Hello everybody

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Philipo

Newbie
Messages
4
Hi all

I'm a 51 year old guy living with my fiance in Suffolk, my main interest is photography with my favorite subject being natural history, I am a committee member of the Disabled Photographers Society as I also have a spinal problem that limits my day to day living.

Ive just signed up to the site, iv'e been diagnosed as a type 2 dibetic aprox one year and at first I was diet controlled but now my levels went up and I know have to take Metformin 500mg x three tabs a day. I don't know if it's normal for these tabs to be the cause of so much wind but since starting the tabs it's quite embarasing as I don't have any control over this...

I find my that my GP is not that helpful when it comes to monitoring my BM as it took me ages to get any type of monitoring for my dibeties, I now have some urine sticks but my levels are up and down like a yo- yo and I was told don't use to many as they are expensive. I asked for a BM monitor but was refussed one...

Looking forward to hearing from other members on the site....

Philipo
 
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wallycorker

Well-Known Member
Messages
613
Hi Philipo,

I'm a Type 2 like yourself - in my case diagnosed nearly nine years ago.

The bowel problems with metformin can be quite scary - I hardly dared leave the house when I first started on them. However, these side effects usually do go away altogether after a short time.

You sound to be at the stage I was around a year ago. I decided to take matters into my own hands and since that time I've reversed my diabetes and normalised my blood glucose levels largely through changing my diet. If it's of interest to you then you can read my story here:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=10512

Best wishes - John
 
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captainlynne

Well-Known Member
Messages
253
Hi Philipo

I've just been diagnosed with Type 2 and GP has refused testing gear. I've followed advice of others on here and rung manufacturer - sending one out free. Then I'll buy supplies off internet. Not fair, but better to do that than not be in control of my own body.

Best wishes
Lynne
 
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Unbridled_Spirit

Newbie
Messages
1
Hi

I was diagnosed with Diabeted type 2 a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't able to see the practise nurse to discuss things until Thursday (as she was on holiday), I had all these questions in my head which I wanted to ask, one of the first things she said to me was "how do you feel about it" I couldn't say another word, I wanted to cry :( all I said was I was ok about it. she gave me some paperwork to read about it and said make an appointment for a couple of months time for further tests, I am making her sound so regimental but she was really nice, it was me that wouldn't open up.

I knew in my head I couldn't carry on abusing my body (human dustbin) the way I was, it was just a matter of time before something happened. How do you put into words how you feel, even now the message still hasn't hit home, i'm sitting typing this and crying, why I don't know.

The nurse told me one of the best things to eat was porridge because it soaks up glucose. The doctor had said I didn't need to test my blood I was to get the urine sticks. I was explaining this to my friend in the states, he said this is all wrong & that I need to test my blood, and porridge and milk were bad for me. I'm even more confused now.
 
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sugarless sue

Master
Messages
10,098
Dislikes
Rude people! Not being able to do the things I want to do.
Welcome to the forum , Unbridled_Spirit ,

Your friend in the States is right ! The only way to totally control your diabetes is to test after eating foods to see how they affect you. Porridge is oats , now some can eat oats and some can't.Oats ARE carbohydrates which convert 100% into glucose in the body. ( The nurse really needs a refresher course in nutrition! )
Urine sticks !! :evil: Urine only shows glucose if your blood glucose levels are over 12 mmol/L ,which is a very high level !!

You really need a meter and test strips whether you have to buy them yourself if you want to even begin to learn about gaining control over YOUR diabetes.

There is a lot of info on this site but take it easy. You can only take in so much info at a time.
 
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Philipo

Newbie
Messages
4
Like you I visited the nurse and it was like going through a Mcdonalds drive through, I have had to find out for myself about the condition. I am really struggling with knowing what to eat and at times I don't even feel as if I want to eat.... :(

It really naffs me off when to monitor our levels we have to purchase our own sticks, I for one cannot afford do do this as both my partner and I are disabled, shes works part-time and is still paying her bit into the system and before my spinal disability took hold I was working 60plus hours a week so I have well and truly paid my whack. WHATS wrong with this country it's definitely not GREAT Brittian any more.

I do use the urine sticks more than the GP advised but it seems as if dispite free prescriptions I have to find money to pay for a monitor and sticks. :evil:

Perhaps some one could advise me of a site where they are at a reasonable price...

Philipo
 
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