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How do I get back on track?

M

Maggie75

Well-Known Member
Messages
150
Hi everyone,

I'm a T2, diagnosed last November, managed to get my HBA1C down to 36 at last blood test beginning of May which I was delighted about, had to work hard to get there through low carb eating and losing 40 pounds in weight.

Since then I've been thrown one of life's curveballs, I found a lump in my breast a few weeks ago and had 4 biopsies taken at hospital a fortnight ago, I still haven't had my results and to say I'm stressed out is a huge understatement! I have a bad feeling about it, had another scare last year and I didn't have this feeling but I know it will be what it is.

The problem is I've turned to carb and comfort food again in a big way over the last few weeks, my diet has been deplorable and I just can't seem to stop eating and drinking like this. Plucked up the courage a couple of days ago to test my blood sugar an hour and a half after eating 2 cheeseburgers (with buns) and 3 scoops of ice cream and it was 7.1, not great but not as bad as I thought it would be. I went back on metformin after my DN taking me off it because hopefully that's doing something. I've gained about 3 pounds in 3 weeks and even that won't snap me out of this and I feel lethargic and horrible every day. Does anyone have any advice as to how I can get back on track with this, if I am facing cancer I know I need to be as well and strong as I can be but right now I'm just a total mess. Sorry for the self indulgent post but I just have nobody who understands how I'm feeling about this and why I can't just 'snap out of it'.

Maggie
 
Very sorry to hear your news @Maggie75

It must be a very worrying time for you and it’s quite understandable that you’ve reached for comfort. I think the only thing you can do to get back on track is draw a line in the sand and resolve to stick to your plan. That’s far, far easier to say than to do - I know myself that if I eat something I’d rather not it can increase cravings for days and it takes a lot of willpower to get right back in the zone, and that’s without cancer in the background.

And above all, be kind to yourself. You’re not being self-indulgent, just saying how you feel and asking for help. That’s a great first step in my mind.

Wishing you all the best with this - and keep posting!
 
Thank you for your reply, I know I have to try a bit harder with my eating choices now, I'm just hoping I hear something about my results soon, at least then I'll know what I'm dealing with. In the meantime I just have to try not to completely derail my diabetes journey, I've worked too hard to get back to non diabetic results,trying to remind myself of that, don't go back to square one! Thanks again and I'll keep you posted with the next step, god willing it'll be good news.

Maggie
 
Hello,

I agree with @Goonergal - reaching out is a great first step but you have also started the second step which is testing so you are ahead of where you were.

First of all you are going through a very worrying time so be kind to yourself. Read about the spoon theory - I found it really helped me to understand why some days you can do a lot others not so much.

I also agree that eating carbs just increases a desire for carbs. For me- eating more than even 8 grams of carbs increases my craving and is really unhelpful. So recognise that the change back to lower carbs will probably be hard again. so don't beat yourself up. It is as many say a marathon not a sprint.

Let us know how we can support you. We also want you to be as healthy and as strong as possible to face the next challenge.

Posting here was the first step = you've started the second which is testing what can we do to help?

I find that venting on here has always helped me- people here have been incredibly kind and supportive of me and I have been so grateful. Sometimes for me it helps knowing other people do understand.

Best wishes for your results and a virtual hug as well.
 
Treat yourself to Jen Unwins new book A Fork in the Road.
Lots in there about emotional eating.

Try to find some other non food treats too. Now is not a time to beat yourself up or be hard on yourself. Be kind instead. New nail polish, a coffee with a friend, a walk by water, a massage etc etc
 
Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your replies and advice, just wanted to update that I received my letter from the hospital today and my biopsies are benign, thank goodness. To say I'm relieved is a major understatement! So now it's time to get myself back on track with healthier low carb eating again, I'm definitely going to get the book recommended as I am very much an emotional eater. Feel like I've been given a second chance here and now I really need to be responsible for my health, continue to lose the weight and keep myself at non-diabetic levels. Hopefully I haven't done too much damage with my 3 weeks of self indulgence. Thanks again for the support, it is much appreciated.

Maggie
 
So very pleased to read your news. Its so good to know it is benign. I have recovered from an eating disorder, and also cab addiction. If I can be on any help to you please let me know. My private message is available if you would prefer that instead. Give yourself time to recover. I find being happy can raise my blood sugar levels as much as stress does, in the first few days.
 
That’s great news @Maggie75 must be such a relief that the biopsies are benign. Good luck with the return to low carb - and please keep posting here.

If you like what you read in Fork in the Road, Jen Unwin (the author) runs a clubhouse ‘room’ of the same name every Wednesday evening at 6pm. Next week is focusing on success stories, which might be motivational. It’s a great room with friendly and supportive attendees. I believe this link should get you in: https://www.clubhouse.com/event/M8Zy0Dq1
 
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