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A Month Into Low Carbing

hankjam said:
Hi @copey399
I've been reading this thread as it has gone along and wondered if I have anything to contribute. I'm fortunate in that I will eat anything, enjoy cooking and LCHF has worked for my weight, lipids are still under review.

I think you did really well at the BBQ, hunks of meat over burgers everytime, you never know how much breadcrumbs are in the burgers. 5.4 3 hours later is good in any book. VG.
It can't be easy with O/H horsing down everything and coming up with numbers like that....
I would recommend giving a 20 min walk once a day.... it is amazing how quickly it can help. Try to incorporate LC into your routine and once it kicks in it does give positive feedback in a number of ways that does make it easier.
I wish you well and will continue to read your thread.
Hj
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Thanks hankjam x It's so nice to have people taking an interest and ready to help with suggestions and and advice. I keep meaning to go out and walk every day but by the time I've staggered round doing the housework and slumped down with my back pain I can't always face it. I think we need to get a dog ... lol.
 
CatLadyNZ said:
Have you seen a specialist about your back? Some people get a steroid injection, or physiotherapy.
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OK, long story coming up .. lol. You'll wish you hadn't asked. When I first started getting the back pain and after a few visits to the GP I was referred to The Pain Clinic. There I was given Hydroptherapy, Accupuncture, Physiotherapy and some injections under anaesthetic and X-ray to try to deaden the nerves that cause the pain. When that didn't work either they finally did an MRI scan and said I have crushed vertebrae and there was nothing they could do about it.

I know there are operations you can have because I've read about it on the net but because it's your spine they are dealing with there are considerable risks involved so I think that unless you're totally incapacitated by it i.e. in a wheelchair with nothing to lose they aren't keen to do it. I wasn't offered it anyway. All those years ago it was bad but obviously, over the years and with old age it has become so much worse.

I have bad days and worse days. I cried in the GPs office one day and said that I often feel that life's not worth living with this pain but still only came away with pills. So there we have it. How do you get past the GP to see a specialist. I can't afford to go private :(
 
copey399 said:
OK, long story coming up .. lol. You'll wish you hadn't asked. When I first started getting the back pain and after a few visits to the GP I was referred to The Pain Clinic. There I was given Hydroptherapy, Accupuncture, Physiotherapy and some injections under anaesthetic and X-ray to try to deaden the nerves that cause the pain. When that didn't work either they finally did an MRI scan and said I have crushed vertebrae and there was nothing they could do about it.

I know there are operations you can have because I've read about it on the net but because it's your spine they are dealing with there are considerable risks involved so I think that unless you're totally incapacitated by it i.e. in a wheelchair with nothing to lose they aren't keen to do it. I wasn't offered it anyway. All those years ago it was bad but obviously, over the years and with old age it has become so much worse.

I have bad days and worse days. I cried in the GPs office one day and said that I often feel that life's not worth living with this pain but still only came away with pills. So there we have it. How do you get past the GP to see a specialist. I can't afford to go private :(
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Well, I'm not sure a specialist could do much... crushed vertabrae is a pretty major issue :( If you want to have the surgery, you could ask the GP to refer you, and if they just fob you off, look for another GP. But as you say, surgery is risky. So that leaves pills. Maybe Tramadol wouldn't make you so drowsy after a while of taking it? Tramadol does nothing much for me, so I have to take Morphine when I have severe pain. That would make you drowsy too, but you'd get through that within a couple of weeks I think. It's about quality of life, isn't it? Chronic pain isn't good for your BG levels, I don't think. Hugs xx
 
I think you need to decide whether you want to spend the rest of your life with this back pain and all it entails, with the thought it is likely to get worse as time passes, and will certainly never get better on its own, or take the plunge and ask for a surgery referral. You can then discuss all the pros and cons with the consultant rather than rely on what you read on the internet.

Back in the 80's I was in a real mess with my back. Not crushed vertebrae like you, but a prolapsed lumber disc that eventually ruptured and broke apart causing debilitating sciatica. I went through all the initial stages of physio, cortisone injections and so forth but still couldn't walk, sit, stand or lie without severe pain that kept me off work and out of any social scene for months on end. I was referred for surgery. My consultant surgeon told me the risks with spinal surgery, which were frightening, but also told me it was my only hope of a normal life. I took the risk. After the op the surgeon told me the ruptured disc had split into hundreds of pieces that were wrapped round my sciatic nerve, and that he had managed to extract them all. Indeed, they were all in a jar that he presented me with. I was out of hospital within days, and then back at work and back on the social scene. Since that day I haven't had any back problems at all. None. That was 30 years ago, and medical procedures have come on leaps and bounds since then.

It is well worth asking for a referral, speaking frankly with the consultant, and then making your mind up. If your GP refuses to refer you, change to another.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
I think you need to decide whether you want to spend the rest of your life with this back pain and all it entails, with the thought it is likely to get worse as time passes, and will certainly never get better on its own, or take the plunge and ask for a surgery referral. You can then discuss all the pros and cons with the consultant rather than rely on what you read on the internet.

Back in the 80's I was in a real mess with my back. Not crushed vertebrae like you, but a prolapsed lumber disc that eventually ruptured and broke apart causing debilitating sciatica. I went through all the initial stages of physio, cortisone injections and so forth but still couldn't walk, sit, stand or lie without severe pain that kept me off work and out of any social scene for months on end. I was referred for surgery. My consultant surgeon told me the risks with spinal surgery, which were frightening, but also told me it was my only hope of a normal life. I took the risk. After the op the surgeon told me the ruptured disc had split into hundreds of pieces that were wrapped round my sciatic nerve, and that he had managed to extract them all. Indeed, they were all in a jar that he presented me with. I was out of hospital within days, and then back at work and back on the social scene. Since that day I haven't had any back problems at all. None. That was 30 years ago, and medical procedures have come on leaps and bounds since then.

It is well worth asking for a referral, speaking frankly with the consultant, and then making your mind up. If your GP refuses to refer you, change to another.
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Thanks Bluetit, that is definitely something to think about. xx I wish I had been offered something like this years ago when I was younger and fitter. It does worry me that in my 70s I would stand a higher risk of complications. It's not an easy decision to make.

I'm glad it worked for you xxx
 
copey399 said:
Thanks Bluetit, that is definitely something to think about. xx I wish I had been offered something like this years ago when I was younger and fitter. It does worry me that in my 70s I would stand a higher risk of complications. It's not an easy decision to make.

I'm glad it worked for you xxx
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Thank you, As for age, I don't think the risks involved in spinal surgery have anything to do with age, but more to do with the skills of the surgeons. Recovery post-op will/may take longer of course. It is still worth asking.
 
People in their 70s have surgery all the time... I think the main issue is whether your heart is strong or not. Healing may take a bit longer but I think it's well worth seeing a surgeon and getting the pros and cons from them before deciding. If you decide against it, then I encourage you to consider opioid pain meds because they may provide better relief with fewer side effects than Tramadol or Codeine. Getting the pain under control would reduce stress and help your diabetes management and any other conditions you have.
 
Good luck with whatever you decide. I think you should take as much luck out of the equation as you can by researching the details of the operation and afterwards, and also checking the success rating of hospitals that do it. Doing the research and then acting on your decision should make you feel more positive.
 
copey399 said:
Thanks Bluetit, that is definitely something to think about. xx I wish I had been offered something like this years ago when I was younger and fitter. It does worry me that in my 70s I would stand a higher risk of complications. It's not an easy decision to make.

I'm glad it worked for you xxx
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70 is the new 50, in the view of my OH who will be 69 next birthday.

Unless I apply the same discounting measure to myself, it means I have a toyboy. Win:win. :)
 
Well @copey399 we're in the same boat - this week, despite going for 3 1hr walks, as well as walking every night for 30-40mins and sticking rigidly to my lchf diet I've only lost 1/2 lb! Grrr. I do admit that I've been eating rather a lot of cheese and everything else too and, as my hubby says, the alternative diets were putting weight on. So, I'm trying to be positive [through clenched teeth] and stick to it - it is hard though, isn't it? I'm seeing my GP on Thursday to discuss coming off my daily 1x 40mg Glicazide so that I can be meds free - I'll have to stick to the diet and exercise programme to keep well then. Hope you are well and relatively pain free x
 
copey399 said:
... and make is quite a task in itself and I find it expensive too, especially on a pension. ...
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This isn't something I've seen many people talking about, but which I have problems with. I'm a low-income pensioner ('pensioner' these days seems to mean high-income as well as all the rest). As well as cutting out a lot of cheap basics from my regular shopping list, I'm buying more fresh vegetables and more meat-fish-eggs than I used to, and the overall cost of a week's food is up for me. On a low income, even a small increase can hit hard, I think. I'm sure I'll get better at working out a new style of shopping and eating that doesn't cost so much, but short-term, this hasn't been good news!

On top of that, following advice here and from my local branch of Diabetes UK I bought a monitor, lancets and test strips, and that adds in a daily real cost as well. I can see the point of the daily testing routines, but to continue long-ish term, realise something has to go to cover that cost as well. As I'm on no medication, I didn't initially go and ask my GP for supplies, and from the comments made on my X-PERT course, I'm sure I'd not get them if I were to ask.
 
Thanks everyone. xx I've noted all your comments and advice but haven't had a lot of time to respond but I have taken it all in xxx

13lizanne said:
Well @copey399 we're in the same boat - this week, despite going for 3 1hr walks, as well as walking every night for 30-40mins and sticking rigidly to my lchf diet I've only lost 1/2 lb! Grrr. I do admit that I've been eating rather a lot of cheese and everything else too and, as my hubby says, the alternative diets were putting weight on. So, I'm trying to be positive [through clenched teeth] and stick to it - it is hard though, isn't it? I'm seeing my GP on Thursday to discuss coming off my daily 1x 40mg Glicazide so that I can be meds free - I'll have to stick to the diet and exercise programme to keep well then. Hope you are well and relatively pain free x
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Hi Lizanne x I know how depressing it can be when you think you've done everything right. I hate my scales as they're old digital ones and when you step on they kind of flick between two numbers, i.e. this morning was 11.4 then 11.5 then 11.4 but finally settled on 11.5 again.

I'm not stressing over the weight so much lately but I am worried that my BS is so erratic. I had a few fasting ones that were in the 7s but then I got it back down to the 6s then a 7 again this morning but I'd had a cup of tea before I remembered to do it so I don't know. Thinking of giving up milk in tea now. Only just got used to no sugar although I cut that out at the beginning.

So your BS must be good then if you're thinking of coming off the Glic? That's good then if it is.

I think I've blown it today because I had literally run out of everything. No eggs, no yogurt, no bacon (my main breakfast staples) so I just had to have a bit of that Burgen toast :( It was tipping down with rain and my o/h has taken my car to take his bruv for a cataract op so couldn't get out to the shops - felt quite "swimmy" anyway. I'll expect to be sky high.

Do let me know how you're getting on xxx
 
JenniferW said:
This isn't something I've seen many people talking about, but which I have problems with. I'm a low-income pensioner ('pensioner' these days seems to mean high-income as well as all the rest). As well as cutting out a lot of cheap basics from my regular shopping list, I'm buying more fresh vegetables and more meat-fish-eggs than I used to, and the overall cost of a week's food is up for me. On a low income, even a small increase can hit hard, I think. I'm sure I'll get better at working out a new style of shopping and eating that doesn't cost so much, but short-term, this hasn't been good news!

On top of that, following advice here and from my local branch of Diabetes UK I bought a monitor, lancets and test strips, and that adds in a daily real cost as well. I can see the point of the daily testing routines, but to continue long-ish term, realise something has to go to cover that cost as well. As I'm on no medication, I didn't initially go and ask my GP for supplies, and from the comments made on my X-PERT course, I'm sure I'd not get them if I were to ask.
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Yes, Jennifer, it does seem to add quite a bit to what you normally would get. The other thing is keep running out of the fresh stuff so seem to be constantly shopping (which I suppose amounts to the same thing) whereas I always had boxes of cereals, and stuff in the freezer pre lchf. Stuff like cream and yogurts etc. Plus the salad and some fresh veg. I buy it all in but as there's only me eating it I find it goes "off" or limp before I've used it all.. I always seem to be throwing out stuff that's half used. I know I should get round to using it up in cooking and freezing but I've still got a problem with planning ahead. Still stuck in the mentality of "choose something quick from the freezer" :banghead:

I think you're right that you probably wouldn't get your testing supplies from the GP :( Mine told me that they were having to cut back so I guess only insulin dependants will qualify soon. I'm expecting mine to be withdrawn any time soon being as I didn't take the Gliclacide that it was given to me for.

If you do work out a way of cutting the cost, please let me know :) xxxxx
 
copey399 said:
Yes, Jennifer, it does seem to add quite a bit to what you normally would get. The other thing is keep running out of the fresh stuff so seem to be constantly shopping (which I suppose amounts to the same thing) whereas I always had boxes of cereals, and stuff in the freezer pre lchf. Stuff like cream and yogurts etc. Plus the salad and some fresh veg. I buy it all in but as there's only me eating it I find it goes "off" or limp before I've used it all.. I always seem to be throwing out stuff that's half used. I know I should get round to using it up in cooking and freezing but I've still got a problem with planning ahead. Still stuck in the mentality of "choose something quick from the freezer" :banghead:

I think you're right that you probably wouldn't get your testing supplies from the GP :( Mine told me that they were having to cut back so I guess only insulin dependants will qualify soon. I'm expecting mine to be withdrawn any time soon being as I didn't take the Gliclacide that it was given to me for.

If you do work out a way of cutting the cost, please let me know :) xxxxx
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Whilst I sympathise, to an extent, if you could invest a day to do some cooking for the freezer, you would again have the option to grab something quick from the freezer. The mindset of cooking for 4 (or however many) keeps things topped up. once the habit is established.

Why not make a list of the things you like to eat these days, see which of those can be frozen and plan a day of it. It's very satifying, when you've done it first time around.
 
Another option, and I never thought I'd see myself write this, is tinned fish. Tesco own brand sardines in brine are just 40p. You could have a few of them in stock for emergencies. Similarly you could have some beef jerky or pork scratchings. Need to be careful with the jerky, as a lot of the brands have a fair amount of added sugar - biltong is best, I find.
 
AndBreathe said:
Whilst I sympathise, to an extent, if you could invest a day to do some cooking for the freezer, you would again have the option to grab something quick from the freezer. The mindset of cooking for 4 (or however many) keeps things topped up. once the habit is established.

Why not make a list of the things you like to eat these days, see which of those can be frozen and plan a day of it. It's very satifying, when you've done it first time around.
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I know AndBreathe. It absolutely makes sense and I'm always going to do it but it never seems to happen :( I get a mental block with "cook ahead and freeze" type meals. I don't do curries (not keen on Indian and never made one. Only had prawn curries from the Chinese take-away). My meals are pretty one-dimensional, either meat or fish with fresh of frozen veg. I did make a big casserole when we spoke about this before. The rest of it is still in the freezer as it wasn't that nice. I'm just a hopeless case I think.

Flaming broadband keeps dropping out today so if you don't see me about it's because of that. Looks like I'll have to get off here and do something for a change. Have to wait now to post this when it flicks back on for a few seconds :(
 
Thank goodness I was brought up watching my granddad tending his tomatoes. Granny used to rush out into the road with a bucket and shovel when horses passed by to scoop up free food for the roses. Today an allotment is second nature to me and from May onwards we have fresh veg. Bit limited sometimes but we grew up with less choice! Even a balcony or back yard can yield salad and herbs.
I have just under half of one regular plot and it's ample for two. I see other allotmenteers who are not very mobile at all who have devised ingenious ways of working with raised beds and wide paths. They get timber from scaffolders and building help from neighbours.
Next year I will try to grow some of the more expensive veg we have to buy as substitutes for carbs, e.g. celeriac.
Jeremy Corbyn would approve!
*edit* Oh, and there's the bonus of free food when people grow too much and give it away. Provided you like runner beans ...
 
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Not all of us have freezers! I live in a small rented flat where it's not an option even if I thought I could afford to buy one.

I've been on a very low income for much of my life, so think I know how to cope better than some people might, but I really did appreciate seeing this come up as a topic.

Part of the problem also is just us getting used to new diets, and the fact we have to work out what suits us - in our shopping as well as our cooking and the meals themselves.
 
copey399 said:
I know AndBreathe. It absolutely makes sense and I'm always going to do it but it never seems to happen :( I get a mental block with "cook ahead and freeze" type meals. I don't do curries (not keen on Indian and never made one. Only had prawn curries from the Chinese take-away). My meals are pretty one-dimensional, either meat or fish with fresh of frozen veg. I did make a big casserole when we spoke about this before. The rest of it is still in the freezer as it wasn't that nice. I'm just a hopeless case I think.

Flaming broadband keeps dropping out today so if you don't see me about it's because of that. Looks like I'll have to get off here and do something for a change. Have to wait now to post this when it flicks back on for a few seconds :(
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Please don;t beat yourself up about difficulties with planning and organising, because there are two factors that make it harder for you than most people - chronic pain and being on Diazepam. I have chronic pain and also anxiety, and I take meds for both that affect me this way too. But it's better than the alternative. So please go easy on yourself my friend. You are doing the best you can with what you have. xx
 
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