A bit of fun

Ok guys and galls, it's the weekend, so how about a bit of fun? We so often hear real negativity surrounding diabetes, and with the complications that can occur, it's not really surprising. However, many here like me, have got the big D under control, and are fighting the good carb fight and winning. So, lets look at some light hearted ways that you have changed since diagnosis.

Me: Ok, up until very recently I refused to acknowledge at diagnosis I was obese. I am now a whisker away from being normal BMI (praying it happens Monday when I next weigh myself). While I was 'big' I tended to hide away in black clothing. My washing line used to look like I was an undertaker, even underwear was black. I also hated fashion and clothes shopping. The other day I had a load of washing on the line and it hit me; very few items were black... I now love clothes shopping, and do it on a reasonably regular basis. Shoe shopping was something I HAD to take my daughters to get, I ran around (or more hobbled and groaned) around in a pair of comfortable flats. Now I have boots, knee length with a heel :shock: and pixie boots, sandals in bright colours, a pair of wedges (with a heel :shock: ). Even my lingerie drawer is bright and colourful. This change happened without me really thinking about it, but as a result of feeling SO much better health wise, and with the weight loss SO much better psychologically.

I also take great delight in being able to go the the fridge and grab a hunk of cheese, while my family watch knowing too much cheese with a 'normal' carb diet is pretty much a no-no. :lol:

chris lowe said:

Well done Defren, not only for losing the weight but you're obviously full of the joys of life. Your post really cheered me up

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Thanks Chris, you're right, I love life once again. I do have other medical issues, and they meant many restrictions to daily life. One thing I used to love (I know I am crazy :lol: ) was ironing. I found it very cathartic, and every last item that went through my washing machine went under the iron. As my other issues took hold I struggled with everything, including ironing. I tried every iron under the sun, from the cheapest to the most expensive steam stations to find an iron I could use (I didn't want a press, they don't feel like a real iron to me somehow). Anyway, in the end I had to admit defeat. Now, I am ironing again, just as I used to. It's the small things like this that mean the most to me. I used to have a cleaning lady in each day to help me, now she comes in once a week to do the chores I still can't quite manage, but I know I will be able to do even those things soon. My brain is so willing, my body just a tad slow to catch up, but it's the knowing I will get there that makes life such a joy again.

My larger size made pre existing conditions so much worse, now everything is so much better.

Take care - Joanna.

I'll come and do your ironing Chris. I had an airing cupboard at the last house, and it was always full of towels, nothing like a toasty warm towel on a wintery cold day. I can remember my grandmother, she would wash, dry and then iron the laundry, then it was put into the airing cupboard for no less than two days before it was allowed to be used. She also had one of those ceiling racks that you hoist up and down with a cord. It was so warm in her kitchen things dried in a jiffy. To her last, she refused to own a tumble dryer, claiming "artificially dried clothes were not for her". I still miss her, but smile at some of her ways, and smile more when I hear myself repeating some of her sayings.

carty said:

Dolly blue was the little bag I dont know what actually in it but it was always used by my gran
CAROL

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That's them! Here is an article: http://www.oldandinteresting.com/laundry-blue.aspx You can also buy Dolly blue on ebay :shock:

Thanks Chris, she was a very special person, and I miss her dreadfully. Thankfully I was older when she passed so remember loads about her and have some amazing memories.

Spoiled husbands are simply not allowed, they might get used to it. :lol:

Neicy0412 said:

Ooh, one thing I have changed since diagnosis is foot care, I always used to go barefoot at home, inside and out, couldn't bear my feet to be "cooped up" but now, oh how I love to take my shoes off after work and put on my slippers...bliss. I love them, I have several pairs all squishy and soft some with cartoon characters on, some with sequins, but oh so comfortable....bliss mmmmm

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It's really strange you saying that, I have gone the other way. I used to wear slippers, but I am in and out with laundry, the dogs, emptying bins all day and I was worried about slippers outside so now wear shoes all day and every day. Even if it's just a slip on pair of sandals, I feel better knowing if I stood on anything the thicker soles could save an injury.

I will admit to actually having a foot care routine now, I didn't used to have one.

Nikkig said:

Just caught up with this thread and found it hits the spot!

On Friday I wore a dress to go out for the evening with full leg boots!!!! My husband said I looked 15 years younger and I have to say I felt good too. I cannot remember the last time I wore a dress - well over 10 years ago. Now looking forward to choosing my mother of the bride dress next year

I now am proud to put my washing on the line - matching pretty undies and all!

I was brought up by my gran and I can remember her doing all the things that others have spoken about and the posts made me smile, although sometimes I think my childhood was the start of the weight problems. "Don't leave food on your plate, there are starving children in Africa who would be glad of that," was one favourite saying along with, "if you're hungry have a piece of bread and butter!" - before diagnosis it was my staple favourite! :roll:

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Well done Nik. It's extraordinary the changes in us post diagnosis. Weight, skin, hair, overall health. I really do know what you mean with the boots, last year, and many years before that I was to fat to do up the zip. Now, it still tickles me each time I wear them and up goes the zip, no problem.

Aren't grandmothers the best? I hope I can leave a lasting impression on any future grandchildren I may have, like mine has to me.

MaryJ said:

great thread Jo

I went shopping only yesterday for some winter clothes.

Got a size 12 coat - can't believe it. Very fitted and I must say I look GREAT lol (modesty is my middle name). In the past it would have been a 'cover-up' job in the belief it hides the size which it definately doesn't.


Mary x

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Brag away Mary, it's your right to do so. We all work hard getting our diabetes and weight under control, I think we have a right to shout it from the roof tops. Well done on a size 12, being so much smaller really does boost your ego. I know exactly what you mean about cover up jobs, every thing I had clothes wise was aimed at getting things done I needed to, while remaining unseen. Like you I want people to see the slimmed down me, and chose brighter, lighter, much more fashionable clothes. And why shouldn't we?