stressed

[badcat]

am just finding it hard being on benefits, to get the good foods all the time. !!

Do you drive?
Reason I ask is you may be able to find a "farm" shop near to where you live
I live in east london, where there are precious few farms!, but there are 3 farm shops I can get to quite easily
Today got a big savoy cabbage, 3 courgettes, a small red cabbage, 4 leeks, , a bag of pears (10-12) , 4 yellow peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, a watermelon, 4 passion fruit, ,6 eggs, flat leaf parsley, ,and a big bag of on the vine cherry tomatoes for £20.02
They also sell lots of other fruit as well as meat cheese, tea coffee, and cleaning stuff at lower than supermarket prices, together with some freezer meals

EDIT - oh I forgot -I got 2 big flat mushrooms, a swede, a small butternut squash, a couple of chillies, a bag of kale and 2 big aubergines as well

 

[Bluetit1802]

I do have a meter to test my bloods but when your on benefits trying to buy what you need for them all the time isn't easy, plus am not a breakfast person haven't been for years, plus I've always have had bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, and I've I can't have them what do I have ??

It isn't a requirement to eat breakfast, in fact it is a good thing to skip as it gives your digestive system and pancreas a rest. A coffee with cream, or a piece of cheese, or a boiled egg would help if you have to eat a bit of something.

You need to ask yourself if your previous diet of bread, pasta, rice and potatoes may have contributed to your diagnosis. My guess is that it did, and continuing this way of eating may only make it worse. There has been some great advice on this thread about cheap shopping and alternatives to the starchy carbs, so I recommend you at least give it a go. If you make a list of foods that you can eat and enjoy, rather than looking at what you have always eaten, it may help you.

 

[ickihun]

It's not thrush this is worse nothing works, cos the pain and itching runs from front to back, thrush is middle !!!

What does gp say it is? I hope they resolve it for you. It must be terrible being worse than thrush. Poor you.
I cannot bear thrush since I've had it off and on for 40yrs. It can turn me very very mentally sensitive. Its like torture to me. I had my last bout for 2 and a half yrs. It took 6mths of treatment and insulin to resolve.

 

[ickihun]

lot easier said than done, it's the fact that when you only have some amounts of money coming in every two weeks you can't buy the good stuff not really or all money is gone !!!

I know. This 6wks is proving a hardship.

Do you drive?
Reason I ask is you may be able to find a "farm" shop near to where you live
I live in east london, where there are precious few farms!, but there are 3 farm shops I can get to quite easily
Today got a big savoy cabbage, 3 courgettes, a small red cabbage, 4 leeks, , a bag of pears (10-12) , 4 yellow peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, a watermelon, 4 passion fruit, ,6 eggs, flat leaf parsley, ,and a big bag of on the vine cherry tomatoes for £20.02
They also sell lots of other fruit as well as meat cheese, tea coffee, and cleaning stuff at lower than supermarket prices, together with some freezer meals

EDIT - oh I forgot -I got 2 big flat mushrooms, a swede, a small butternut squash, a couple of chillies, a bag of kale and 2 big aubergines as well

Borough market is where even some of the top restaurants source their greens. An excellent fresh market in central london too.

 

[Butterfly1960]

Hi there!
Just reading up on the latest stressed discussions
I was only diagnosed in March this year with type 2
It has been a hard lesson to learn that some carbs can be so bad for us! Especially the ones we're so used to using; like pasta rice potatoes etc. This site has been so useful in providing helpful info and suggestions, thanks to all for the input!
I too am on benefits, and finding ways to budget has been ongoing for a few years. Yes, Lidls and Aldis have been a godsend!
I only started monitoring my BG in June, after reading that it's not just those with type 1 who have to do daily checks.
I have been following the low carb diet too and can atlast see results... after lunch today I had 6.5 mmol/L. Previously high 8 or 9 mmol/L was common after a light lunch, which goes to prove "you are what you eat!!"
I keep thinking, if only it was just the diabetes! But unfortunately I have a few other complaints too, all of which require their own medications! I think I need to change the metformin slow release tablet for something different. I believe it is causing diarrhoea.
Has anyone else experienced this problem on metformin?
Thanks again to all who provide excellent info and ideas

 

[luceeloo]

Do you drive?
Reason I ask is you may be able to find a "farm" shop near to where you live
I live in east london, where there are precious few farms!, but there are 3 farm shops I can get to quite easily
Today got a big savoy cabbage, 3 courgettes, a small red cabbage, 4 leeks, , a bag of pears (10-12) , 4 yellow peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, a watermelon, 4 passion fruit, ,6 eggs, flat leaf parsley, ,and a big bag of on the vine cherry tomatoes for £20.02
They also sell lots of other fruit as well as meat cheese, tea coffee, and cleaning stuff at lower than supermarket prices, together with some freezer meals

EDIT - oh I forgot -I got 2 big flat mushrooms, a swede, a small butternut squash, a couple of chillies, a bag of kale and 2 big aubergines as well

Oh, I love my local farm shop. I can get a heap of veg for £8.00... definitely worth it.

 

[covknit]

Hi there!
Just reading up on the latest stressed discussions
I was only diagnosed in March this year with type 2
It has been a hard lesson to learn that some carbs can be so bad for us! Especially the ones we're so used to using; like pasta rice potatoes etc. This site has been so useful in providing helpful info and suggestions, thanks to all for the input!
I too am on benefits, and finding ways to budget has been ongoing for a few years. Yes, Lidls and Aldis have been a godsend!
I only started monitoring my BG in June, after reading that it's not just those with type 1 who have to do daily checks.
I have been following the low carb diet too and can atlast see results... after lunch today I had 6.5 mmol/L. Previously high 8 or 9 mmol/L was common after a light lunch, which goes to prove "you are what you eat!!"
I keep thinking, if only it was just the diabetes! But unfortunately I have a few other complaints too, all of which require their own medications! I think I need to change the metformin slow release tablet for something different. I believe it is causing diarrhoea.
Has anyone else experienced this problem on metformin?
Thanks again to all who provide excellent info and ideas

My gp has not prescribed me any drugs for diabetes so I cannot share any personal experiences of diabetes drugs but when I asked a similar question on this site about a particular drug which gave warnings about liver problems, a common problem for diabetics (>83%?) I got a most unhelpful response. However the people on the arthritis site were lovely and some of them where diabetic and gave me the generalised background information i needed to know before speaking to GP. So it is always worth asking on the public forum for your other health problems as the ones I have seen all seem to have members who suffer from diabetes. Meantime I guess you have already done your research https://www.drugs.com/sfx/metformin-side-effects.html

 

[Butterfly1960]

Thanks for the link on metformin. More information than in the leaflet with the tablets. The diabetes nurse at my health centre checked that my other meds ok with metformin. She did mention that there are many other types of diabetes control medication to try. I have an appointment with her soon, so I will ask to try something else.
Eventually, I'd like to be treating the diabetes by diet only. One less tablet to take!

 

[lee16]

What does gp say it is? I hope they resolve it for you. It must be terrible being worse than thrush. Poor you.
I cannot bear thrush since I've had it off and on for 40yrs. It can turn me very very mentally sensitive. Its like torture to me. I had my last bout for 2 and a half yrs. It took 6mths of treatment and insulin to resolve.

I can't use the cream for thrush as it burns my skin there, and other creams I just know that when my bsl r up this happens. I get two maybe three nights sleep great then about a week of pure he'll and its only at night when am lying down !!!

 

[lee16]

Hi there!
Just reading up on the latest stressed discussions
I was only diagnosed in March this year with type 2
It has been a hard lesson to learn that some carbs can be so bad for us! Especially the ones we're so used to using; like pasta rice potatoes etc. This site has been so useful in providing helpful info and suggestions, thanks to all for the input!
I too am on benefits, and finding ways to budget has been ongoing for a few years. Yes, Lidls and Aldis have been a godsend!
I only started monitoring my BG in June, after reading that it's not just those with type 1 who have to do daily checks.
I have been following the low carb diet too and can atlast see results... after lunch today I had 6.5 mmol/L. Previously high 8 or 9 mmol/L was common after a light lunch, which goes to prove "you are what you eat!!"
I keep thinking, if only it was just the diabetes! But unfortunately I have a few other complaints too, all of which require their own medications! I think I need to change the metformin slow release tablet for something different. I believe it is causing diarrhoea.
Has anyone else experienced this problem on metformin?
Thanks again to all who provide excellent info and ideas

Oh I suffered big time, I had the runs that much I couldn't take my daughter swimming and got to the point where, sorry about this Sat on loo for 30 mins at a time with just water coming out, called docters next day and was put on other tablets.

 

[ickihun]

I can't use the cream for thrush as it burns my skin there, and other creams I just know that when my bsl r up this happens. I get two maybe three nights sleep great then about a week of pure he'll and its only at night when am lying down !!!

Oh @lee16 it is hell.
Can gp not prescribe alternative? Pessary or tablet? Don't suffer when you don't need to. Get gp to resolve this. You shouldnt be suffering like this.

 

[pleinster]

Hi @lee16...I totally get your frustration; trying to eat in a way that suits on a ridiculously tight budget is difficult. I know that. Still, what works..is what works! There are lots of things you can still eat that won't increase your blood sugar and don't cost so much (if you have access to them). I know it's all relative but when it comes to health, you have to find a way (even in a country dominated by horrible self-serving types who don't care in the slightest about how you cope)...that is how it is. It is disgraceful..of course it is, but we live in a system driven by greed and by profit margins and governed by callous people (content to ignore the plight of those who struggle) that I certainly never voted for. I don't want to sound cold...I'm just telling you that a change to diet is required if you want to get your levels under control. I am not trying to upset you, pal...You need to look around at what is available and affordable that won't push your blood sugar up. Start reading those labels and try different low carb foods to see what you can manage on. At the very least, try to reduce the carbs you can. I hope you get there. Good luck.

 

[Goonergal]

Hi,

I agree that when you first think about reducing bread, rice, potatoes and pasta, and switching to lower carb foods, it does look like it is going to be more expensive.

But it doesn't have to be. In fact, now I have been buying more meat that requires slow cooking, I am definitely saving money!
Here are a few links that may help you get your head around it:

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/cheap#save

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/a-few-asking-for-low-carb-food-lists.96321/

https://uk.atkins.com/blog/eating-low-carb-on-a-budget/

https://www.budgetbytes.com/2017/01/45-budget-friendly-low-carb-recipes/

@Brunneria is there any way to make a sticky post about low carb on a budget? There are a lot of questions on the topic and I think it would be really helpful.

 

[geefull]

@lee16

Hello and a hug from me!

the itchy misery - I don't know what you've already tried but here are just a couple of suggestions to try to lessen the effect -

do you use pant liners? if you do perhaps try a different brand, if you don't use them perhaps try using them overnight.

When I was at peak weight I had a problem with the heat at night and sweaty areas reacting with scented soap or my detergent. I now use unscented soap (Asda do quite a good 'basic' one which is 'unfragranced').

the other thing is perhaps try using something to apply, I read about virgin coconut oil and was desperate enough to give it a try and I found it helped, I got a jar and put a bit in a little pot in the bedside cabinet and if I felt the need I just put a bit on, I don't know if it is the 'antifungal' effect, if it's just soothing or even if it was just acting as a barrier stopping the sweat from making the irritation worse, but it did help, (B&M or Home Bargains are the cheapest I think and a little goes a long way).

For the budget - I find the 'reduced' area of the supermarket a help for veggies (and the occasional meat product - like cooked sliced chicken breast or ham) Freeze whatever stuff you can when you get home or make hearty soup. Upping the protein/fat content of the soup, for example by adding a rasher of bacon during cooking and blending it (I use a stick blender) or adding a bit of grated cheese after, will increase it's filling power.

 

[DCUKMod]

@lee16 - Do you enjoy cooking, or have you usually been relying on ready meals? How many are you cooking for at any given time?

In out house, we have never really eaten many ready meals, and that's certainly less so now. My OH is a more enthusiastic cook than me, but I tend to set myself little challenges from time to time, Right now, I'm in a eat cheaper cuts of meat phase. Some of those cuts are just stunning, although they sometimes take a bit more cooking than the more tender cuts. In that situation, a pressure cooker or slow cooker comes into it's own.

At the outset, many people worry that their food bill will sky rocket when they reduce their carbs, but many of those also find that once they reduce the carbs they don't feel so hungry, and are much less likely to fancy snacking.

There's loads of information on the website about eating on a budget, if you can use the site Search facility.

Your problem in your under-carriage area sounds horrid. If you're not able to use the creams you have tried so far, it could be worthwhile asking your doctor what alternatives are available.

Good luck with it all.

 

[Brunneria]

@Brunneria is there any way to make a sticky post about low carb on a budget? There are a lot of questions on the topic and I think it would be really helpful.

Hi @Goonergal
Sorry its taken a while to get back to you. Been discussing this with some of the other mods.
The trouble is, if we stickify external links then we inevitably end up with link problems in the future, and they have to be maintained.

There is a lot of easy access low carb budget stuff available with a google search nowadays (that is how i found the links i used in my post), but you could always start a 'Low Carb on a Budget ' thread if you like, then everyone can have input with recipes, shopping advice and so on. That could really have legs.

 

[Goonergal]

Hi @Goonergal
Sorry its taken a while to get back to you. Been discussing this with some of the other mods.
The trouble is, if we stickify external links then we inevitably end up with link problems in the future, and they have to be maintained.

There is a lot of easy access low carb budget stuff available with a google search nowadays (that is how i found the links i used in my post), but you could always start a 'Low Carb on a Budget ' thread if you like, then everyone can have input with recipes, shopping advice and so on. That could really have legs.

Thanks @Brunneria I may well do that - have seen a few other threads on the forum so will find some time and try and put them to start off a conversation.

 

[serenity648]

Hi @Goonergal
That could really have legs.

Chicken legs??? : )

 

[lee16]

@lee16 - Do you enjoy cooking, or have you usually been relying on ready meals? How many are you cooking for at any given time?

In out house, we have never really eaten many ready meals, and that's certainly less so now. My OH is a more enthusiastic cook than me, but I tend to set myself little challenges from time to time, Right now, I'm in a eat cheaper cuts of meat phase. Some of those cuts are just stunning, although they sometimes take a bit more cooking than the more tender cuts. In that situation, a pressure cooker or slow cooker comes into it's own.

At the outset, many people worry that their food bill will sky rocket when they reduce their carbs, but many of those also find that once they reduce the carbs they don't feel so hungry, and are much less likely to fancy snacking.

There's loads of information on the website about eating on a budget, if you can use the site Search facility.

Your problem in your under-carriage area sounds horrid. If you're not able to use the creams you have tried so far, it could be worthwhile asking your doctor what alternatives are available.

Good luck with it all.

I've stop ready meals and when I did it was once in a blue moon it's just me and my daughter I cook for, and I've seen the nurse today so going to give the cabesten double strength ago as am back at nurse on Thursday for blood tests !!

 

[letstalk1]

It's not thrush this is worse nothing works, cos the pain and itching runs from front to back, thrush is middle !!!

You are feeding this yeast infection with sugar and trust me It can get Really bad and spread., i KNOW ITS HARD AND i WISH YOU PATIENCE AND STRENGTH only you can fix this for yourself and you can do it , many many of us have , you dont want this spreading trust me , end sugar in your life. ?Can you chew sugar free gum to meet sugar cravings , brush your teeth when you want sugar ? You can do this.