Feeling happy

[Birdy]

Thanks Jack, quick reply.

The more I read about lchf the more it sounds good. Using the fitness pal app my carbs are around 150g a day which is a huge drop for me and I will admit my IBS has improved since dropping the bread.

My only concern is that I currently have raised Cholesterol and Lipids and although I have been reading up on here and diet doctor I am not clear on how this fits in. I also have Gallstones and GORD (reflux) so really struggle with some fats but I will continue to look at this as I can see that is the main religion on here.

Thanks for the advice. I am now totally hooked on this forum, hence being on here at 02.53 (Turkey time) listening to hub snore after several beers whilst is have been sipping 'Su' (water).


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[jack412]

google: cholesterol fat myth

gallstones
http://www.dietdoctor.com/gallstones-and-low-carb

reflux, bricks under the head of the bed, 4" will help that, as well as the proper meds

 

[Birdy]

Read the link. Very interesting food for thought. Sounds like it may be a short term pain for long term gain project. Will be doing some more reading around this.

Have an adjustable bed so have this in order!

Just reading though my posts, I sound like a right hyperchondriac!!!!


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[jack412]

no, sounds like the rest of us, lots of things going on, not just D

carbs are addictive, the more you eat the more you want to eat, some of the links from this page are worth reading too
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbliving/a/Food-Cravings.htm

 

[Brunneria]

Hi Birdy,

Were you checking your BG during 'the trots'? When it happened to me, fairly recently (but less dramatically) my BG stayed steadily elevated in the 8s until the infection disappeared.

Likewise with the norovirus a couple of years back.

Oh, and now I come to think of it, I had a very wobbly hypo like episode just before that struck. I didn't have a BG meter in those days, but it definitely felt like a hypo!

I wonder if your BG dropped precisely because you were developing the trots? Your digestive system shutting down, and therefore not digesting the food you ate properly. In which case, something easy to absorb, like icecream, was a good choice.

 

[Birdy]

Hi all

Thought may be good time for an update. Now just about 3 1/2 months since T2 diagnosis and am still on Diabetes crusade. Have now lost 51 pounds in weight (size 26/28 to 18/20) and have an average BG of 6.4 mmol/l so feel like am doing well. Retinopathy screen was clear and Dietician was pleased with the weight loss pre my assessment with 'Adult weight management service' and said I was not a candidate for the group sessions (phew). The biggest change has been switch to fairly low carb and exercise. 6 months ago I would have wanted to kill anyone who suggested this could be a hobby. Now I do 4.5km at 30kmph on the exercise bike on weekday mornings and 4 mile power walks at 4mph at least three times a week and on the whole am enjoying it. I have so much more energy and having cut back on working hours am enjoying life much more. I feel like a big dark cloud has lifted off me.

I post this, not to brag (much) but hopefully to encourage someone else who may be struggling and thinking they can't do anything to help themselves. Although I have had some medical help, I feel that my so far positive outcome, has everything to do with positive attitude and proactive behaviour and I am so bloody proud of myself. I am not focusing on the past and how I got in this pickle in the first place but looking to the brighter, lighter, healthier future.

Have my follow up Dietician appointment and 1st HBA1C/ Thyroid level/ Cholesterol test later this month, so it remains to be seen if my figures match how I feel, but feel fairly confident that I will get a good report.

I am hugely grateful to family and friends and the forum for advice, especially Mr Birdy who has been my very own Mr Motivator and cheerleader without whom I think I would still be stuck in a rut and suffering.

Anyway, enough about me. Thanks for listening.

Birdy x




Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[Birdy]

Ps. I'm taking part in the 10k Swansea Memory Walk on 05/10/2014 as a challenge to myself and to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

If anyone would like to add a pound to my sponsorship total you can go to:-

http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Leah-Pilling

I know money is precious and hard earned and there are a million ways to spend it but if anyone would like to give I would be hugely grateful as this is an amazing charity that does lots of valuable work with people with Dementia and their loved ones. Encouragement and best wishes also hugely appreciated.

Bx



Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[this is too difficult]

Hi all

Thought may be good time for an update. Now just about 3 1/2 months since T2 diagnosis and am still on Diabetes crusade. Have now lost 51 pounds in weight (size 26/28 to 18/20) and have an average BG of 6.4 mmol/l so feel like am doing well. Retinopathy screen was clear and Dietician was pleased with the weight loss pre my assessment with 'Adult weight management service' and said I was not a candidate for the group sessions (phew). The biggest change has been switch to fairly low carb and exercise. 6 months ago I would have wanted to kill anyone who suggested this could be a hobby. Now I do 4.5km at 30kmph on the exercise bike on weekday mornings and 4 mile power walks at 4mph at least three times a week and on the whole am enjoying it. I have so much more energy and having cut back on working hours am enjoying life much more. I feel like a big dark cloud has lifted off me.

I post this, not to brag (much) but hopefully to encourage someone else who may be struggling and thinking they can't do anything to help themselves. Although I have had some medical help, I feel that my so far positive outcome, has everything to do with positive attitude and proactive behaviour and I am so bloody proud of myself. I am not focusing on the past and how I got in this pickle in the first place but looking to the brighter, lighter, healthier future.

Have my follow up Dietician appointment and 1st HBA1C/ Thyroid level/ Cholesterol test later this month, so it remains to be seen if my figures match how I feel, but feel fairly confident that I will get a good report.

I am hugely grateful to family and friends and the forum for advice, especially Mr Birdy who has been my very own Mr Motivator and cheerleader without whom I think I would still be stuck in a rut and suffering.

Anyway, enough about me. Thanks for listening.

Birdy x




Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

Brag away Birdie that's bloody brilliant.

 

[Scandichic]

Hi Birdy,
I low carb but I have increased my fat content. Makes me fuller for longer and I never feel hungry. I think Jack has already posted the link for diet doctor. He is a Swedish doc, specialising in diabetes and obesity. It's very counter intuitive but it works. I was 16 st 1 and now weigh 13st 5 so my weight loss not as impressive as yours. Just a thought! Your results are fab by the way - good for you!

 

[Scandichic]

New here and to Diabetes.

Diagnosed type 2 following GP appointment mid-March 2014. Was testing between diagnosis and seeing Nurse at GP practice and BG was between 14-23 (am a nurse myself) and diagnosis HBA1C was 84. Knew before result due to thirst+++, urinating+++ and very blurred vision.

Not much info at appointment and am awaiting dietician appointment. Nurse said may need Insulin due to BG level but started Metformin 500mg twice a day. Also prescribed Simvastatin 20mg as fasting lipid was 8. Have not taken due to fear of side effect and due to Hypothyroid still being underprepared (a possible contributor to high Cholesterol). Was refused testing kit so purchased my own. Found this site and Diabetic friend most helpful and immediately commenced 'healthy eating' and exercise plan. Was unable to tolerate Metformin and switched to Metformin SR 500mg a day, which has been fine.

Since 1st appointment in early April I have managed to lose about 36 pounds in weight and fasting BG is 5-6 mmol/l and two hours after food is under 8 as a rule. Testing on waking and before/two hours after a meal has allowed me to take more control, as opposed to waiting for next HBA1C as suggested by Nurse. She was begrudgingly impressed by my progress and suggested that I stick to current Metformin dose rather than increase as planned.

I am wondering if any of the experienced forumites can tell me if they think I should push to come off the Metformin ASAP or continue as it has obviously helped, along with dietary and lifestyle changes and I am tolerating it well (I think it helps control my appetite).

For any other newbies who are feeling overwhelmed, just read what you can, take control and responsibility and embrace the opportunity to live a new healthy life. I am a 41 year old, married but no kids, very overweight (was 20 stone and 5 feet tall) fairly lazy (no exercise) person who works about 50 hours a week caring for others but neglected herself. Also have Hypothyroidism and PCOS. I am now a convert and get excited by stable BG and reducing waistline ! If I can do it anyone can!!! Even on my (current) two week all-inclusive 5 star hotel holiday in Turkey I have managed to stay fairly stable and have actually enjoyed exercising. Only problem is, now I have lost a little weight I think I am a size 12 (22-24 in reality) and have for the first time in many years abandoned the beach kaftan and am embracing the tankini and am humming 'sexy and I know it' as I strut to the pool. What people must think I don't know (or care). All I know is that I feel healthier than I have for years and have a Diabetes to thank for giving me the major boot up the backside I needed.

Anyway sorry for going on a bit, thanks for listening. Am open to any further advice and hope my story helps/encourages others as reading posts has helped me.

Ps. Strawberries, 1tbsp lighter creme fraishe and one square of grated very dark chocolate had been my saviour!

Peace and love.

Lilx

Meant to say in my post that I had hypos on metformin. Like you I lost a lot of weight and I also cut out starchy carbs. Started on 3 tablets and after hypo reduced down to 1 by chemist! Doc wanted me to stay on 3 hospital wanted me to stop. I hope that when I've lost more weight that I may be able to come off them!

 

[Adelle0607]

Hi birdy congratulations!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[jack412]

Well done, you should be proud.
I hope you hang around for a while to help other new guys

 

[Birdy]

Thanks for the words of encouragement once again. Am a Diet doctor convert now too (thanks guys) and a pretty low carb and moderate fat. High fat causes vomiting for me!!! But try and fill up with lean meat and above ground veggies and salad. Thank goodness can tolerate porridge (main carb of day) as have to have substantial brekkie or I slump (but could not eat bacon, egg etc first thing - yuk!).

Last demon to kill now have diet and exercise under control is my ciggy habit. One thing at a time but feel I am letting myself down by smoking and undoing rest of 'healthy lifestyle'. I'll get there soon!!

Still find the forum invaluable and yes Jack hope to be able to hold some newbies hands as you all have mine.

B x


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[jack412]

I did cigs a year ago. Patches and antidepressant got me through it. I have tried lots of times, but this time I really wanted to and I think this is the secret

 

[Birdy]

Well done Jack. Soooooo hard.


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[Scandichic]

Well done Jack. Soooooo hard.


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[MightyMacs]

...good for you Lil...just diagnosed and feeling positive...things can only get better x x x

Carole x

 

[Birdy]

Carole

I think the positive outlook makes a difference. Have a friend who was diagnosed a couple of weeks after me and he is in denial and not made any changes and I feel sad for him.

My only real advice would be 1. Test 2. Read 3. Keep trying and see what works for you as this is a lifetime commitment so you really do have to live with the changes you make. The guys on this site are brimming with knowledge and advice.

Birdy


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[Birdy]

Some more about me in case anyone is interested.

Still quite new here and to Diabetes.

Diagnosed Type 2 following GP appointment mid-March 2014. Diagnosis HBA1C was 84.

Metformin SR 500mg a day, which has been fine after bad reaction to normal Metformin.

I have managed to lose about 56 pounds (4 stone) in weight. Down from size 26/28 to 18/20. Although I have never been particularly negative with my (large) body image, I am loving my new body, except having to wear a padded, push up bra after years of minimisers - one extreme to another!! Hope to lose at least another four stone.

Average BG is now 6.2 mmol/l and HBA1C this week was 41.

Cholesterol now normal and have been told do not need to start Statin.

Thyroid also finally managed, only taken years!!!!

Thankfully feet and eye checks all okay and Dietician has discharged me after 2 appointments.

Have experienced fluctuating mood and anxiety for the last 17 years and although it's still with me, i feel more balanced. I have also suffered insomnia for many years and whilst I still take Amitryptiline for sleep and pain the quality and quantity of my sleep has improved. I also snore less!

My chronic IBS(D) has somewhat improved and I am taking less medication.

Enjoying exercising for the first time in my 41 years.

All I know is that I feel healthier than I have for years and have a Diabetes to thank for giving me the major boot up the backside I needed. Have a whole new outlook on life.

Hope my story helps/encourages others as reading other people's posts has helped me.

Ps. Strawberries, 1tbsp lighter creme fraishe and one square of grated very dark chocolate had been my ongoing saviour!

Peace and love.

Lilx


Lily Bird - Type 2 Diabetes 2014/Hypothyroid 2009/IBS 1995/PCOS 1992 - other than that I'm fighting fit!!!

 

[NannaJanis]

Oops hope I didn't come off as smug!

Porridge with berries and ground cinnamon for brekkie quite a big bowl to keep me going - seems ok for BG.

Salad, cottage cheese and prawns or salmon for lunch or brown rice and prawns for lunch and fruit.

Stir fry/baked salmon & veg/stew/ chicken & veg/lean steak & veg for dinner.

All very simple stuff (home made). Am lucky I looooovvveeee veg!!! Trying not to snack which has always been a habit. Reduced Diet Coke to 2 a day!!!! and buckets of water.

Treat myself with fruits (berries). Also very dark choc - 2 square. Indian take say once a week.

Have worked out that bread (any) seems to spike BG so try and avoid.

Trying to also do low fat/low cholesterol to reduce lipids.

Limiting to 1500 calories a day.

Seems to be working for weight and BG.

Also started exercise, 1st time for years. Managed 30 lengths of pool (3/5 mile) yesterday and walked 3 mile along the beach today. Not bad for an unfit fatty!

L

Good for you. Keep going and keep posting.