Type 2 could use some advice

[k911]

my name is kerry, 47 years old and live alone. i am a newbie to the site but could really use some help
Earlier this week, I was in hospital due to constant heart palpitations which gave me a heart rate of 150 beats per minute. They were so high that I was at serious risk of stroke and blood clots, very scary. Anyway, I was discharged two days ago and have a follow up with a cardiology team and also have to make an appointment with my GP (have more chance of seeing the pope) and my diabetes nurse. The problem is that since leaving the hospital, my left hand is constantly numb which is driving me crazy and both my legs are swollen to the point that it is uncomfortable to bend down. i think it is oedema. I had numbness to the left hand and leg when i went into the hospital and they couldn't really find a cause despite the many, many tests that they performed (but to be fair they were more interested in bringing my heart rate down to stop me from stroking out.)
Could both of these be because of the diabetes or the problem with my heart or something else?. (don't think it was medications in the hospital as I was only for four days and they tried several) will be asking GP when i get to see him but could really use advice on how i might be able to do something in the meantime as it is really making me miserable, add that to the trauma of what i went through and the fact that i came close to dying and i feel really down and haven't' really stopped crying since coming home. i already suffer with depression so this is not helping can any of you help?

 

[EllieM]

Hi @k911 and welcome to the forums. I am sorry you are having such a difficult time at the moment.

Unfortunately a large number of our members are asleep at the moment as the bulk are from the UK, but I'm sure you will get some more support when they wake.

I can't help with diagnosing your current symptoms (you really need a doctor for that) but may be able to give you some suggestions if you are currently having difficulty with your T2.

Can I ask how long you've had T2, what your current levels are like and what medication you are on for it? If your blood sugar levels are high that certainly won't be helping your other conditions....

Lots of virtual hugs from New Zealand.

ps And if things get worse, don't hesitate to call 111 for help.

 

[MrsA2]

Big hug from too.
Its really difficult when there are multiple symptoms and things going on but I don't think what you've experienced is diabetes related (I'm no doctor)
What medications are you on?
Being alone and poorly is scary, there's always 111 and you might well find your hospital stay fast tracks you when you ask for GP appointment, so please get one on Tuesday..

Meanwhile tell us about your diabetes, what are your levels? Do you already low carb?

Please be kind and gentle to yourself, you've been through, and survived, a very scary incident. Try some mindfulness and relaxing things. The bluebells are out and a walk might be a good idea. Posting on here was good and brave too. Keep an eye on your sugar levels too.

Then for someone to actually talk to over a bank holiday weekend there's always the brilliant Samaritans. You don't need to go through this alone.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

 

[Pasha]

Hi there k911

I have been through some similar problems. Very high heart rates etc. I needed to go through two ablation procedures and prescribe a maximum dosage of anti coagulant medications . The basis of the problem is a mix up of the hearts electrical signalling mechanisms. You will find loads of information via google and youtube.
The specialist that diagnoses and treats these problems is called an ELECTRO-CARDIOLOGIST.

Hope this helps put your mind at rest. You are always welcome to PM me if you so wish.Stay calm.

Here is something to read up on in the meantime.

https://www.google.com/search?
q=atrial+ablation&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIL819IL819&oq=Atrial+ablation&aqs=chrome.0.0i512l10.24194j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

FYI ,I had both atrial fibrillation and atrial fluttering, both are now absent.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Diabetes doesn't normally cause oedema and numbness only results from long-term nerve damage and you would have been aware of some symptoms earlier. I would guess that the heart condition or something else is causing these problems

 

[Lamont D]

my name is kerry, 47 years old and live alone. i am a newbie to the site but could really use some help
Earlier this week, I was in hospital due to constant heart palpitations which gave me a heart rate of 150 beats per minute. They were so high that I was at serious risk of stroke and blood clots, very scary. Anyway, I was discharged two days ago and have a follow up with a cardiology team and also have to make an appointment with my GP (have more chance of seeing the pope) and my diabetes nurse. The problem is that since leaving the hospital, my left hand is constantly numb which is driving me crazy and both my legs are swollen to the point that it is uncomfortable to bend down. i think it is oedema. I had numbness to the left hand and leg when i went into the hospital and they couldn't really find a cause despite the many, many tests that they performed (but to be fair they were more interested in bringing my heart rate down to stop me from stroking out.)
Could both of these be because of the diabetes or the problem with my heart or something else?. (don't think it was medications in the hospital as I was only for four days and they tried several) will be asking GP when i get to see him but could really use advice on how i might be able to do something in the meantime as it is really making me miserable, add that to the trauma of what i went through and the fact that i came close to dying and i feel really down and haven't' really stopped crying since coming home. i already suffer with depression so this is not helping can any of you help?

Hi, welcome to the forum, we do have a forum about depression and anxiety. If you can have a read to see how we can cope with mental health and diabetes.
I myself am still under counselling, do not leave it until you see your GP, as has been suggested contact the many different organisations and charities.

stay safe.

 

[k911]

hi everyone and a big thank you to all of you for your kind words they mean a lot.
just so you know i am type 2 diabetic and take metformin tablets. i was diagnosed seven months ago and have had my medication dosage changed so my body is still going through a lot but the diabetes is under control and my sugar levels are good. my father was a diabetic so i had already given up a lot of sugary foods and drinks and ate a healthier lifestyle to support him so keeping mine under control isn't too hard. (do have a new found sympathy to all diabetics when it comes to sticking a needle in your fingertip every morning though - ouch) i was starting to get a handle on things until all of this came up.
i saw my employer on Friday who was great and has been fine with me taking time off until i am sure my new medications are not going to cause any problems and when i am ready to go back to work i can change my hours without any problems so that is good (i worked from 12 noon until 9pm five days a week but with travelling it took a extra hour both ways).
the side effects of the new meds doesn't say anything about swelling of the legs so rules that out, could be caused by stress which i definitely have. will be staying calm until Tuesday when i can make an appointment with GP
my diagnosis from hospital was atrial fibrillation.(irregular heartbeat) Thanks Pasha for letting me know that i am not the only one who has gone through this. have to wait for a follow up from a cardiologist but in the meantime have been given anti-coagulants and beta blockers. have also been looking into the support groups that help with depression and other problems and will also be talking to my GP about seeing a therapist or something but have found that just writing it down actually helped. also realised that the aches in my legs helps too. sounds crazy i know but if i feel pain then i am alive. i came very close to dying. too close. i sure that will hit me hard later on but right now i am ok. trying to look on the bright side as Mrs A2 said the bluebells are out and so is the neighbourhood squirrel doing his gymnastics along my washing line to get to the bird seed this afternoon. watched for ages as he and the birds had their fill. talk about an lift in mood
anyway thanks to all of you. hope all of you are doing well and can find a little joy in the simplest of things to help you through the day. all the best
kerry (k911)

 

[MrsA2]

Hi Kerry
Glad you had a better day, but after what youve been through it may still be a bit of a roller coaster of emotions for a fair while yet. Stay being kind to yourself.

Did you know you can self refer for counselling, without have to see or wait for the GP? If you Google CBT and your area it should come up. I've used it and it helped me.

Also I notice you say finger pricking hurts. It shouldn't really. Do you use the side of the tip of your finger ? Using the pad does hurt, as would using a blunt needle

You'll find as you get further into this forum that most of us find the original "healthy eating advice" given out is actually not healthy for type 2 diabetics and most of us avoid all sugars, even the ones in carbs like bread, potatoes, rice and pasta, even the wholegrain versions. Lots of us are actually keeping our diabetes in remission by eating this way.
I bet a 4 day stay in hospital was ridden with carbs. What did they feed you? Have you treated yourself to something tasty now you are home?

 

[Ronancastled]

just so you know i am type 2 diabetic and take metformin tablets. i was diagnosed seven months ago and have had my medication dosage changed so my body is still going through a lot but the diabetes is under control and my sugar levels are good

Greetings, When you say "good" what are your readings ?
What is your current HbA1c & your FBG, your fasting level ?

the side effects of the new meds doesn't say anything about swelling of the legs so rules that out, could be caused by stress which i definitely have. will be staying calm until Tuesday when i can make an appointment with GP

You nee to hook up with your GP team about the swelling, might not be diabetes related but safe to check either way
On the whole you are doing the right things, my only advice is to truly understand low carb, it's not just sugar in your tea or doughnuts, it's pasta, potatoes, bread, rice . . . it's really endless & only your meter can guide you.

Good luck