Hello All! My name is Randi Brown and I'm a 43 year old girl from Baltimore, Maryland. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in October and am so glad to have found this forum. Since getting diagnosed, I've gotten very little support from my doctor. Basically, he told me to come back in 3 months to have my blood tested again, to lose weight, and eat better. I felt completely alone and confused...not to mention scared.
In the past few months, I've read many articles and done a lot of research. I completely changed my diet and have given you carbs and sugar. I am on 500 mg of Metformin twice a day and have had no adverse side effects. I've also lost 20 lbs since October.
With all of that said, I am experiencing a lot of diabetic systems such as fatigue, excessive thirst, numbness/pain in my hands and feet, anxiety, irritability, sadness, and just wanting to get in bed and forget any of this is happening.
As not to be defined by my diagnosis, I am laid-back, friendly person with an extroverted nature. I don't have any children, but have three rescued dogs that I adore. I work as a Training Specialist for a government cyber security company. In my spare time, I love movies/theatre, music (Morrissey is my all time favorite), traveling, and spending time with my loved ones.
Recently, I feel more like a recluse. Going out to dinner used to be one of my favorite things. Nowadays, I would rather just stay home instead of worrying about all the things I can't eat. Rather than spend time with friends and family who will ask repeatedly how I am feeling and express their sympathy for my diagnosis, I'd rather just be alone with my dogs. This is not my typical behavior at all.
I'm hoping to gain some insight and tips for handling diabetes from those who have first-hand experience.
Thank you all so much!
Randi