Grandadfatboy
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 93
- Location
- Kent
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- arrogant, abusive, greedy people
I'm new to the forum so I thought I'd pop in and say hello and tell you a little bit about why I have come here.
My name is Ian and I'm 65 years old. I'm married to the most wonderful woman anyone could have. She is my absolute rock. We have adult twin daughters and 3 grandchildren. Every time I see a new medical professional they say, "You are a very complex case". I wonder if it's anything to do with my health issues which are, Asthma, Arthritis, Diabetes and Multiple Myeloma. I used to drive HGV's for a living until DVLA suspended all my HGV entitlements, and as a result I could no longer work, and I was medically retired by my employer.
I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and I controlled it very well with diet and metformin tablets. However, a diagnosis of myeloma in 2018 really began to put pressure on the stability of my diabetes, so much so I was temporarily prescribed insulin to cope with the huge spikes (low to mid 30's) that chemotherapy and Dexamethasone were inducing.
After having a stem cell transplant in 2019 and gaining remission, the insulin was stopped and I retuned to my former diet and tablet routine. However, I relapsed in November of 2020 and I once again needed insulin support to maintain reasonable blood sugars. It soon became clear that I would require continuous insulin support to help control the effects of chemo. I'm currently using Humalog 200 with my regular dosage ranging around the 40 units mark, but when I have my main chemo drugs on a Sundays, I need to pre-empt the spike in blood sugars that this will give me, and use 60-70 units to remain low to mid teens.
It was at this time I was offered the Libra 2 on prescription by my diabetes team. It has most certainly given me a better understanding of how my bloods are at any time simply by swiping my mobile over the sensor. This meant I could monitor my readings much more closely, and learn how my food and insulin intake were affecting my bloods. After nearly a year with the Libra 2 my diabetes team are very happy with how I control my blood sugars and insist I'm managing my diabetes extremely well. My average readings throughout the week tend to run around the 13 mark, where I used to average 8-9. If I try to reduce my readings into single figures, I often find my numbers drop too low. My diabetes team constantly monitor my progress, as all the data is sent directly to them from my phone.
Another reason for me joining the forum, is to get help with my ballooning weight. The pain from arthritic knees and considerable back pain from myeloma tumours has left me unable to walk or stand for any longer that 4-5 minutes. I've tried diets, with varying successes, but none really succeeding at reducing my weight and keeping it off, so I decided it was time to try the low carb diet and hopefully shift some of this weight, and hopefully for good. The real issue for me with all of this is, all 3 of the major drugs I take as part my chemotherapy all have the side effect of weight gain. Now I'm back in remission again, my consultant is looking to reduce the doses of some of my drugs, which will hopefully help in the long run.
I'm hoping in the near future the knee surgery I've been waiting for nearly 5 years (long story) will give me much improved mobility and allow me to enjoy what ever time I have left on this planet. My wife and I are making plans to explore the Highlands of Scotland, The Lake District, The Yorkshire Moors and Dales, Devon and Cornwall, and much more of this countries beauty if my time does run out first.
To be able to accomplish this I need to firstly remain in remission, secondly become more mobile so as not need my mobility scooter and thirdly, reduce my weight and increase my overall fitness.
Well thank you reading this far, I hope it gives you a little insight to me and my reasons and goals for being here. I look forward to reading the many threads, which won't be difficult on Sundays, as the Dexamethasone keeps me awake until around 4-5am.
If you have anything you would to ask me, no matter how delicate, I would be happy to answer them.
My name is Ian and I'm 65 years old. I'm married to the most wonderful woman anyone could have. She is my absolute rock. We have adult twin daughters and 3 grandchildren. Every time I see a new medical professional they say, "You are a very complex case". I wonder if it's anything to do with my health issues which are, Asthma, Arthritis, Diabetes and Multiple Myeloma. I used to drive HGV's for a living until DVLA suspended all my HGV entitlements, and as a result I could no longer work, and I was medically retired by my employer.
I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006 and I controlled it very well with diet and metformin tablets. However, a diagnosis of myeloma in 2018 really began to put pressure on the stability of my diabetes, so much so I was temporarily prescribed insulin to cope with the huge spikes (low to mid 30's) that chemotherapy and Dexamethasone were inducing.
After having a stem cell transplant in 2019 and gaining remission, the insulin was stopped and I retuned to my former diet and tablet routine. However, I relapsed in November of 2020 and I once again needed insulin support to maintain reasonable blood sugars. It soon became clear that I would require continuous insulin support to help control the effects of chemo. I'm currently using Humalog 200 with my regular dosage ranging around the 40 units mark, but when I have my main chemo drugs on a Sundays, I need to pre-empt the spike in blood sugars that this will give me, and use 60-70 units to remain low to mid teens.
It was at this time I was offered the Libra 2 on prescription by my diabetes team. It has most certainly given me a better understanding of how my bloods are at any time simply by swiping my mobile over the sensor. This meant I could monitor my readings much more closely, and learn how my food and insulin intake were affecting my bloods. After nearly a year with the Libra 2 my diabetes team are very happy with how I control my blood sugars and insist I'm managing my diabetes extremely well. My average readings throughout the week tend to run around the 13 mark, where I used to average 8-9. If I try to reduce my readings into single figures, I often find my numbers drop too low. My diabetes team constantly monitor my progress, as all the data is sent directly to them from my phone.
Another reason for me joining the forum, is to get help with my ballooning weight. The pain from arthritic knees and considerable back pain from myeloma tumours has left me unable to walk or stand for any longer that 4-5 minutes. I've tried diets, with varying successes, but none really succeeding at reducing my weight and keeping it off, so I decided it was time to try the low carb diet and hopefully shift some of this weight, and hopefully for good. The real issue for me with all of this is, all 3 of the major drugs I take as part my chemotherapy all have the side effect of weight gain. Now I'm back in remission again, my consultant is looking to reduce the doses of some of my drugs, which will hopefully help in the long run.
I'm hoping in the near future the knee surgery I've been waiting for nearly 5 years (long story) will give me much improved mobility and allow me to enjoy what ever time I have left on this planet. My wife and I are making plans to explore the Highlands of Scotland, The Lake District, The Yorkshire Moors and Dales, Devon and Cornwall, and much more of this countries beauty if my time does run out first.
To be able to accomplish this I need to firstly remain in remission, secondly become more mobile so as not need my mobility scooter and thirdly, reduce my weight and increase my overall fitness.
Well thank you reading this far, I hope it gives you a little insight to me and my reasons and goals for being here. I look forward to reading the many threads, which won't be difficult on Sundays, as the Dexamethasone keeps me awake until around 4-5am.
If you have anything you would to ask me, no matter how delicate, I would be happy to answer them.
