your Mum and your sweet Rosie! (But gentle ones for Mum since she is so delicate) Take care!!!
I'm sure right now you're scared, and it seems like you won't be able to eat any good/naughty foods every again, but don't worry!!! My mom has type 2 diabetes also. And eventually you'll figure things out for yourself. She actually just lost 15 pounds and was able to go off of 2 of her diabetes meds. And I'm sure you know, it's all about CARBS, not just sugar. And you will find that if you exercise and lose weight, you'll be able to add in small amounts of "naughty" foods again too.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you're able to find a support group! That will help you so much.
Thinking of you-
Erica :)
Oh Happy what a lousy time you've had recently! Hope you Mom gets well soon and that you continue to feel improved. I too am going through the menopause so know what you mean about putting symptoms down to that rather than investigating further. I'm a bookshop owner and I know there are quite a few really good cookbooks out there for diabetes. Do you want me to send you a few titles that you can research further? Let me know via my blog. Keep smiling... xxx ps I totally agree about your 'shock' theory. xxx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about all your problems. It's often the way that lots of things happen at the same time. Two of my family both developed diabetes after big operations so there's something in the "shock" theory. Good luck with the diet.
ReplyDeleteHUGS TO YOU. PRAYING FOR YOU. I KNOW CHANGE IN EATTING AND EXCERCISE. ITS HARD BUT MIGHT BE OF HELP FOR YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOUR MOM TOO. I HAVE A SWEET TOOTH ALSO...I SEE YOU CHANGED UP YOUR BLOG,. ITS CUTE BUT WHERES THAT SWEET LITTLE DOGGY. i HAVE WANTED ONE OF THOSE FOREVER.
ReplyDeleteERIKA
Oh my! It always seems that things come in threes. Stop by and visit me. I have started a blogger boot camp to help those who need help losing a few pounds. You can do it and keep that blood sugar stable. Sending love and healing thoughts to the three of you.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Susan and Bentley
Hello my lovely Happy!! Long time no talky and then I see this when I visit your Blog:(
ReplyDeleteYes I have to agree that a trauma triggers illnesses! After having Harry 18 years ago I was really ill, physically. 13 years later and after being VERY ill I was FINALLY diagnosed with Coeliac Disease! 5 years on its still hard:(
But you will adjust my lovely, give yourself time, don't panic! At least you have some idea of what you have to do cause of Rosie:(
Your poor Mum! My Mum is 81 and so far she is well enough, but I panic when something even small goes wrong for her, don't know what I would do without my Mum:(
Take care my lovely H and I will try and pop over more - make sure you are being a GOOD girl:)
Michelle x
Dear Happy..I have been trying to post comments to you since I signed up to receive your blog..I can never get them to go through..I have had Diabetes for many years now..I do have some recipes for sugar free sweets that I can share with you..I won't try to tell you that it will be easy but you will learn to make adjustments in your lifestyle..My best wishes to your precious Mum and to your sweet Rosie..it is so hard for kids to go through diabetes..Hugs
ReplyDeleteSorry about all your bad news! But you will love the new figure that will come with a daily diabetic menu! Hope your Mum is progressing at full speed!
ReplyDeleteOh, Happy, when it rains,it pours! I hope you are on the road to better wellness soon and your Mum, as well. With a name like yours, it just doesn't seem fair to have issues like this but alas, we are ALL human and most of us face some sort of crisis at some point in our lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nightmare. Never a dull moment. Hopefully both you and your Ma are feeling perky and keeping your peckers up. Thoughts are with you. x
ReplyDeleteOh Rosie - that's all poo! I do hope your mum continues to improve. I am blood glucose intolerant and I am with you - it was brought on by the shock of my first husband leaving. My advice is to treat yourself in other ways when you feel like something sweet( facial,soak in bath,flowers,vintage treasure!)I gave up sweet things and after a while the craving goes. Pick all the time at healthy things to keep your blood sugar level. I like prawns, almonds, chopped carrots and savoury flapjacks as picking snacks. Good luck xxxx
ReplyDeleteHi, I just came across your blog via Pinterest and wanted to mention that Xylitol is a lovely artificial sweetener that even dentists recommend because it's good for your teeth. I use it in whipped cream, tea, Cole slaw, etc. I even made strawberry jam with it, among other things, and I find it to be the best-tasting sweetener for helping blood sugar. Since you're checking your blood sugar, see how you do on Xylitol and I hope you enjoy it. Sorry for the "commercial"! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to work with a girl who has diabetes and she would bring in goodies she baked with artificial sweetener. We all thought they were really good! You are a very smart person...I'm confident you will get this diabetes thing figured out quick as can be! The stress probably added to your fatigue as well. / On the Mom front, mine broke her back in the spring at age 91, and after surgery,it healed! I know it can be heartbreaking to see a Mom going through all that. I pray yours has a very good rehab course./ The good thing about menopause is the process does have an ending. And I'm not nearly as wacked out as I had been! lol!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your mum, hope things get better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I am so sorry to hear this! Glad you're starting to feel better and hope you can get lots of ideas about sugar-free sweets, I'm sure there's something out there. About the stress thing, I am convinced it causes heart problems, cancer, skin issues, and stomach upsets - good grief, what's left, right? It causes everything! Praying for you, your mom, and everything that's going on with all of you. Glad you could get away for your lovely anniversary trip. Hugs ~ Mary
ReplyDeleteHello hope all will be well soon with you and your family.x My mum has Diabetes and she freezes grapes they are lovely eaten straight from the freezer frozen banana works.also trifle made with sugar free jelly custard sweetened with candarel or similar and topped with plain whipped cream.And she does a lovely sugar free crumble too.xxxx Jane xx
ReplyDeleteHello Dear Happy....I am so sorry to hear of all that has befallen you..I really am. I still have your Mum's photo that you sent me three years ago..it was at the time of her 80th birthday..and I shared the picture with my dearest friend Sheila..who was an English war bride here in the U.S. While she was in the final years I kept her bedroom decorated with British lovelies..to make her smile and laugh at me..I spoke about you ALL OF THE TIME. smile I showed her pictures of your cottage with all of your glorious goodies all around and she said, "Oh, Lovey, don't do that to my house." I think I laughed for two weeks..bless her. But as I shared with you back then you gave me many things to talk about with her that helped her remember so many wonderful times. As much as she loved the U.S., and she did, she had all of the years of her youth and family to remember. So, my friend, I owe you one! You are going to be fine...yes you are. As someone else mentioned in your messages...you are feisty..I am just sure you are...and what you need is to be sure to get the diabetes education..and do as you are...talk to everyone and find out thru others all of the 'current' good options available..and then use that wonderful British Backbone and Humor..and stick to what you need to do. Do it for you, Fred, your wee-ones, and your Mum...I have a cherished friend that this happened to and she went on the FA HealthPlan..(it's short for food addicts)..it is tough for some..but Happy..she has lost all of the weight she needed to lose and she no longer has elevated blood sugars..and the doctor told her last week that in another month she could stop her meds all together. Now, it was tough for the first month..but it has bought her LIFE. She had become unwell due to the diabetes. I will be your biggest encourager and pray for you.
ReplyDeleteI've visited your blog several times ~ always have fun looking around. Congrats on your 25th anniversary and sorry about what you've been going through. Keep up your good, truly beautiful spirit ~ it's amazing how that makes all the difference when rough things come our way. I'll be praying for you!
ReplyDeleteAnytime I hear of anyone getting diabetes I wonder if they have been checked for hemochromatosis. This is a very common but missed genetic mutation that causes the organs to absorb too much iron. This in turn can cause problems with the organs, for example, insulin secretion from the pancreas. I don't know why doctors don't check for this mutation more often. Both of my parents must have carried these genes because my brother has hemochromatosis and I am a carrier. The treatment for him is just giving blood every 56 days. Both my parents got diabetes, my mother dying of kidney failure and blindness at 64. Early symptoms may include:
ReplyDeletearthritis
joint pain
chronic fatigue
lack of energy
abdominal pain
loss of sex drive
heart problems
high blood sugar levels
diabetes
Liz
I've been reading a wonderful book:
ReplyDeleteWhen the body says no: understanding the stress-disease connection by Gabor Mate MD.
For years, I suffered from a degenerative disease and absolute it is exasperated by stress.
Your blog is a joy and an escape please take care of yourself.
xxxooo
I had gestational diabetes. Saw a Nutritionist once and learned so much. Combining protein with fruit (ex. turkey & an apple) slows the metabolism of the sugar in the fruit. Always eat protein with your fruit (ex. cheese & pear).
ReplyDeleteI allowed myself one weekly treat and it was always soft serve chocolate frozen yogurt.
Best wishes to you and your mother,
Andrea in Calif