Latest blood panel results.

[Lamont D]

Hba1c, 38
Cholesterol 5.7,
Everything else normal including insulin levels, but except kidney and liver function, as with all my results, slightly up on last year.
It is not surprising for a few reasons.
I was furloughed, then found out by phone that my company had changed my contract, without my consent and tried to avoid paying redundancy. I have acted upon this and finally came to an agreement, but I was so devastated by their attitude and their treatment of my employment, it was a disgrace.
I have been treated with my no respect at all! I have never been out of work since I left school, over fifty years ago!
This has come as a major setback for my retirement as I don't receive any pension until next year. I have already had to spend some money that I may need in the future.
Losing my job, not being as active, the thought of being the only one in my house who could go shopping and bringing the virus back with me to my disabled wife, as she was on the at risk list.
News of being as resolute in my diet as I should be, the fear of getting the virus and my anxiety levels became more entrenched and the viscous circle became too much for me and I had a breakdown.
Because I really didn't want to out and only went to the shop very reluctantly, when the shop was empty, I couldn't control the situation, I would freeze and have had up to now three panic attacks in the shop.
I have also started shaking and hiding away from everyone, my irrational behaviour, my irritating attitude, I am angry with life, I am so disillusioned with my life, I have rage, I have no patience and everything is too much for me. I have no life!
All my interest in my normal life has gone. My family has been so supportive especially through the pandemic and helping me get my money. They deserve a better me.
But I just can't do it!
Since all that, I had a few phone calls and a couple of face to face meeting with my doctor, who has been so understanding of my condition and circumstances, I was immediately referred to a counselling service and have had two introductory sessions, just awaiting further appointments.
I am on meds for my depression and anxiety, it is helping but it is early early days yet!

I am determined to get through this, everyone is telling me that it's going to take a while to get through this, but having not have had depression before, it is a new challenge that I have to beat.
I am very unlikely to take my life, not even considered it, because who would look after the wife?
Today was a good day, I have had some awful days lately, some really awful and despite it all, things have to get better.
I apologise for the tone of the post but it has helped to write this.

Keep safe.

 

[Antje77]

Hi @Lamont D ,
So sorry to hear you're having a rough time!

No advice (looks like you're already doing all the right things), just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Depression/anxiety are *******.

Oh, and your former workplace sounds like one too.

Hope life will be a bit brighter for you shortly!

 

[KK123]

Hi @Lamont D, so sorry to hear this. You are such a regular on this forum and are always happy to help others out especially with your rarer diagnosis. I guess you never really know what someone is going through behind the scenes and I just wanted to say, hang in there, you are a star and never underestimate what YOU do for others and how grateful we all are. xx

 

[MrsA2]

Hi @Lamont D
You are doing all the right things: writing it down, talking it out, asking for help, having counselling etc but best of all not letting your own health go.
These are tough times, some employers are being s***, and you did well to get a settlement. I know of many who didn't. Theres a support group called ExcludedUK you may wish to check out, unless the stories of up to 3 million more would be more depressing. You are not alone and nothing is personal.
Your help and support to tohers on here is so valued, please try to continue that, and to take such good care of your wife. You are needed and valued and loved

 

[Diakat]

@Lamont D so sorry to hear you have been treated badly. You and your family deserve better and I hope that you can recover from the shock to come back stronger and find a new role.

 

[Brunneria]

I’m so sorry @Lamont D
You have been through so much, and controlled your RH so well, I am sure that you will conquer this too, if you give yourself a little time.
Have a hug.

 

[Goonergal]

So sorry to read this @Lamont D

You really have had a tough time. Thinking of you.

 

[Lamont D]

Just an update.
Counselling next week, with a specialist in anxiety and depression.
Have more bloods to be done, the doctors reckon my kidney and liver function tests were skewed by being hydrated, because as usual I was fasting and didn't drink enough water before blood given.
Having a scan next month on my liver and on my naval area. My doctor thinks that I have a benign lump by my belly button.

Will let you know how I get on.

Keep safe

 

[Ronancastled]

Firstly well done on your good blood results.

About 3 months ago I started taking Lexapro for anxiety & it helped a lot.
I'm now at the stage where I am weaning off it, happy to report no adverse effects.
My doc blamed the heightened Covid situation as the root cause on top of my diagnosis.

Be safe in the knowledge you're not the only one going through this.
Best of luck.

 

[Lamont D]

Update, had my scan yesterday, at my local hospital, it was scary because I only saw a receptionist, my scanner Stephen and the next victim after me, there was the usual in-patients having a fag in the car park but I couldn't believe how empty the public areas were!
Apparently, they are getting ready for more covid19 patients.

Anyway, my bloods came back all normal, my lump by my naval is fattg tissue, my liver scan was no worse than a fairly fatty liver, which has been a problem of mine since last century!

So all in all, I feel reassured that I've virtually got my control back and my health hasn't deteriorated too much during lockdown and my anxiety and depression has eased somewhat. My energy levels are not brilliant but better.

The antidepressants are working better since I upped the dosage last week!

Still angry about the way I was treated!

Keep safe

 

[PenguinMum]

Lamont I am truly sorry for shock of your employers treatment. That would crush anyone and its just not fair. You are taking care of your wife and doing your best. Glad the hospital tests went well and good BG control so be proud if you will allow yourself to be! Thanks for all you do for us on here with support and help.

 

[Lamont D]

Lamont I am truly sorry for shock of your employers treatment. That would crush anyone and its just not fair. You are taking care of your wife and doing your best. Glad the hospital tests went well and good BG control so be proud if you will allow yourself to be! Thanks for all you do for us on here with support and help.

Thanks for the support, I have had great support from the other employees still there and of course the ones that got forced out, one had worked for 28 years man and boy and a huge part of the identity of the club, he would be termed a legend and even though mine was a complete shock, his was predicted, as was another legend not too long ago! My family and friends have been so understanding and have done so much to help me through this time.

One of the reasons I keep coming back on here is that is the way I am.
All through my hard working life, I have always found time to be there if needed, I was an ambassador and the friendly face that greeted many thousands of people to my club. I know well known people within the industry and have travelled the country and been first contact with other clubs and being personable was a huge part of my job.
I have some great memories of my time there and seen the good times and of course the bad, which most of the redundancies were, the older employees who dragged this club back into where it should be. There is now only two left now, since the change in owner five years ago, one is in his late seventies and the owners are expecting him to either retire or die! The other one is the archivist, he also brings all the paperwork into the clubs computer system and editing the programme. Even he is worried he is next!
Most of the clubs employees are on furlough, the owners are using the government's handouts to supplement wages and using volunteers through the supporters club to do their work.

Thanks again, stay safe.

 

[Lamont D]

My latest phone call with my GP went well and yesterday I had a really busy day, the result was a nine and a half hours sleep, which left me dehydrated and aching from stiffness in my joints, the only reason I woke up was the need to go to the toilet. I probably would have been there a lot longer!
So, my doctor informed me that my liver scan, is now slightly fatty, interesting enough my GP said because of my scan a good fifteen years ago, that my NAFL could have been the insulin, that was so high before diagnosis. Because of the results of my blood tests and my scan, it will only be another scan in 12 months.
We had our flu jab as well and I found out about my pneumonia jab, was done in 2015.
I had forgotten that!
The rest of the phone call was about my depression.
I know that the tablets are working but still feeling now and again very low.
I have been doing more, and I know that I'm now not wallowing in a bad mood, my anger has gone for now, but I don't accept the circumstances of what happened to me. I'm working my way through it, finding out the reasons for it, but as always I don't have anything to replace the job and the boredom and the prospects of a fulfilled future. I have no idea what how I'm going to replace it!
Still awaiting a phone call from my counsellors.
There is no pleasure in my life. Only my family!
Which by any account in the last 24 or so hours, I have seen in person all my children, and 5 of my grandchildren. We have been in lockdown but because of obligations and birthdays it happened. I haven't seen my daughter since lockdown in March and it really lifted my spirits to talk and play with my grandson.
Had some other good news, my eldest grandson has now got letters after his name as he smashed his university course in IT. With honours!

I'm determined that this mental health condition can be controlled just like my RH!
But it's going to take a long time and there is many more hurdles that will cross my path. I can only take one day at a time and try and come out the other side.

The one thing that I know for certain, despite my physical health, that I don't believe I'll ever work again. Even though we could really do with the extra cash!

Keep safe.
All my best wishes to everyone.

 

[Donought]

Hi Lamont,

How are things? Just been reading through your posts and you're amazing. It's rubbish when life takes over and throws you a curve ball but you're doing so well by the sound of things. Depression is rubbish. Having had both post natal depression and regular, it's so hard to deal with sometimes and hard to explain to those who have never experienced it.

Have you heard back from the counsellor? If not, there's a great therapy called TIR - traumatic incident reduction - that can be used for many different things and feelings etc can often resolve within one session. I know of a fabulous guy and will happily pass on his details if it's something you might want to consider. He does it via zoom too so there's no travelling.

take care,
D

 

[Lamont D]

Hi Lamont,

How are things? Just been reading through your posts and you're amazing. It's rubbish when life takes over and throws you a curve ball but you're doing so well by the sound of things. Depression is rubbish. Having had both post natal depression and regular, it's so hard to deal with sometimes and hard to explain to those who have never experienced it.

Have you heard back from the counsellor? If not, there's a great therapy called TIR - traumatic incident reduction - that can be used for many different things and feelings etc can often resolve within one session. I know of a fabulous guy and will happily pass on his details if it's something you might want to consider. He does it via zoom too so there's no travelling.

take care,
D

I am humbled by your post.
I'm having a good couple of days, done certain things that needed to be done. Had another good talk to my doctor yesterday, and she has started me on beta blocker called propranol. This is because on Friday I went out to do some shopping and had a panic attack, and I haven't stopped shaking since, my nerves are stretched and even though I haven't got bad feelings or down, it's not nice.
I appreciate the offer but I expecting a call some time this week. I have the same books on how to cope with depression and anxiety, my son bought them for me and I have been relaxing more and living now and not in the past, the breathing and mindfulness exercise have really helped.
This forum has helped because I can post my feelings and tell others my experiences.
I do like to help others who have gone through similar experience with their health and provide advice for Hypoglycaemia. My reasons are simple. I was looking for advice myself, searching the internet for answers but the only place I found which actually worked for me was here. I couldn't believe how the medical profession can be so illogical about RH. Even my endocrinologist who did save my life because I was going downhill fast, we had many discussions about my dietary intake. I eventually persuaded him to except my reasoning, and now if any of his patients get a similar diagnosis, he advises them to either go very low carb or visit the site to read what others have done to control the condition.
Because I was his first patient with RH, when he diagnosed me after tests, he wanted to write and publish a paper on the process of diagnosis and a suggested treatment, along with dietary advice advice and results of eOGTT tests with another patient suspected of having RH. Both tests were very similar on how our bodies reacted to 75g of glucose solution.

I'm a nice guy, so I have been told!
I don't believe it though! (Ha!)
If I was, why would I get bombed? My work record, work ethic, punctuality and ability were excellent. That is why I mainly have depression! I can't believe what has happened to me!

Take care, keep safe.

 

[masonap]

Hba1c, 38
Cholesterol 5.7,
Everything else normal including insulin levels, but except kidney and liver function, as with all my results, slightly up on last year.
It is not surprising for a few reasons.
I was furloughed, then found out by phone that my company had changed my contract, without my consent and tried to avoid paying redundancy. I have acted upon this and finally came to an agreement, but I was so devastated by their attitude and their treatment of my employment, it was a disgrace.
I have been treated with my no respect at all! I have never been out of work since I left school, over fifty years ago!
This has come as a major setback for my retirement as I don't receive any pension until next year. I have already had to spend some money that I may need in the future.
Losing my job, not being as active, the thought of being the only one in my house who could go shopping and bringing the virus back with me to my disabled wife, as she was on the at risk list.
News of being as resolute in my diet as I should be, the fear of getting the virus and my anxiety levels became more entrenched and the viscous circle became too much for me and I had a breakdown.
Because I really didn't want to out and only went to the shop very reluctantly, when the shop was empty, I couldn't control the situation, I would freeze and have had up to now three panic attacks in the shop.
I have also started shaking and hiding away from everyone, my irrational behaviour, my irritating attitude, I am angry with life, I am so disillusioned with my life, I have rage, I have no patience and everything is too much for me. I have no life!
All my interest in my normal life has gone. My family has been so supportive especially through the pandemic and helping me get my money. They deserve a better me.
But I just can't do it!
Since all that, I had a few phone calls and a couple of face to face meeting with my doctor, who has been so understanding of my condition and circumstances, I was immediately referred to a counselling service and have had two introductory sessions, just awaiting further appointments.
I am on meds for my depression and anxiety, it is helping but it is early early days yet!

I am determined to get through this, everyone is telling me that it's going to take a while to get through this, but having not have had depression before, it is a new challenge that I have to beat.
I am very unlikely to take my life, not even considered it, because who would look after the wife?
Today was a good day, I have had some awful days lately, some really awful and despite it all, things have to get better.
I apologise for the tone of the post but it has helped to write this.

Keep safe.

I chose to quit work 21 months early at 64, it helped that I was getting one small pension since I was 60, and a second small pension kicked in at 65 but it was the best decision I have ever made. Be positive, you can get through this, enjoy it, look after yourself and look forward to your full retirement. Your blood results are great!

 

[Lamont D]

I took early retirement at 52 after 35 years service, with at the time a pretty good pre retirement pension, with the wife working, I no longer had to work as our combined income was plenty, this was in 2007!
What happened with the economic crisis the following year, bit deeply into my savings and then the wife became disabled. When she was finished we tried to get some sort of disability, went through the courts and won, but still got nothing to help us with care and benefits, because of my pension and I was also quite ill with the misdiagnosed T2, I needed to find more work, which I did.
This work was enough to fill the hole left by the time I was ready to go full time again.
I then got a dream job, this was in 2016, I was happy to continue and also could defer my government pension once I passed 66. It of course things went **** up! They changed my contract so they wouldn't have to pay redundancy, but I objected and I threatened legal actions, they came back with an offer, which I accepted but it has left me 6 months without an income from working, I have got some universal credit but it is still not enough, but I will get through this, I have fought all my life to improve myself and my family. Yes I have depression because I broke down after all this.
But I'm a fighter, and I can look forward to proper retirement and hopefully financial security when I have both pensions to live by!

I thank you for the support, I hope be planning a holiday once I get through the covid situation. My wife and I have been through a lot, we could do with a decent break!

Keep safe

 

[MrsA2]

@Lamont D
There is a forum for family and friend carers that is as informative and friendly as this is about diabetes.
It saved my life when I was a full time carer.
They have expert sections on money and benefits and everything else
I'm no longer on it as my main caree died and my second one has recovered. Thought I was on for a lucky break, then got diabetes!
I thoroughly recommend it www.carersuk.org/forum

 

[Lamont D]

@Lamont D
There is a forum for family and friend carers that is as informative and friendly as this is about diabetes.
It saved my life when I was a full time carer.
They have expert sections on money and benefits and everything else
I'm no longer on it as my main caree died and my second one has recovered. Thought I was on for a lucky break, then got diabetes!
I thoroughly recommend it www.carersuk.org/forum

Thanks very much for this link, I will definitely have a look.

My grandson just got rushed into hospital, and awaiting results on my daughter in laws pregnancy. As I said, just one thing after another, haven't slept well and can't stop shaking. Horrible year!

 

[Lamont D]

Just heard my daughter in law has lost the babies due next June, she was pregnant with identical twins.
Please, no more!