Stress and other things

[lhawksfield]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum so thought I'd say hello to everyone... HI

I'm also struggling with the situation I'm in at the moment and would very much appreciate some advice.

I have had Type 1 diabetes for 18 years now, was diagnosed at the age of 10 and feel I have all the skills and knowledge to manage it well. I know how my body reacts to certain foods and my insulin, I test my sugar levels regularly and live a relatively healthy lifestyle... I have to admit however that for the past two or three years I've really focussed on my career, was made redundant, and I'm now thinking about when I might like to have a baby in a few years.

In fact if Im going with the honesty angle I should admit that while I was in my teens and early twenties I ran high to stay "Skinny" if a little grey and sickly looking and would then manage my sugar level back down just before my HBA1C blood tests... it never showed too much I was always around 7ish. But as I've got older I have really wanted to be healthy and have worked hard to keep my sugar level down... funnily enough I'm still quite slim at a size 8-10 (STUPID IDEA TO RUN HIGH TO BE SKINNY!)

So where I am now is not great and I'm feeling quite miserable and exhausted physically and emotionally. Earlier this year I had been struggling with my job, some of the team I worked with had walked out because of the stress of the job and I just soldiered on and held everything together for my boss who was on paternity leave. I did feel a little stressed but nothing I couldn't handle and I was happy enough.

The only problem was it seemed to be affecting me much more from a physical point of view than I realised. I made the decision to run my sugar levels around 8 because it meant in the manic environment and stressful situation at work I could afford to miss lunch and handle the stress better if I needed to.

That seemed to work perfectly... unfortunately I took ill one day in the office, my sugar level was 5.7 and I had had a good breakfast, it seemed to be a fairly calm day in the office but it was my time of the month (we all know we run a bit lower at these times) I snuck away to the toilet with the most excruciating stomach pains and feeling very light headed... having sat in a cubical with the window open for some time trying to wait out the stomach cramps my colleague came in to see if I was ok, I told her I wasn't feeling well and that I felt like I was going to pass out... to cut a long story short my colleagues laced my water with sugar which pushed my sugar level up to 12 even though I explained that I was feeling ill because I was in pain... (by this point I was seeing spots and feeling physically sick with the pain in my stomach) they called paramedics who also did not listen to me said I was high so had to go to the hospital to bring my sugar level down from 12.

Being stressed feeling ill and just fed up I went to the hospital and not one Dr addressed the reason I had felt ill in the first place and just focused on my sugar level.

So about a year after that I was at home on a Sunday... time of the month again sugar level fine... feeling quite well otherwise and then the pain happened again... I cannot explain the level of pain it was absolutely terrifying and I couldn't catch my breath it was that horrible. It made me physically sick and I felt like I was going to pass out again.. as a result sugar level was all over I had to sleep for most of the afternoon on strong pain killers (Propanol).

I was eventually diagnosed, after numerous scans, blood tests etc. with extreme Dysmenorrhea as a result of hyperthyroidism brought about through stress... Phew!!!

I am not a believer in illness due to stress... I'm very much a "just get on with it" kind of person and I felt like I was until all this happened. It was a shock and made me realise that although I want lots of money and to succeed in my career my life outside of work was falling to pieces.

Along with the diagnosis I have noticed the following symptoms too:

A disturbance in appetite - much hungrier than normal
Initial weight loss but I'm starting to pile the pounds on now
Fatigue
Irritability
Nervousness
Sleep disturbances
Slight Hair loss

All of this has turned me into a person I don't want to be and the stress of these problems is just making everything worse. Luckily I have started a new job... less stress but only slightly and often when I'm feeling utter exhausted emotionally and physically I give up on my sugar level and end up running high.

I'm so cross because I'm good at managing my sugar level but I'm feeling utterly overwhelmed with these other problems its affecting my relationship, I hate myself as a person because I've become an angry and unpleasant person to be around, I have no energy whatsoever... even on a weekend when I am on top of my sugar levels and I feel like I'm just existing to work.

I know exactly what the answers are from a diabetes point of view and I have another blood test booked for this thursday to find out if my thyroid function has improved (I pretty much will just fall to pieces if it doesn't come back as having improved) I feel like I have a never ending list of problems and that the more I look into each issue to try and fix it that I highlight another

I'm sorry this is such a miserable sounding post but I believe most diabetics will have felt like this at some point... I'm 28 and feel like I should be enjoying my life and my relationship more but all these problems and spoiling everything I've worked hard for.

If anyone can offer any advice on where to start with all of this I would appreciate the support. I really do feel as though as soon as I get on top of my sugar level another problem is thrown into the mix and my mood plummets to the point I give up (I know this is the wrong thing to do, I'm not stupid I'm just quite exhausted at the moment).

Thank you :|

 

[viviennem]

Hi lhawksfield

I'm not medically qualified so I can't advise or diagnose, but are you sure they said hypERthyroid and not hypOthyroid? The reason I ask is because hypothyroid has the symptoms you describe - weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, hair loss - I know, I've been there! Mine has always been sub-clinical - ie, my blood tests have always been 'normal' - but I managed to persuade the GP to treat the symptoms. I'm on Levothyroxine and okay now.

If it is hyperthyroidism (though you should be losing weight and be full of energy with that, I think), really try to make them listen to you. I've had dysmenorrhoea, too, and it's not pleasant, to say the least! If you're getting that, and have an over-active thyroid with all your other symptoms, they really should take a good look at you - a full MOT is called for, IMHO.

You are obviously well in control of your diabetes, but many HCPs work from the default position that we aren't, so you'll have to convince them that you really know what you're doing and that this is something different.

In your place I would make a list of every detail of all your symptoms, chart your periods to see if you're still regular, how heavy (is anaemia a possibility?), mark where the pain comes, etc, so that you go to your next appointment knowing exactly what you want to say and can take charge of the interview. Hard work, but worth it!

Good luck, and let us know how you go on.

Viv 8)

 

[daisy1]

Hi lhawksfield and welcome to the forum I'm afraid I can't help with your problems but lots of members will be able to help you and will come along soon. I know you are not newly diagnosed but you might be interested in the information we give to new members. I hope that something in here will be useful to you. Ask as many questions as you like as there is usually someone here that can help you.

BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEW MEMBERS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find well over 30,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates
A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes ... rains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

 

[lhawksfield]

Hi Viv,

Thanks for your advice, I will start taking notes of everything to go back to the Dr. I think it can be difficult not to tell them everything because I sometimes feel like the list goes on for ever!!

I have definitely been diagnosed with HypERthyroidism unfortunately for me I was told to go back on the pill to see if that would help... thus the weight coming back on (I'm still small though and lost a lot before I changed jobs)... it hasn't really helped either... I can function in every day life a little better but its not a guarantee.

I think I want to try some more holistic solutions because I'm hoping that will help with my state of mind... I've tried to cut down on carbs generally I eat lots of fish and fruit but its during the day at work that it all comes away at the seams and I find myself getting by on cups of tea and biscuits just to make do till I have time for lunch.

Does anyone have any ideas of how to make diets more exciting?

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a tough time too, Viv with dysmenorrhoea it seems to be something that isn't talked about much and its shockingly bad!... again I was very much a "just get on with it it can't be that bad"... till it happened to me!!

hmmmm perhaps I should change my frame of mind when people tell me about their problems! (I'm horrible!!)

I really like your advice Viv, it seems as though keeping a clear list and note of everything I'm doing and feeling will also help me get my head around things too.

Thank you

 

[witan]

Welcome to the forum.
I've no experience of these things being a male type 2!

But there is something that links all of this - and I'm not saying it in a male derogatory sense by any stretch of the imagination - Hormones, we all have them even those men who would deny it!

It's the hormones that link the brain, body and environment (situation), they work at the subconcious or even un-concious level of the brain, so your working through the stress and generaly getting on with it in the concious mind will have had no impact on what was happening in the real world interpretation made by your sub or unconcious mind, and so little is know about how they work or (appear to) go wrong.

Include the desire to start a family, exit a stressful career, while being told to go back on the pill and I guess you are subject to some enormous conflicts. Of course there is possibly an underlying problem but I'd guess it is made much worse by all the other things going on in your life.

Have you spoken with an endocrinologist about all your problems and feelings, are there changes to your life you can discuss with your closest family that may help?

It's so hard to de-stress in today's world, as you know, once one thing is resolved another surely comes along. Chatting on the forum helps no end - but there is nothing like someone close by, family, friends and groups as well as shared activities that re-direct the stress in a more harmless outlet.

Please remember to record your emotions and stressors along with your other symptoms and pains to discuss with your Dr. or endo., and don't forget it's not a sign of weakness to let those around you know how you are feeling - don't think you have to struggle on alone.

I hope things start to get better for you soon.

 

[lhawksfield]

Hi Witan,

thank you for your advice, its brilliant that someone seems to have listened to what I'm actually asking. I think you're very right that there must be some sort of hormonal issue going on. I think I'm just utterly confused how I can be someone who manages very well and copes with all kinds of things one minute and then then next everything seems to not want to work for me? It can be very confusing and when you're feeling stressed that doesn't help.

I haven't spoken to an endocrinologist I think because I'm quite stubborn and typical when I believe I know more about me and my health than any "specialist" can!! (I know I know!!) I think I made the first step at the weekend when I decided to go for yet another blood test so next step is endocrinologist I think! I'm sure they have seen more examples of people in my situation so that's reassuring.

What are everyone's thoughts on "herbal remedies" etc? I've tried Kalms, Rescue Remedy, 5HTB etc etc...

I really appreciate everyone's opinions and advice, you're very right, Witan that sharing all of this with a massive group of people that understand really helps.

I'll keep you posted on what results I get from my blood test... I'm not sure I want to get my HBA1C done again until I can get it down from 9.5 after my last one

Many many thanks
L.

 

[witan]

I'm pleased my thoughts helped, thanks.

Stress is responsible for many modern diseases and I remember reading somewhere that it was closely linked to some auto-immune diseases (like type 1) too.
It's not short term stress that's the problem - I believe that probably does us good - but it's long-term, un-relenting stress that is increadibly harmful.

I'm not a great believer in treating it with medication - first get help to try to tackle the cause, financial, relationship, work etc, this is never easy but if possible start here.

If that fails, or is not possible at this time, go for increasing the stress free periods in your life, doing things you enjoy, being with people that let you relax, exercising, (shopping?) listen to music, sing and I like to use aromas based on the essential oil of real herbs, it's not a 'cure' but very pleasant when relaxing. Water always seems to help (something to do with the stored memory of being in the safety of the womb?) so try to have lots of long luxurious baths or go swimming regularly.

Along with that try meditation or Yoga or just walking in the countryside.
Unfortunately none of those are as easy as poping a few pills - but should be much more fun.

Stress goes hand in hand with high blood pressure and after trying all sorts of tablets which were getting stronger and stronger with no real improvement, I found the most effective 'cure' was a few minutes of controlled deep breathing two or three times a day.

The internal/external conflicts that can be a major cause of stress often have their origins in self-image which in turn impacts on self-confidence, and in this case I'd choose the psycologist before the pharmacist.

I hope that hasn't confused you too much...