Depressed about medication and life generally

[Jonwar1991]

Hello everyone,

Been diagnosed for a while, on metformin. I seem to have fallen in to bad habits ended up in hospital for the 3rd time with pancreatitis back in September. Doctor saying that for some reason my body struggles with triglyceride levels, most people don’t get pancreatitis like I do. As a result I’m now on fenofibrate, atorvastatin and creon (due to pancreas damage) and likely be getting another diabetes drug to control my blood sugar levels and possibly another dug for hypertension.

Feeling terribly depressed about it all, aware that all this is self inflicted, the idea of having low fat, low carb diet is making me feel quite low along with the massive amount of tablets I’m gunna be taking. Just wondered if anyone had similar situation and how you managed to get on top of everything mentally and physically?

My food intake is terribly hard to control, I find it hard to resist/say no to things and get terrible cravings for fatty foods, I can resist the sweet stuff! I’m not a drinker, since hospital I’ve decided to not have any at all.

I also have a non diabetic wife and child so find it difficult that she has to eat what I eat or I just give in and have what she’s having. Just feeling lost and don’t really know how to deal with it all.
Sorry for the long post….

 

[Antje77]

3rd time with pancreatitis

(due to pancreas damage)

Are you sure you have type 2 and not type 3C, diabetes due to damage to the pancreas?

 

[Jonwar1991]

Are you sure you have type 2 and not type 3C, diabetes due to damage to the pancreas?

Yes I was diagnosed with type 2 after 2nd hospital visit, they said my uncontrolled diabetes causing trigs to get high then causing pancreatitis.

Pancreas didn’t have any damage after first 2 hospital admission, 3rd was bad ended up having a collection with scar tissue in the area producing digestive enzymes.

 

[Lamont D]

Hello everyone,

Been diagnosed for a while, on metformin. I seem to have fallen in to bad habits ended up in hospital for the 3rd time with pancreatitis back in September. Doctor saying that for some reason my body struggles with triglyceride levels, most people don’t get pancreatitis like I do. As a result I’m now on fenofibrate, atorvastatin and creon (due to pancreas damage) and likely be getting another diabetes drug to control my blood sugar levels and possibly another dug for hypertension.

Feeling terribly depressed about it all, aware that all this is self inflicted, the idea of having low fat, low carb diet is making me feel quite low along with the massive amount of tablets I’m gunna be taking. Just wondered if anyone had similar situation and how you managed to get on top of everything mentally and physically?

My food intake is terribly hard to control, I find it hard to resist/say no to things and get terrible cravings for fatty foods, I can resist the sweet stuff! I’m not a drinker, since hospital I’ve decided to not have any at all.

I also have a non diabetic wife and child so find it difficult that she has to eat what I eat or I just give in and have what she’s having. Just feeling lost and don’t really know how to deal with it all.
Sorry for the long post….

Hi @Jonwar1991, welcome to our forum.

First of all, I can empathise with your situation.
Last century, I first became aware that something wasn't right. I fell Ill in work, I was given meds, a diet to follow and regular checks. In 2009 I went back to the docs and got a misdiagnosis of T2. For the next three years I was back and forth to the docs, finally referred to the guy that saved my life.
I was taken off a couple of meds, but put on a couple more. Like yourself hypertension, diabetes drug, aspirin, another for another condition. So rattling every morning.
Here is the kicker, I had to find a way to live with a rare condition, that has no cure, just a dietary regime that stops me going hypo all the time. I am not diabetic, I cannot eat carbs, I am more or less totally carb intolerant.
Yes, misdiagnosed, non diabetic, and go hypo, if I eat some of my favourites. No sweets puddings, chip butties, milk shake, Ice cream, drink beer, and so on!

What helped me, was finding out that this new lifestyle opened a few opportunities, I went back to full time work. My health improved dramatically, I lost over five stones, the diet the first doctors advised were killing me.
Then only a couple of years ago, my world fell apart.
I was in counselling for a year and a half.
I had severe depression and anxiety. And it was really bad.
Therapy, my family, and a lot of strangers on here helped in my hour of need, when I needed to explain what was happening.
I'm a lot better, don't think I will be quite over it ever. But improving a little bit at a time.
you just have to talk, make decisions that look after you. Find out why it happens, learning to control your issues, knowing your body and your future. Take advice from someone in a similar situation.
help yourself by making good decisions for you. And that means your dietary needs.
A counsellor is someone who will listen to your worries, advise, give you the tools to cope with your day and life.
Your family will help, you are not alone in this.
You have to find positives, a new journey, another thing to overcome in this life, it's not easy, it will take time and you have to take it easy on yourself, it is not your fault.
You can do this, you have taken the first steps by posting on here.
I've no doubt that your GP is helping you, you could suggest some counselling.
Don't ignore it. You need help, I had to battle for my true diagnosis and I had to help myself to get the best treatment, don't think it will just happen, it's about you, you make the decisions. Every little step along the way.
My best wishes.
Take care. And I don't like long posts.

 

[VashtiB]

hello and welcome @Jonwar1991

I will be honest and say that the thought of low carb did not appeal to me at all. I really really struggled. Some days I still struggle with it.

For me what helped were a couple of things. First I find that very low carb actually reduces the cravings and makes it easier not to overeat (with the exception of some foods )

The second thing that helped was to identify some foods that are naturally very low carb that I like. For me that was things like fish and cheese. I then actually look for the 'nice' versions of those for a treat experience.

Another thing that helped me was that I use artificial sweeteners after testing to make sure they don't affect my levels (some do so I avoid them).

My husband is not a diabetic so I understand the struggle. I do sometimes find it hard when he can eat things I can't.

What I will say is that it hard when first diagnosed. Don't blame yourself- others would be able to have the same habits and never develop health problems (in fact my husband is one of those). After the shock and devastation you will find it gets better. My health significantly improved on very low carb. Yours may well also.

Good luck and welcome.

 

[Maceman1975]

I totally get your situation when my partner passed age 30 i put myself in hospital with pancretitis through drinking a few years later ( not drinking like a mad man now ) i was diagnosed with type 2
I really struggle i guess with jelousy that i can't eat what other people can , and writing this sounds awful when i think of the people of Ukraine etc
So then 2019 i have double kidney failure and since then staying in work has been a problem
i was diagnosed with depression a longtime ago but the fact that's getting me down is not being able to afford a diabetic diet and feel full
Stay strong i find my depression comes in waves when you come out of your low mood try and avoid some triggers that get you down

 

[Jonwar1991]

Thank you everyone, really appreciate the comments. I’m not the only one in this situation and could of course be a lot worse, good thing is that there is a way for me to get on top of everything. Feeling a bit better today let’s see what my blood test results are showing on Monday but undoubtedly need to get on track with the low carb/low fat diet….

 

[Jonwar1991]

Anyone know how to deal with cravings carbs? with the cravings go away if I stick with eating proteins instead? Breakfast and lunch are the ones I seem to find difficult. Although lunches I have found a solution of scrambled eggs with cheese…

 

[starlightrays]

Anyone know how to deal with cravings carbs? with the cravings go away if I stick with eating proteins instead? Breakfast and lunch are the ones I seem to find difficult. Although lunches I have found a solution of scrambled eggs with cheese…

Have you tried low carb alternatives? I also deal with cravings and I don't think I could do it without low carb desserts from places like DGF, and have recently added low carb wraps to some meals too. It's always best to test before and after meals to see how your blood sugars handle sweeteners to be safe but I owe a lot to products like these and many types of very low carb breads are out there. There is a brand of bread called hi-lo which I buy in the supermarket which is 5 carbs a slice, so by no means ketogenic but I have two slices now and then on lazy days with egg and bacon. I know some don't like them but I think it's better to try these things as it can prevent going back to eating high carb.

 

[plantae]

Anyone know how to deal with cravings carbs? with the cravings go away if I stick with eating proteins instead? Breakfast and lunch are the ones I seem to find difficult. Although lunches I have found a solution of scrambled eggs with cheese…

I'm sorry to hear about your pancreatitis. I've been in ICU 3 times with it. First time 6 weeks, second time 4 weeks and 3rd time I think 4 weeks as well (but it might have been three, and I was put into induced coma every time). Many times in hospital without being in ICU though. Very painful. Are you sure you're type 2? If it was me I'd ask for a second opinion because, as I understand it, the treatments for type 2 and 3c are very different.

Anyway, carbs. I don't like carbs a lot, but I think you're right that breakfast is going to be the hardest. It's the hardest for me. I currently have to eat carbs because of my insulin, but in general I don't eat a lot of them. Breakfast I often have sardines on toast (I'd leave the toast out but I need carbs because of the insulin; the toast is the carbs for me). If you don't need carbs maybe just sardines. Or scrambled eggs and bacon? Could probably even throw in a grilled tomato there (has carbs, but not heaps... less than 5 I think which is not much). Or just scrambled eggs? Maybe mushrooms with the eggs? Probably tricky if you don't like eggs, but then there's always sardines and mushrooms

Edit: unless you're on creon maybe leave the bacon out or at least cut the visible fat off. If your pancreatitis has damaged your pancreas too much then it might not be producing enough lipase to digest the fat. Not a diagnosis, but something to ask your Dr about.

 

[oneateleven]

Hi Jon,

I just want to say that I sympathise, and I'm so sorry you're feeling low about it. I've had occasions in the past year when I've stopped taking my meds to get some relief from the side effects. I'm here now hopefully for support in riding out those side effects and doing the right thing for my body. I don't think others realise that it's a very intense and full time job.

Wishing you lots of strength and resolve!

J.

 

[plantae]

Hi Jon,

I just want to say that I sympathise, and I'm so sorry you're feeling low about it. I've had occasions in the past year when I've stopped taking my meds to get some relief from the side effects. I'm here now hopefully for support in riding out those side effects and doing the right thing for my body. I don't think others realise that it's a very intense and full time job.

Wishing you lots of strength and resolve!

J.

Wow, this is the best comment I've read in ages. This is a full time job. And it's hard sometimes (actually nearly all the time). Nicely worded

 

[plantae]

I'd still like @Jonwar1991 to get a second diagnosis (edit: if he's comfortable with that! If not, go with the flow. I'm not here to tell anybody what to do, it's just what I'd do). I'm not a doctor, I'm a botanist, but can't hurt right? Treatment for type 2 and type 3c (similar to type 1, just a different cause) is very different I believe

 

[Lamont D]

Anyone know how to deal with cravings carbs? with the cravings go away if I stick with eating proteins instead? Breakfast and lunch are the ones I seem to find difficult. Although lunches I have found a solution of scrambled eggs with cheese…

I am in keto, and no hunger pangs, craving, raiding the fridge, hunting in the cupboard.
It does take a little time the lower carb you go and the more satiating, satisfying natural fats you eat.
Meanwhile, take away the temptation, empty the cupboard, the fridge of those temptations, and like others have suggested, low carb small meals.
There is also intermittent fasting. Whichever way you choose to do it.
You may find like I did, that sticking to meal times, is just illogical. Why,?
Well, it's all to do with there should not be a hard static time to eat, flexibility, eat your meals when you want, get rid of the meals terms in your head, eat when you want, don't if you want!
Eating all the time every day is just in my experience and opinion, stupid and illogical!

Thank you everyone, really appreciate the comments. I’m not the only one in this situation and could of course be a lot worse, good thing is that there is a way for me to get on top of everything. Feeling a bit better today let’s see what my blood test results are showing on Monday but undoubtedly need to get on track with the low carb/low fat diet….

I have no doubt like I did, you will get good days, like you have posted today, which is great, a positive outlook, optimism, taking it easier on yourself.
There will be dark days. It's not easy to get outof, you just want to stay in bed, or go to your safe place, block the world out. It is having the tools to alleviate those feelings, my first thought when I feel really rough is to look forward and believe that I'm doing the right things despite the feeling. I am getting better and tomorrow is gonna be a better day.
you might also find, that on certain days, the knocks keep coming, your partner is in a similar mood or angry, or if you have kids, they play on you, or the news isn't good, and more. Then that is the real time to get away from it. Go for a walk, go to your quiet place, your safe place, even go to bed, watch television, play your music, play a game, do something, to take the edge off the low mood.
Whatever you do, it you continue to have bad days. Speak to your GP, talk to someone when you are ready.

Best wishes.

 

[Lamont D]

Hi Jon,

I just want to say that I sympathise, and I'm so sorry you're feeling low about it. I've had occasions in the past year when I've stopped taking my meds to get some relief from the side effects. I'm here now hopefully for support in riding out those side effects and doing the right thing for my body. I don't think others realise that it's a very intense and full time job.

Wishing you lots of strength and resolve!

J.

Not only do I have to look after myself, I am a full time carer for my wife!

My experience these last twenty years with medical treatment is unbelievable.
It's hard, so demanding, especially trying to cope with my mental issues and conditions, but hers as well!

Best wishes

 

[oneateleven]

I can only imagine Lamont I work full time investigating bullying/harassment and sexual assault cases and my own health often feels like an afterthought. It's so hard to juggle. Carers so rarely get the recognition they deserve and need.

 

[Lamont D]

I'd still like @Jonwar1991 to get a second diagnosis (edit: if he's comfortable with that! If not, go with the flow. I'm not here to tell anybody what to do, it's just what I'd do). I'm not a doctor, I'm a botanist, but can't hurt right? Treatment for type 2 and type 3c (similar to type 1, just a different cause) is very different I believe

I have learnt that treatment should be tailored to the individual, not the diagnosis, maybe that is why low carb, insulin response and intolerance to carbs, is more important than the labels.
There more variation within those diagnostic names, that has to be taken into account when you are deciding on treatment.

 

[Lamont D]

I can only imagine Lamont I work full time investigating bullying/harassment and sexual assault cases and my own health often feels like an afterthought. It's so hard to juggle. Carers so rarely get the recognition they deserve and need.

It is relentless. And I can be very fastidious. Just sometimes to get away from it, is something special.
It shouldn't be that way.
When I went to school. Many decades ago. Those in charge of the children did the bullying!
Not kidding!

 

[Lamont D]

I am in keto, and no hunger pangs, craving, raiding the fridge, hunting in the cupboard.
It does take a little time the lower carb you go and the more satiating, satisfying natural fats you eat.
Meanwhile, take away the temptation, empty the cupboard, the fridge of those temptations, and like others have suggested, low carb small meals.
There is also intermittent fasting. Whichever way you choose to do it.
You may find like I did, that sticking to meal times, is just illogical. Why,?
Well, it's all to do with there should not be a hard static time to eat, flexibility, eat your meals when you want, get rid of the meals terms in your head, eat when you want, don't if you want!
Eating all the time every day is just in my experience and opinion, stupid and illogical!

I have no doubt like I did, you will get good days, like you have posted today, which is great, a positive outlook, optimism, taking it easier on yourself.
There will be dark days. It's not easy to get outof, you just want to stay in bed, or go to your safe place, block the world out. It is having the tools to alleviate those feelings, my first thought when I feel really rough is to look forward and believe that I'm doing the right things despite the feeling. I am getting better and tomorrow is gonna be a better day.
you might also find, that on certain days, the knocks keep coming, your partner is in a similar mood or angry, or if you have kids, they play on you, or the news isn't good, and more. Then that is the real time to get away from it. Go for a walk, go to your quiet place, your safe place, even go to bed, watch television, play your music, play a game, do something, to take the edge off the low mood.
Whatever you do, it you continue to have bad days. Speak to your GP, talk to someone when you are ready.

Best wishes.

 

[plantae]

I have learnt that treatment should be tailored to the individual, not the diagnosis, maybe that is why low carb, insulin response and intolerance to carbs, is more important than the labels.
There more variation within those diagnostic names, that has to be taken into account when you are deciding on treatment.

I think I was saying the same thing just not as assertive as you